The Takayama Chasen, or matcha whisk, is an essential tool for preparing authentic Japanese matcha. Handcrafted in the Takayama, Nara Prefecture, famous for its bamboo artistry, this whisk helps create the perfect frothy, smooth matcha tea we all love. However, to ensure your Chasen matcha whisk remains in peak condition and lasts for years, proper care is essential. From blooming your whisk to cleaning and storing it, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your Takayama Chasen.
What is a Takayama Chasen?

The Takayama Chasen is a traditional Japanese matcha whisk made from a single piece of bamboo. Crafted by skilled artisans, each whisk is a work of art designed to help blend matcha powder with water seamlessly. The fine, delicate tines of the chasen aerate the matcha, creating a silky, frothy consistency that enhances the tea’s natural sweetness and umami flavours. Praised for their strength and flexibility, Takayama Chasen stand at the pinnacle of Japanese matcha whisks and are highly sought after across Japan and the world.
How to Bloom Your Chasen

Before using your Takayama Chasen for the first time, it’s important to bloom it. Blooming softens the bamboo tines, helping them maintain their shape and making it easier to whisk your Japanese matcha effectively.
Steps to Bloom Your Chasen:
- Fill your matcha bowl or a deep cup with warm water.
- Place the chasen into the water, ensuring the tines are fully submerged.
- Allow it to soak for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove the chasen and shake off excess water gently.
This process not only prepares the whisk for use but also minimises the risk of the tines breaking during whisking. Blooming your chasen is especially important when it’s new, but we recommend blooming before each use to ensure its flexibility.
Cleaning Your Chasen After Use
Proper cleaning is essential to preserve the quality and functionality of your chasen. Japanese matcha contains fine particles that can easily become trapped in the whisk’s tines, so it’s important to clean it immediately after use.
Steps to Clean Your Chasen:
- Rinse the whisk under warm running water immediately after whisking matcha.
- Use your fingers to gently remove any matcha residue from the tines. Avoid using soap, as it can dry out the bamboo and leave behind unwanted residue.
- Gently shake off excess water and place the whisk on a chasen stand to air-dry.
How to Store Your Chasen

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the shape and longevity of your Takayama Chasen. After cleaning, always allow the whisk to air-dry completely before storing it.
Tips for Storing Your Chasen:
- Use a chasen stand to help the tines maintain their original shape.
- Store your whisk in a dry, cool area away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity, as these conditions can warp the bamboo.
- Avoid placing the chasen in an airtight container, as it needs airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Getting the Most Out of Your Japanese Matcha
By properly blooming, cleaning, and storing your Takayama Chasen, you can enjoy the art of Japanese matcha preparation for years to come. A well-maintained matcha whisk not only ensures the perfect froth but also enhances your connection to the tradition and ritual of matcha making. We value the craftsmanship and heritage behind every product, and our Takayama Chasen embodies the essence of Japanese tea culture.
Ready to elevate your matcha experience? Pair your Takayama Chasen with our curated selection of Japanese matcha and other tea-making essentials.