300-Year Old Temomi tradition comes to San Antonio Sept. 14
Live Demonstrations, Tastings and Cultural Events
A centuries-old Japanese cultural treasure is coming to San Antonio on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Japanese Tea Garden Pavilion. A distinguished delegation of master tea artisans from Shizuoka, Japan, is visiting the city to demonstrate Temomi (手揉み), the increasingly rare art of hand-rolling Japanese tea.
With approximately 300 years of history, Temomi is a traditional tea-making technique recognized for its cultural significance in Japan. The meticulous process requires artisans to carefully roll and shape tea leaves by hand over heated tables, relying on precision, patience and skills developed over decades of training.
Traditionally associated with ceremonial tea offerings, including presentations to the Emperor of Japan, Temomi represents generations of craftsmanship preserved by a small community of highly skilled artisans. The visiting masters come from Shizuoka, Japan’s largest tea-producing region, renowned for its rich tea heritage and dedication to traditional production methods.
- Rare live demonstrations of traditional Japanese hand-rolling tea techniques
- Close-up footage of master artisans meticulously shaping tea leaves by hand
- Traditional Japanese tea preparation and tastings
- Interviews with visiting Japanese tea masters and tour organizers
- Cultural exchange activities against the scenic backdrop of the Japanese Tea Garden
The San Antonio visit is part of the Temomi Tea Masters’ Texas Tour, which aims to preserve Japanese tea traditions, introduce audiences to premium Japanese teas and strengthen cultural connections between Japan and Texas. This event is in partnership with the US Temomi Preservation Society and is FREE to the public. For more information, attendees can visit this link.
WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
WHAT: Temomi Demonstration: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Community & Cultural Day: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
WHERE: Japanese Tea Garden, 3853 St. Mary’s St., Main Pavilion
