Master Japanese Tea in Vancouver

Join an in-person certification program designed by the Global Japanese Tea Association. Whether you are looking to build a professional career or simply want to deepen your personal practice, this course provides the technical foundation and sensory training you need to understand the leaf with confidence.

We move beyond the basics to explore the science, history, and traditional techniques that make Japanese tea a lifelong journey

View March Course Details

This course is for:

The Curious Enthusiast

You have a growing passion for Japanese tea and want to move beyond the basics. This course helps you build a technical foundation and a professional vocabulary for the teas you already love to drink.

The Hospitality Professional

You want to bring a specialized edge to your work in Vancouver’s food and beverage scene. This certification provides the brewing precision and product knowledge needed to confidently curate tea menus or lead service in a high-end setting.

The Future Expert

You are looking for a clear, accredited path toward becoming a specialist in the industry. This program serves as the essential first step, providing the prerequisite knowledge required to pursue the Master Course in Japan.

SAVE THE DATE: The next Foundation Course is taking place on March 28 & 29.

Register for the Foundation Course (Coming Soon)

"I found the tea comparison component of the course was the most valuable."

- C. Lynn - Tea Enthusiast (Vancouver)

Recognized by the Japanese Tea Industry

While we gather in person here in Vancouver, our curriculum is designed by the Global Japanese Tea Association (GJTea) in Kyoto. This non-profit is dedicated to the education and promotion of authentic Japanese tea culture, ensuring that every technique you learn is both culturally grounded and technically accurate.

By taking this course with Teakan, you are tapping into a global Japanse tea network. We focus on four core pillars:

  • The History & Roots

    Discover the origins of Japanese tea culture and the unique farming methods, like shading and steaming, that define the flavour of the leaf.

  • Sensory Evaluation

    Calibrate your palate by learning the professional way to taste, compare, and describe six core tea types, from Gyokuro to Hojicha.

  • Technical Preparation

    Master the art of steeped tea. We dive deep into brewing temperatures, timing, and the traditional use of the Kyusu and Chasen.

  • Components & Chemistry

    Understand what is actually happening inside the cup, including the health benefits and the chemical components that create umami.

"I particularly liked the professional evaluation and the balance between technical and cultural components."

Anonymous - Tea Professional (Vancouver)

The GJTea Learning Journey

  • Level 1: Foundation (Vancouver)

    Two days of intensive, hands-on learning. This is the prerequisite for all further studies.

  • Level 2: Intermediate (Vancouver)

    Deepen your technical knowledge and broaden your palate.

  • Level 3: Master (Kyoto, Japan)

    Travel to the heart of production for final certification and industry networking.

From Kyoto to Vancouver

As your instructor, my goal is to bring the authentic standards of the Global Japanese Tea Association directly to our community here at home. I have spent years exploring the nuances of Japanese tea, and I have seen firsthand how much more the leaf reveals when you learn in person.

I keep our class sizes intentionally small so that we can explore every nuance together, ensuring you get the personalized, hands-on feedback you need to brew with confidence.

— Jan

Background:

  • Junshihan (Associate Professor): Oubakubaisa-ryu Senchado
  • Certified Instructor: Global Japanese Tea Association
  • Cultural Workshop Instructor: Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

SAVE THE DATE: The next Foundation Course is taking place on March 28 & 29.

Secure Your Spot for March (Coming Soon)

Can’t make the March dates?

Our courses only run twice a year, and spots are limited. Join the Tea Insider list to be the first to know about future dates and get early-access registration.