Ippodo Tea - Logo Style Stacked
Black storefront of Ippodo Tea's flagship store, tearoom and headquarters in Kyoto, Japan with lush cherry blossom trees

When is the freshest time to purchase the tea?

Written on April 17, 2023 (updated on April 17, 2023)

We produce year-round original blends as our regular selection. For this lineup of classics in each category, each finished tea is a blend of different harvests from different farms and different years, and there is no specific harvest date.

We produce these blends by slowly and carefully incorporating each year’s harvest into the finished product. This means the flavor and aroma (the character of each blend name) will be within the same narrow range no matter when you purchase the tea throughout the year.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more interesting content on Japanese tea.

Latest Blog Posts

Browse all articles 
One prepared teacup of tea and one loose sample of powder for each of Ippodo's three premium matchas: Kanza, Kuon and Ummon

Explore the Differences Between Our Top Matchas

At the top of the range, in the rich category, we have the rarest, most delectable matcha blends that Ippodo produces.

Picture of leaves of green tea plant sprouting upwards towards the sun in front of blurred ombre green background

Get Ready: Shincha 2023

Crafted from tea leaves that were growing in a field only a few days prior, Ippodo’s Shincha is delivered right after harvest. There is only once chance per year to experience its fresh, fleeting character.
Green tea being poured into glass from white porcelain Hakuji Kyusu teapot beside plates of chocolate cupcakes whipped cream

Tea & Chocolate

At Ippodo we often suggest chocolates to pair with teas like matcha, sencha, gyokuro, and bancha. And, occasionally we will feature a tea with a chocolate dessert in a special menu in our tearooms.