Enjoy Siphon-Brewed Tea and Admire Bonsai at a Siphon Specialty Shop in Nagoya

A Fusion of Siphon Tea and Bonsai Presented by One of the World's Leading Siphonists

Just a 10-minute walk from Nagoya Station is Saihon no Ma, a stylish shop with the unique but harmonious fusion of siphons and bonsai as its concept. Overseeing this shop is Yoshinobu Nakayama, an award-winning siphonist regarded as a leading expert in Japan and overseas.

With an appearance resembling laboratory equipment, a siphon is a coffee brewing device that was invented in Europe in the early 19th century. Not long after it was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, local companies began producing siphons domestically. Around 50 years ago, as coffee shops became popular across Japan, so did the siphon.

Bonsai adorn Saihon no Ma; the shop's lighting creates elegant shadows of these miniature plants

Mr. Nakayama boasts the distinction of having the most wins in the entire history of the Japan Siphonist Championship, a competition for the best siphon coffee across the nation. Additionally, he has won second place at the World Siphonist Championship. With such accolades under his belt, it’s no wonder that Mr. Nakayama enjoys the respect and support of many siphon-brewing enthusiasts.

Yoshinobu Nakayama, owner of Saihon no Ma, hopes for more people to appreciate siphon brewing as an art form that can only be experienced in the moment

Siphon-brewed drinks and Japanese aesthetics as embodied by bonsai come together at Saihon no Ma. In this experience, an instructor — Mr. Nakayama himself, or a different siphonist — will explain the history of the siphon and introduce you to siphon brewing techniques. As you admire the bonsai trees all over the shop, enjoy carefully siphon-brewed Japanese tea and the shop's original sweets.

Explore the World of Siphon Brewing with All Your Senses

First, you'll learn the basics of the siphon. Though the siphon originated from Europe, siphon technology went through further developments in Japan, leading to some uniquely Japanese brewing techniques. Your instructor will shed light on the history and appeal of the siphon.

Learn how to brew Japanese tea with a siphon as you watch how it's actually done, and let the pleasant sound and aroma stimulate your senses. Please note that the instructor for this experience will vary depending on Mr. Nakayama's schedule; on some days, a different siphonist will lead this experience.

While explaining how to brew Japanese tea with a siphon, your instructor will demonstrate how it’s done

Once you've learned all about the siphon, have a taste of siphon-brewed Japanese tea prepared by your instructor. Siphon tea has a refreshing taste, as well as a uniquely rich aroma that lingers for much longer compared to tea brewed in a teapot. This is because siphon tea is brewed at low temperatures, at a carefully controlled range that's determined based on the type of tea leaves — extracting the umami of tea and enhancing its flavor in the process. The result is a distinctively flavorful and fragrant tea that you can enjoy only at Saihon no Ma.

Watching an expert siphonist at work and the captivating flow of liquid in the siphon are a delightful treat for the eyes

A Siphon-Brewing Experience That Will Stir Up Your Senses

Watching the siphonist brew water with a siphon, you might find a siphonist's work to be much like an elegant performance. Step into a siphonist's shoes as you try siphon brewing for yourself. Under the guidance of a seasoned siphonist, try brewing your own cup of siphon tea.

Saihon no Ma uses tea leaves selected by Mr. Nakayama from Shizuoka Prefecture

The first step in siphon brewing is to boil water in the device's flask. Then, add tea leaves, stir, and wait for the tea to brew. The process is simple, but a little stirring can make all the difference, as it can change the flavor of the tea. By brewing siphon tea yourself, you can create a cup of tea that you can truly call your own, with your own unique aroma and flavor.

A Treasured Encounter with the Ensemble of Tea and Bonsai

The experience reaches its peak with the much-awaited tea time — a moment to experience what Saihon no Ma calls an "ensemble" of scents and sensations. Take in siphon-brewed Japanese tea and bonsai-themed sweets, as well as the beauty of the bonsai displays around you.

As Mr. Nakayama explains, he spruced up his shop with bonsai because he wanted people to enjoy the distinctive aroma of Japanese tea as part of the scenery. This is why, at Saihon no Ma, the harmony of tea and bonsai is not just a pairing; it's an ensemble for guests to enjoy to the fullest.

The pudding that resembles a bonsai display is as delectable as it is aesthetically pleasing, thanks to its carefully selected ingredients

The pudding playfully designed to resemble bonsai is a signature menu item that sells out not long after the shop opens, as Saihon no Ma normally only prepares 10 servings of it per day. However, with this Wabunka-exclusive plan, you are guaranteed to have a taste of this special pudding, whose exquisite sweetness perfectly complements Japanese tea.

The unique scenery right before your eyes is best admired right then and there, so make the most of the moment

You might notice that the siphon tea, sweets that resemble bonsai, and actual bonsai trees are arranged to resemble a miniature tabletop garden. Amuse yourself with the various shadow formations created by simply changing their placements, and take your time appreciating this scenery that can only be seen in the moment.

A Moment of Relaxation at Saihon no Ma

Saihon no Ma's siphon tea is prepared with a variety of tools and techniques. Taking the time to brew tea leaves in a siphon while keeping in mind the meaning behind each step results in tea with such a unique and unforgettable taste.

A multi-sensory experience brought about by the fusion of siphons and bonsai

Scents have the power to evoke memories. As Mr. Nakayama says, "I hope that the scents and scenery that guests experience here will remain a memorable part of their visit to Japan." Come experience the beauty of Saihon no Ma with all your senses as you spend a moment with siphons and bonsai.