Japanese Tea
Japan produces some of the world's most revered green teas, shaped by centuries of meticulous craft. Unlike Chinese green teas, which are pan-fired, Japanese leaves are steamed shortly after picking which locks in their vibrant green hue, silky texture, and the prized umami flavour the country is known for. Our Japanese Teas are sourced from single gardens across Kagoshima, Shizuoka, and beyond, and span the full spectrum of the craft. From the grassy freshness of Sencha to the deep, sweet umami of shaded Gyokuro, the toasted nuttiness of Genmaicha, and the vivid intensity of stone-milled Matcha. Best enjoyed in our glass teaware to appreciate every nuanced layer.
Japanese Tea Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Japanese tea known for?
Japan is best known for vibrant green tea, steamed rather than pan-fired, which gives it a grassy, umami-rich character quite different from Chinese green tea. Sencha and matcha are its most celebrated exports, though the country's range extends to roasted and lightly savoury styles too. Browse our wider green tea collection for comparison. -
What is the Japanese tea ceremony?
The Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a ritualised way of preparing and serving matcha, rooted in principles of harmony, respect and quiet attention, every gesture, from whisking to the placement of the bowl, is considered. Discover the process for yourself in our guide to how matcha is made. -
What is genmaicha?
Genmaicha is a Japanese green tea blended with roasted brown rice, some of which pops during roasting like miniature popcorn. The toasted rice softens the tea's grassy edge, making genmaicha a warmer, more savoury introduction to Japanese green tea. It sits within our broader loose leaf range alongside sencha and matcha. -
Does Japan produce black tea?
Japanese black tea (wakoucha) exists but is uncommon, Japan's tea culture centres almost entirely on green tea, particularly steamed styles like sencha. Where black tea is made, it tends to be small-batch and gently malty, quite unlike the bold, brisk character typical of Indian or Sri Lankan black teas. -
What types of tea come from Japan?
Japan's tea landscape is overwhelmingly green: sencha (steamed leaf tea), matcha (stone-ground and whisked) and genmaicha (blended with roasted rice) are the three best known. Each reflects a shared preference for steaming over pan-firing, preserving a fresher, more marine-green character in the cup. See our guide to matcha grades to explore further.