What is Reddit's opinion of Bamboo Matcha Tea Whisk Set (Chasen) Matcha Bowl (Chawan) Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) Ceramic Whisk Holder Handmade Matcha Ceremony Starter Kit For Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (7 Pcs).?

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It came with my matcha set from Amazon Bamboo Matcha Tea Whisk Set (Chasen) Matcha Bowl (Chawan) Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) Ceramic Whisk Holder Handmade Matcha Ceremony Starter Kit For Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (7 Pcs). https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLLC97D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_TN9YFbMT8EX67?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

You don't have to pay for shipping from Japan. If you are in the US, Ippodo has great matcha and free shipping for orders over $39. They are actually a company out of Japan but they have a front in the US.

This is the matcha set I got and I really like it: https://www.amazon.com/Chashaku-Handmade-Ceremony-Traditional-Japanese/dp/B07PLLC97D/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=matcha+set&qid=1605891381&s=home-garden&sr=1-5

Ippodo would be a good place to buy matcha and they have a U.S. based site.

"Sayaka-no-Mukashi"has the red oval that says "Try first" as a suggestion that if you're a first-timer, this particular matcha will give you a pleasant flavor experience.

Sayaka-no-Mukashi is the recommended "beginner" matcha as it is well-balanced in flavor, both rich and smooth, so a first-timer won't be overwhelmed. Ummon-no-Mukashi is very rich, sometimes too rich for people who have never had matcha before, so it can be a very unpleasant flavor experience for a beginner/first timer.

Also, pay attention to the Tasting Notes as well as Preparation instructions for best experience when drinking matcha for the first time (or for trying Ippodo matcha for the first time).

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I’m also adding this. Might be helpful for you as a guide to whatever matcha brand you decide to choose aside from Ippodo:

Here are some of my recommendations, but feel free to do whatever you want and what makes you feel comfortable:

Here are some of my recommendations, but feel free to do whatever you want and what makes you feel comfortable:

1. Look for matcha that is described as "full-bodied" or "well-balanced" in their flavor profiles/descriptions. Examples of well-balanced matcha are the following:

• Wako (Marukyu Koyamaen)- this is a good first time matcha for people who want to experience authentic Japanese matcha. It has all the hallmarks of what a high-quality matcha is. It is priced as ￥2,052 for 40g can in Sazen's website.
• Kan no Shiro (Ippodo) - this is a well-balanced, light, yet umami-filled matcha with a slight dose of astringency. Personally, this is a very versatile matcha as well as a great for every day drink as latte, traditional matcha (usucha, koicha), or even added to smoothies. Price is listed as ¥1,800 for 40g can in their Global site.
• Meiko (Matchaeologist) - this matcha is flavorful, well-balanced and rich. This company is based in EU but sources their product directly from Kyoto. I have tried this particular matcha and recommend it. Try the 20g can first and see if you like it as well. It's price is listed as £12.00 GBP for 20g can in their EU site.
• Note: Ordering directly from Ippodo or Sazen currently is expensive due to Japan Post suspending global operations. They had been using DHL, which is around ￥2,470 - ￥3,000.

For preparing matcha, I strongly recommend that you get yourself a proper bamboo whisk, matcha bowl, matcha scoop, and whisk stand. There are many available that are cheap on Amazon.

Cheap matcha preparation tools get the job done without breaking the bank. Many beginners buy the cheap sets first, and if they like matcha enough to actually include it in their daily life, they'd "upgrade" to the artisan-made, best quality items. However, if you want premium-quality matcha tools right away, look into getting from these Japanese-made matcha tea tools:

• Hajime-no-Ippodo MatchaStarter Kit 5 This has all the basic items needed in making matcha. It includes an English/Japanese instructional booklet, whisk, a can of matcha, tea towel, and matcha scoop. (Edit: whisk is made in Korea for this set)
• Example of a cheap matcha starter kit from Amazon: Matcha Starker Kit $29

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Hope this helps.

Alright, here is where I'm going. Navigating the tea sets for matcha and regular loose leaf has proven to be a bit of a challenge. Most designated sets are pretty dang expensive, so I'm just gonna go with cheap hardware off amazon for now and if I get more into this as I'm assuming I will, maybe try to track down something cool in person once all the Covid 19 stuff settles down.
Matcha set: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PLLC97D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Teapot: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RNN8JC4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Matcha Tea: https://ippodotea.com/products/horai-no-mukashi?variant=19150603878454
Some more "Sencha" tea from ippodo to get free shipping: https://ippodotea.com/collections/sencha/products/hosen?variant=19159093936182

Really want to try some puerh tea as well but pretty overwhelmed with the options. Thanks to everybody who has contributed here!

I actually got it as a birthday gift! It came in this set from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PLLC97D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H3-CEb4QFSY1N