Special Tools:
Bamboo tea scoop
Bamboo tea whisk
Japanese tea bowl

Pour a small amount of simmering water into a tea bowl. Cradling it with both hands, gently rotate the bowl to warm it, then set it down and dip the bamboo whisk in the water to soften the tines.

Discard the water and dry the bowl with a clean towel.

Add 1 1/2 or 2 scoops of tea, about ½ teaspoon. (Amount can be adjusted to taste.)

Add about 1/3 cup of hot water.

With one hand, grasp the bowl from the top to steady it, using the other hand to whisk the tea until fine bubbles foam across the surface. Gently remove the whisk from the center of the bowl when finished. Enjoy, preferably in good company.

*Note: A small sweet is traditionally served before a bowl of matcha.