Sayaka Matcha: Authentic Matcha Bridging Japan and Switzerland

In recent years, matcha green tea has gained growing recognition worldwide due to its vibrant green color, distinctive taste and notable health benefits. This ancient Japanese tea has captivated wellness enthusiasts and tea lovers alike. Unlike traditional green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form, providing a more concentrated source of nutrients and antioxidants.

The story of matcha dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period when Buddhist monks brought tea seeds from China to Japan. Zen Buddhists later used matcha to maintain focus during long meditations. The tea was eventually incorporated into the Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, which symbolizes mindfulness, respect and harmony. Over time, matcha has gained international acclaim, becoming a staple ingredient in beverages such as lattes and smoothies, as well as in desserts and gourmet dishes. Sayaka Matcha is among the distinguished brands introducing matcha to new audiences, having established its presence in the heart of Zurich as a trusted importer of premium Japanese teas, bringing an authentic taste of Japan to Switzerland.

A Personal Journey Inspiring a Brand
Sayaka Matcha was founded by Tokyo-born Haruka Watabe, whose personal ritual of enjoying matcha provided moments of calm amid the demands of motherhood and entrepreneurship. After relocating from Tokyo to Switzerland in 2021 and welcoming her daughter Sayaka in 2023, Watabe was inspired to create a brand that honors her Japanese heritage while embracing her new Swiss home. “My journey with matcha began as a personal ritual – a moment of grounding and mindfulness that helped me center myself and approach each day with harmony,” she shares. This passion blossomed into Sayaka Matcha, named after her daughter, to share the artistry, wellness benefits and deep cultural significance of authentic Japanese matcha with a wider audience.

A Taste of Kyoto in Switzerland
Sayaka Matcha partners exclusively with a multi-generational family tea farm in Uji, Kyoto –  Japan’s renowned matcha region. Each leaf is handpicked and carefully crafted to ensure an authentic, premium experience. From everyday blends to ceremonial-grade matcha for special moments, Sayaka Matcha offers a spectrum of premium products designed to elevate daily rituals.

Trusted by five-star hotels, luxury wellness centers, upscale restaurants and premium boutiques, Sayaka Matcha has swiftly become a symbol of quality and cultural authenticity in Switzerland. Sayaka Matcha products are available for purchase at Moonhub and Paradis Collections in Zurich. Watabe has hosted intimate matcha ceremonies at venues including Hallo Yoga Buch, the MIX studio, AMAN hotels in Japan, Mandarin Oriental Savoy in Zurich and for VIP clients of Dior. Meanwhile, the Rise and Grind Café in Zurich serves matcha beverages made with Sayaka Matcha, delighting both seasoned tea lovers and newcomers alike.

Connecting Cultures, Honoring Traditions
Sayaka Matcha stands out not only for its exceptional quality but also for its meaningful story. It connects the artistry of Japanese tea culture with Swiss values of refinement and craftsmanship. Through curated matcha ceremonies and thoughtful collaborations, Sayaka Matcha creates moments of reflection and genuine connection, inviting people to slow down and find calm amid life’s hustle, the very feeling that inspired Watabe to create the brand and share it with others. By honoring the original roots of Kyoto matcha while introducing it to a new audience, Sayaka Matcha exemplifies a beautiful fusion of tradition and contemporary lifestyle, proving that a simple cup of tea can truly connect worlds.