FAQ

We specialize in single-origin Japanese teas — sencha, gyokuro, matcha, hojicha, genmaicha, and more. Each tea comes from a specific farm and cultivar, so you can taste the difference that soil, climate, and craftsmanship make. We also carry oolong and Japanese black tea (wakoucha) from select producers.

See our full guide to types of Japanese tea for details on each variety.

It depends on the tea type and how it is brewed. Based on the Japanese Standard Tables of Food Composition (MEXT):

Gyokuro: ~160 mg / 100 mL (typical serving ~60 mL = ~96 mg)
Matcha: ~64 mg per bowl (2 g in 60–70 mL)
Sencha: ~20 mg / 100 mL (typical cup ~150 mL = ~30 mg)
Hojicha: ~20 mg / 100 mL (typical cup ~150 mL = ~30 mg)
Genmaicha: ~10 mg / 100 mL (typical cup ~150 mL = ~15 mg)

Gyokuro is brewed with less water at a lower temperature, which concentrates the caffeine. Actual amounts vary with leaf quantity, water temperature, and steep time.

Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Standard Tables of Food Composition in Japan, 8th ed. For more detail, see our article on caffeine in tea.

All of our teas are sourced directly from farms across Japan — Shizuoka, Kagoshima, Kyoto, Mie, and other tea-producing regions. We visit producers, taste their harvests, and select teas by cultivar and terroir. This is why every product lists the farm and cultivar name.

It depends on the tea. A quick reference:

Gyokuro: 50–60°C (120–140°F)
Sencha: 60–80°C (140–175°F)
Matcha: 70–80°C (160–175°F)
Hojicha / Genmaicha: 90–95°C (195–200°F)

Lower temperatures draw out sweetness; higher temperatures bring out astringency. Each product page lists the exact values we recommend. For the full guide, see Tea Brewing Temperature Guide.

Sift 2 g of matcha into a bowl, add 70 ml of water at about 75°C, and whisk briskly with a chasen (bamboo whisk) in a W motion until a fine foam forms. The whole process takes about 30 seconds.

Full guide with photos: How to Make Matcha. For tool recommendations, see our matcha tools guide.

No. We also sell tea drip bags that work with any mug or cup. Our drip bags use fine mesh (not paper), so tea fines pass through like a kyusu and you get the full flavor.

If you are interested in trying one, see our kyusu selection guide.

Yes — and it changes the flavor profile noticeably. Cold brewing draws out sweetness and umami while reducing astringency. Place tea leaves in cold water and refrigerate for 3–6 hours. Sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha all work well.

Three methods compared: Cold Brew Tea Guide.

Keep your tea airtight, dark, cool, and away from strong odors. Our packaging is nitrogen-flushed to prevent oxidation, so unopened bags stay fresh for a long time — our best-before dates range from 1 to 3 years depending on the product.

Once opened, use within 1–2 months for best flavor. Store at room temperature in an opaque, airtight container. More detail: How to Store Tea Leaves.

Opened tea: no. The refrigerator introduces humidity and food odors that degrade the leaves. Keep it at room temperature in an airtight container.

Sealed, unopened tea: freezer is fine. A factory-sealed, nitrogen-flushed bag can go in the freezer for long-term storage. Let it return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

The date on our packages indicates peak flavor, not safety. Our teas carry a best-before date of 1 to 3 years from production, depending on the product. After that date, the tea is still safe to drink — flavor simply begins to fade. For the best experience, enjoy opened tea within 1–2 months.

We ship to most countries in Asia (including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and South Korea), the EU, UK, Oceania, and Canada.

Note: Shipping to the United States is currently unavailable due to a Japan Post service suspension. The full list of available countries appears at checkout. See our Shipping & Tax page for details.

Japan: ¥800 flat rate — free on orders over ¥15,000.
Asia: from ¥2,500 — free on orders over ¥25,000.
EU, UK, Oceania, Canada: from ¥3,500 — free on orders over ¥35,000.

Rates depend on package weight. Full details on our Shipping & Tax page.

We ship within 10 business days of payment confirmation. Pre-order or made-to-order items may take longer (up to 90 days). You will receive a tracking number by email once your order ships.

For delivery times and carriers, see our Shipping & Tax page.

Possibly. Our prices do not include import duties or local taxes (we ship under DDU — Delivered Duty Unpaid). Whether duties apply and how much they are is determined by your country's customs office. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.

If a package is returned because customs fees were refused, we will refund the order amount after deducting shipping costs and related expenses.

Enter your code on the checkout page — there is a dedicated field above the payment section. The discount will be applied to your order total before you complete the purchase.

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Shop Pay. Available methods may vary by country.

We can accommodate changes before shipment — contact us as soon as possible. Once an order has shipped, cancellations and returns for buyer's reasons are not accepted.

Please photograph the package and damaged items, then contact us within 7 days of delivery. We will arrange a replacement or refund for defective or incorrect items.

Yes. We supply tea to cafés, restaurants, hotels, and specialty retailers. Contact us for wholesale inquiries and pricing.