10 Best Premium Japanese Teas
Japan produces some of the finest teas in the world, known for their delicate flavors, rich umami, and high-quality craftsmanship. Here are 10 of the best premium Japanese teas:
1. Gyokuro (玉露)
- The highest-grade Japanese green tea, shade-grown for about 3 weeks before harvest.
- Sweet, umami-rich, and deeply aromatic.
- One of the most expensive and sought-after teas in Japan.
You can find this one here
2. Matcha (抹茶) – Ceremonial Grade
- Stone-ground powdered green tea made from shade-grown leaves.
- Used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
- Vibrant green color with a creamy, umami-rich taste.
3. Kabusecha (かぶせ茶)
- A premium green tea, shaded for a shorter time than Gyokuro (about 10-14 days).
- A balance between the richness of Gyokuro and the freshness of Sencha.
4. Sencha (煎茶) – Premium First Flush (Shincha 新茶)
- The most common Japanese green tea, with a bright, grassy flavor.
- High-end Sencha, especially Shincha (first flush), is highly prized for its fresh, sweet notes.
5. Tencha (碾茶)
- The raw tea leaves used to make Matcha before they are ground.
- Rarely consumed as loose leaf tea but has a delicate and smooth flavor.
6. Hōjicha (ほうじ茶) – Premium Roasted Green Tea
- Made by roasting Sencha or Bancha, giving it a warm, nutty aroma.
- Naturally low in caffeine and smooth, caramel-like in taste.
7. Genmaicha (玄米茶) – High-Quality Blended Version
- A mix of green tea and roasted brown rice, offering a toasty, slightly sweet flavor.
- Premium versions often use higher-grade Sencha or Gyokuro for a richer taste.
8. Kamairicha (釜炒り茶)
- A rare Japanese tea that is pan-fired instead of steamed, like Chinese teas.
- Has a distinct toasty and nutty aroma, with a mild sweetness.
9. Wazuka Tea (和束茶)
- High-quality Sencha from Wazuka, a historic tea-producing region in Kyoto.
- Known for its refined, elegant taste and deep umami notes.
10. Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶)
- A lesser-known green tea with a curled leaf shape.
- Offers a fruity, slightly sweet taste with a hint of citrus.
Each of these teas represents the pinnacle of Japanese tea culture, with unique flavors and aromas that showcase Japan’s rich tea heritage. Would you like recommendations on where to buy them or how to prepare them properly? 😊🍵
Keiko Uchida’s Japanese Tea
Keiko Uchida is a distinguished Japanese tea merchant and tea ceremony master based in London. With over 25 years of experience, she offers a curated selection of premium Japanese teas, including organic matcha and hojicha powders, sourced directly from esteemed tea producers in Kyoto and other regions of Japan. Her commitment to quality ensures that each tea reflects the authentic taste and tradition of Japanese tea culture.
In addition to her tea offerings, Keiko conducts Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshops at her West London studio. These workshops provide participants with an immersive experience into the history, philosophy, and practice of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, using authentic equipment and high-grade matcha tea. The sessions are designed to be both educational and meditative, suitable for individuals and groups interested in exploring this cultural art form.
For those unable to attend in person, Keiko’s teas and related products are available for purchase online through her official website. The site also offers information on upcoming workshops, events, and insights into the art of Japanese tea.
To stay updated with Keiko Uchida’s latest offerings and events, you can follow her on Instagram (@keikouchidauk), where she shares insights into her tea journey and the nuances of Japanese tea culture.
For more detailed information on her products, workshops, and to make purchases, visit her official website.
