Matcha Industry Report - October 2025

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The Grand Kitano Tea Gathering 北野大茶湯

This months Matcha Industry Report covers the Grand Kitano Tea Gather, held in Kyoto, Japan. The expo included many events and informational series designed to give visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of Kyoto tea. The expo was held at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi held the Kitano Grand Tea Ceremony in the past.

A Cultural Milestone Shaped by Toyotomi Hideyoshi

The Grand Kitano Tea Gathering was held in 1587 at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto, and is regarded as one of the most iconic and inclusive tea events in Japanese history.

Organized by the powerful warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the gathering symbolized not only his political authority but also his vision of uniting people through culture.

At the time, the tea ceremony was a symbol of refinement, wealth, and political power. Hideyoshi understood its influence and used tea culture as a diplomatic tool to reinforce his position as the ruler of a newly unified Japan.

By hosting a grand public tea gathering, he sought to demonstrate cultural leadership and show that harmony under his rule extended beyond military power.

Why Kitano Tenmangu Shrine?

The Kitano Tenmangu Shrine was dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, culture, and the arts. By choosing this sanctuary, Hideyoshi linked his authority with:

・The world of classical court culture
・The spiritual protection of the gods
・The cultural heart of Kyoto

Sugawara no Michizane. Source: Harvard University.

The Grand Kitano Tea Gathering – Grand Finale of the Kyoto Tea Expo was held from October 11 (Sat) to October 13 (Mon, holiday), 2025, at the historic Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in Kyoto. This special event is the culminating celebration of the Kyoto Whole Tea Expo, and it seeks to bring the spirit of the Grand Kitano Tea Ceremony of 1587 — originally organized by Toyotomi Hideyoshi — into the present day.

Event Highlights

The event included:

• Tea Gatherings by Major Schools: Enjoy tea ceremonies by leading schools of chado and senchado, including Omotesenke, Urasenke, Mushakojisenke, Hida, Yabunouchi, Horiuchi, Seifu-ryu, Hoen-ryu, and Nijo-ryu.

• Outdoor Nodate Tea Ceremony: Casual open-air tea services along the shrine pathways.

• Tea Culture Market & Workshops: Tea farmers, tea merchants, artisans, and confectionery makers offer tastings, crafts, and hands-on experiences.

• Historical Exhibition: Learn about the original Kitano Grand Tea Gathering hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1587.

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