Tea guide

Our guide to Japanese tea

For more than 300 years, we have selected and blended tea in Kyoto. This guide brings all of our teas together, so you can see how each one tastes, how much caffeine it has, how we brew it, and what a serving costs. Take your time. If you would like a suggestion, our quiz is here to help.

Prices are in USD and do not include shipping or tax.

Where to begin

These are the questions we hear most often before a first order, with the teas we suggest for each.

Which Ippodo matcha should I try first?

Our pick: Sayaka

This matcha is ideal for beginners — with little bitterness and a smooth, rich character.

The 40g can ($50) makes about 20 bowls of usucha (2 g each), so a bowl comes to about $2.50.

Shop Sayaka Take the matcha quiz

Which matcha is best for a matcha latte?

It depends on the taste you enjoy in a latte. We suggest one of these three:

  • Deep green, rich umami: Sayaka (Rich & Smooth, 40g can $50)
  • Medium green, balanced: Ikuyo (Medium & Snappy, 100g bag $81)
  • Softer green, bitter taste: Wakaki (Light & Sharp, 20g box $11)

Not sure? Start with Ikuyo.

If you're not sure where to start - this tea has just the right amount of bitterness to balance well with the creaminess of your milk of choice.

Help me choose

Which Japanese tea has the least caffeine?

For no caffeine at all, we suggest Mugicha Barley Teabags. Our tea quiz also suggests these bancha teas for the evening: Hojicha, Genmaicha, Iribancha Teabags. They contain caffeine.

We recommend Mugicha (Barley Tea). This drink is made from roasted barley grains and has zero caffeine. It's soothing sweet taste and aromatic roasted aroma is delightful in the evening.

Matcha has the most caffeine in each serving, followed by gyokuro and then sencha. See the caffeine in each tea.

Which gyokuro should I try first?

Our pick: Kanro

We recommend Kanro. This variety is a good introduction to gyokuro's unforgettable umami and aroma. Brew it slowly, smell its rich aroma, and focus on its aftertaste when you take a sip for a deep experience.

The 50g bag ($40) makes about 5 pots (10 g each), so a pot comes to about $8.00. Each pot fills 3 cups, so a cup comes to about $2.67. You can brew the same leaves up to three times.

Shop Kanro Take the gyokuro quiz

Which sencha should I start with?

Our pick: Hosen

We recommend starting with our sencha named Hosen. This variety is our most popular blend, and it has a nice balance of sweetness, umami, astringency, and soothing aroma.

The 80g bag ($29) makes about 8 pots (10 g each), so a pot comes to about $3.63. Each pot fills 3 cups, so a cup comes to about $1.21.

Shop Hosen Take the sencha quiz

What is the difference between matcha, sencha, gyokuro and bancha?

  • Matcha: Matcha is a tasty, unique tea with a bit more caffeine than other teas. Try it in the morning for a satisfying first cup of the day.
  • Sencha: Try a loose leaf sencha. Sencha is the standard Japanese green tea, and it has a nice balance of sweetness, astringency, and fresh aroma, which is nice to wake up to.
  • Gyokuro: Try a loose leaf gyokuro. Gyokuro is a Japanese green tea with a smoother character and less astringency. It has a distinct umami, or savory-sweet, taste. Brew this in the morning for a relaxing, fulfilling cup.
  • Bancha: There are several different types of bancha, but all are everyday Japanese green teas with a light body and a hearty aroma, which makes them pleasant to drink in quantity.

What is a good Japanese tea gift?

A single tea chosen for the person makes a thoughtful gift, and so does a set. Here is what we suggest:

For Our suggestion Why Price
A first matcha Sayaka This matcha is ideal for beginners — with little bitterness and a smooth, rich character. 40g Can · $50
For a matcha fan Ummon This umami-rich matcha is our most robust matcha in our regular lineup, making it a good choice for preparing in the thick style known as koicha. 40g Can · $82
A first sencha Hosen Try Hosen. Our most popular sencha, Hosen has a balanced, accessible taste. 80g Bag · $29
For a sencha fan Kaboku Try Kaboku. Sencha fans will enjoy this tea's rich, complex character and aroma. 80g Bag · $46
A first gyokuro Kanro We recommend Kanro. Our most popular gyokuro, Kanro is representative of Ippodo gyokuro's thick umami and sweetness. 50g Bag · $40
For a gyokuro connoisseur Tenka-ichi We recommend Tenka-ichi. Gyokuro fans will enjoy the pure, powerful umami and beautiful finish in this tea, the highest class gyokuro of our main selection. 50g Bag · $98

Our gift sets and bundles, in stock now:

Set About Price
Holiday Bliss Set Take some time for yourself with the blissful fragrances of these holiday favorites: seasonal genmaicha Obukucha and the roasted green tea Hojicha. $59
Holiday Reserve Set Share the beauty of two classic Ippodo green teas: the premium seasonal genmaicha Obukucha and our flagship sencha blend, Hosen. $85
First Foray Bundle Take your first step, and discover your favorite with this bundle of every main type of Japanese tea. $27
Teabag Assortment (12 Bags) This set contains four of each of our single-serving sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha teabags. Perfect as a gift, or if this is your first experience with our teas. $19
Winter Calm Matcha Bundle A special bundle of two popular matcha blends. Compare and contrast balanced Kan with rich, smooth Seiun. $80
Matcha Box Set 2026 – with Bowl A limited release for the 2026 holidays. Matcha-making essentials bundled with a lacquer box. $223
Matcha Box Set 2026 – Basic A limited release for the 2026 holidays. Matcha-making essentials bundled with a lacquer box. $183
See all gifts

Is ippodotea.com the official Ippodo Tea store?

Yes. IppodoTea.com is the official Ippodo Tea online store for the United States, Canada and the European Union.

We are a family-run tea company, founded in Kyoto in 1717. We blend and package each of our teas in Japan.

How much caffeine is in each tea?

Matcha has the most caffeine in each serving, because you drink the whole leaf. All of our green teas contain caffeine, including our roasted teas and genmaicha. Barley tea has none. Hotter water, a longer brew time, more leaves and more infusions give more caffeine.

Matcha
about 64 mg in 2 g of usucha
Gyokuro
about 53 mg in a first brew (about 33 ml)
Sencha
about 20 mg in a first brew (100 ml)
Hojicha, genmaicha, iribancha
Contains caffeine we have no measured figure
Mugicha (barley tea)
0 mg naturally caffeine-free

How we brew each tea

The amounts, water temperatures and times from our own recipes. Select a recipe to see each step.

Recipe Tea Water Temperature Time Makes
Usucha (Classic Matcha) 2g (0.07 oz) 60 mL (2 oz) 80°C (176°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Matcha Latte 3g (0.11 oz) 100 mL (3.4 oz) 80°C (176°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Iced Matcha 2g (0.07 oz) 60 mL (2 oz) 80°C (176°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Iced Matcha Latte 3g (0.11 oz) 100 mL (3.4 oz) 80°C (176°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Koicha (Thick Matcha) 4g (0.14 oz) 30 mL (1 oz) 80°C (176°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Cold-Whisked Matcha 2g (0.07 oz) 60 mL (2 oz) 5°C (40°F) 15 seconds 1 serving
Uji-Shimizu: Sweetened Matcha 15g / 0.53 oz 150 mL (5.3 oz) Hot or cold 15 seconds 1 serving
Standard Gyokuro Brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 80 mL (3 oz) 60°C (140°F) 90 seconds 3 serving
Recipe for Sharing (Gyokuro or Sencha) 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 30 seconds 3 servings
Cold Brew Gyokuro 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) Chilled water 15 minutes 3 servings
Piping Hot Gyokuro 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) 100°C (212°F) 30 seconds 3 servings
Iced Gyokuro 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) 100°C (212°F) 60 seconds 3 servings
Standard Sencha Brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) 80°C (176°F) 60 seconds 3 servings
Cold Brew Sencha 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) Chilled water 15 minutes 3 servings
Piping Hot Sencha 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 30 seconds 3 servings
Iced Sencha 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 210 mL (7 oz) 100°C (212°F) 60 seconds 3 servings
Standard Genmaicha Brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 30 seconds 3 servings
Iced Genmaicha 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 60 seconds 3 servings
Standard Hojicha Brew 4 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 30 seconds 3 servings
Iced Hojicha 4 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz) 240 mL (8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 60 seconds 3 servings
Hojicha with Milk 6 tbsp. (15g / 0.53 oz) 200 mL (6.8 oz) 100°C (212°F) 1+ minutes 1 serving
Genmaicha Teabags - Hot Brew 1 teabag 300 mL (10 oz) 100°C (212°F) 2 minutes 1 teapot
Genmaicha Teabags - Cold Brew 2 teabags 1 L (32 oz) Chilled 1 hour 1 pitcher
Iribancha Teabags - Hot Brew - Kyusu 1 teabag 400 mL (14 oz) 100°C (212°F) 5 minutes 1 teapot
Iribancha Teabags - Hot Brew - Carafe 2 teabags 1 L (32 oz) 100°C (212°F) 10 minutes 1 carafe
Mugicha Teabags - Hot Brew 1 teabag 1 L (32 oz) 100°C (212°F) 10 minutes 1 large pot
Mugicha Teabags - Cold Brew 1 teabag 1 L (32 oz) Chilled 1 hour 1 pitcher

All 35 of our teas, side by side

“One serving” shows what a bowl or a pot comes to when you choose the smallest pack.

Matcha

Green tea leaves, stone-milled to a fine powder. You whisk it with hot water and drink the whole leaf.

Tea Our notes Good for How we brew it Sizes and prices One serving
Side angle view of unopened tea box with blue and yellow geometric pattern, flowers and Japanese and English text
TsukikageMedium & BalancedSeasonal

Available only in the fall, Tsukikage has a pleasant balance of umami and subtle sharpness.

We suggest it for: Something unique or limited

UsuchaKoichaLatte 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$2.80 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g box
Brand new unopened ornate tin of premium Kanza matcha by Ippodo Tea with Japanese characters and gold flowers leafs on label
KanzaRich & Lush

Kanza is the highest-ranking matcha in our lineup. Its beautifully strong fragrance, unwavering umami, clean aftertaste, and silky character are unparalleled in our collection.

 UsuchaKoichaIced 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$10.40 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g can
Brand new unopened tin can of Kuon matcha by Ippodo Tea with Japanese characters and gold leaf embossed on white
Kuon (Eternity)Rich & Fragrant

Kuon has a vivid green color, a long aftertaste, and rich umami - hallmarks of a high-class matcha. It stands out for its wonderfully bright fragrance.

 UsuchaKoichaIced 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$6.40 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g can
White resealable 40 gram bag of Ippodo Ummon matcha with gold and green floral design and text
UmmonRich & Robust

Ummon has a powerful umami, deep emerald green color, and sweet aroma. This matcha is a treat to be savored.

We suggest it for: Thick matcha · A matcha for matcha fans

UsuchaKoichaIced 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$4.05 a bowl (2 g) 20 in the 40g bag
Brand new unopened tin can of Ippodo Tea Seiun matcha with Japanese characters and gold leaf embossed on white
SeiunRich & Replenishing

Seiun places firmly in our rich category. Its lingering finish and full umami character make it a wise choice for fans of a reflective, satisfying matcha teatime.

 UsuchaKoichaIced 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$3.35 a bowl (2 g) 20 in the 40g can
White resealable 40 gram bag of Ippodo Sayaka matcha with gold and green floral design and text
SayakaRich & Smooth

Our recommendation for people new to our matcha, Sayaka is a more light-hearted, smooth tea in the rich category. Its sweetness and umami are accompanied by a hint of bitterness.

We suggest it for: Naturally sweet, with rich umami · I'm not sure and 3 more

 UsuchaKoichaLatteIcedGift 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$2.45 a bowl (2 g) 20 in the 40g bag
New unopened peach box of Ippodo Tea Co. Kan matcha powder with Japanese characters and gold leaf flowers embossed
KanMedium & Round

Medium-bodied, Kan has a balanced character. Its plentiful sweetness and umami richness are paralleled by slight refreshing bitterness.

We suggest it for: Balanced umami and bitterness · Icing and decoration and 1 more

 UsuchaKoichaLatteIced 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$2.20 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g box
Unopened box of Ippodo Tea Co. Ikuyo matcha powder with peach color hashmarks, Japanese characters and gold flowers leaves
IkuyoMedium & Snappy

Ikuyo is a medium-bodied matcha with a refreshing bitterness that is slightly more noticeable than its sweetness and umami.

We suggest it for: More bitterness, less sweetness · Medium green, balanced and 1 more

 UsuchaLatteIcedGift 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$1.70 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g box
New unopened beige box of Ippodo Tea Co. Wakaki matcha with Japanese characters and gold leaf flowers embossed on white
WakakiLight & Sharp

Wakaki is a matcha with a short finish, pointed astringency, and just a hint of sweetness. This matcha’s character leaves the mouth feeling refreshed.

We suggest it for: Softer green, bitter taste · Cake batter and most regular uses

UsuchaLatteBakingGift 2g (0.07 oz)
60 mL (2 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 15 seconds 		$1.10 a bowl (2 g) 10 in the 20g box
Foil package of Uji-Shimizu matcha with cartoon man with no shirt and sipping matcha through a straw behind Japanese writing
Uji-ShimizuSweetened Matcha

Uji-shimizu is our original instant blend of matcha and sugar. It’s tasty whether made cold with ice, hot in a mug, or mixed with yogurt and granola at breakfast.

 Latte 15g / 0.53 oz
150 mL (5.3 oz)
Hot or cold · 15 seconds 		$1.67 a stick
Slim peach color box of Matcha-To-Go Packets with light grey flap to open on front with faint multicolored flowers petals
Matcha To-Go PacketsMedium & Refreshing

Filled with pure, authentic matcha, these packets make preparing matcha simple, wherever and whenever.

 UsuchaLatteGift – $2.30 a packet

Gyokuro

A shade-grown green tea with deep umami and sweetness, best savored slowly.

Tea Our notes Good for How we brew it Sizes and prices One serving
White simple traditional packaging bag with Japanese characters for Ippodo Tea Co. top-recommended Kanro gyokuro
KanroRich & Replenishing

Kanro's plentiful umami and long finish make it a good gyokuro for slowly sipping in small servings. Try this tea for your first taste of Ippodo gyokuro.

We suggest it for: Full bodied, not the richest · I'm not sure and 4 more

 Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$8.00 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $2.67 a cup
White packaging bag for Tenka-Ichi Gyokuro by Ippodo Tea with grey pointillism teapot and brown writing and designs
Tenka-ichiRich & Robust

Tenka-ichi is the gyokuro with the most decadent, lush character in our selection.

We suggest it for: Full, dense and thick · Full, thick and delectable and 2 more

 Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$19.60 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $6.53 a cup
White simple traditional packaging bag with Japanese characters for Ippodo Tea Co. high-grade Ippoen gyokuro green tea
IppoenRich & Elegant

Ippoen is a tea ripe with luscious, clear, and elegant umami. Its finish is long and beautiful.

We suggest it for: To cold brew · A tea for afternoon teatime

Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$13.40 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $4.47 a cup
White simple traditional packaging bag with Japanese characters for Ippodo Tea Co. Rimpo gyokuro green tea
RimpoMedium & Satisfying

Rimpo has a just-right medium finish, with typical gyokuro umami. A good gyokuro for those who would like an enriching tea to sip every day.

We suggest it for: Medium bodied and balanced · Medium-rich and 2 more

 Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$7.00 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $2.33 a cup
White packaging bag for Tekiro Gyokuro by Ippodo Tea with grey pointillism teapot and red writing and designs
TekiroLight & Smooth

Tekiro is a versatile gyokuro with a light body and a smooth character. Enjoy during a meal and throughout the day.

We suggest it for: Light bodied and smooth · Light and 3 more

 Standard brewPiping hotIcedGift 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$5.60 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $1.87 a cup
White packaging bag for Mantoku Gyokuro by Ippodo Tea with grey pointillism teapot and teal writing and designs
MantokuLight & Refreshing

Choose Mantoku for a refreshing, light gyokuro with more crispness and less umami and sweetness.

We suggest it for: To brew with boiling water

Standard brewPiping hotIcedGift 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
80 mL (3 oz)
60°C (140°F) · 90 seconds 		$4.60 a pot (10 g) 5 in the 50g bag about $1.53 a cup
Open box filled with Ippodo gyokuro tea bag packets with magenta accents, alongside a single gyokuro packet in front.
Gyokuro TeabagsLight & Calm

This green tea teabag has an authentic gyokuro character, with light umami and a soft taste.

 Standard brewPiping hotGift – $1.64 a teabag

Sencha

The everyday green tea of Japan, with a balance of sweetness and refreshing sharpness.

Tea Our notes Good for How we brew it Sizes and prices One serving
White packaging with indigo violet faux-painted details of Kaboku Sencha prized Japanese green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
KabokuRich & Robust

Kaboku has a deep, rich character with full umami and a long aftertaste. Recommended for fans of hearty sencha.

We suggest it for: Naturally sweet, with rich umami · A satisfying afternoon break and 1 more

 Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$5.75 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $1.92 a cup
White packaging with blue faux-painted details for Kumpu premium Japanese Sencha green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
KumpuRich & Elegant

With umami and sweet notes at the forefront, Kumpu is an elegant, full-bodied sencha. Sweet, soft, and delicate, with a long finish.

We suggest it for: Cold brew

Standard brewCold brew 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$4.50 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $1.50 a cup
White packaging with bronze faux-painted details of Hosen Sencha classic Japanese green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
HosenMedium & Balanced

Hosen is our recommended sencha for those new to our teas. Its classic character is balanced—it is blended to have umami, sweetness, astringency, and aroma in harmonious proportion.

We suggest it for: Balanced · I'm not sure and 2 more

 Cold brewSharingGift 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$3.63 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $1.21 a cup
White packaging with orange faux-painted details for Shoike classic Japanese Sencha green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
ShoikeMedium & Round

Medium-bodied Shoike has equal astringency, sweetness, and umami. Its finish is just-right, making this tea perfect for almost any situation.

We suggest it for: A chaser or instead of alcohol

Standard brewIced 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$3.13 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $1.04 a cup
White packaging with brown faux-painted details for Nichigetsu refreshing Japanese Sencha green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
NichigetsuMedium & Snappy

Nichigetsu is in our medium-bodied range, with a little more astringency than sweetness. A good tea for everyday sencha sipping, and for those who like just a little bit more snappiness to their green tea.

We suggest it for: Something with breakfast

Standard brewIced 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$2.50 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.83 a cup
White and forest green resealable 80g bag of loose Stems Sencha green tea by Ippodo Tea with Japanese and English writing
Stems SenchaLight & Snappy

Stems Sencha (a type of kukicha) has a standout herbaceous crispness and a vibrant fragrance.

 Piping hot 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
240 mL (8 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 30 seconds 		$2.25 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.75 a cup
White packaging with green faux-painted details for Unro refreshing Japanese Sencha green tea 80g bag by Ippodo Tea Co.
UnroLight & Crisp

Unro is refreshing and crisp, with a hint of sweetness in addition to its astringency. Recommended for serving during or after a meal, to feel refreshed.

We suggest it for: Light and bitter · With boiling water and 2 more

 Standard brewPiping hotIced 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
210 mL (7 oz)
80°C (176°F) · 60 seconds 		$2.13 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.71 a cup
Open box filled with Ippodo sencha tea bag packets with green accents, alongside a single sencha packet in front.
Sencha TeabagsLight & Crisp

Produced from sencha buds and flakes, this single-serving teabag has an authentic character, with light umami and astringency.

 Standard brewPiping hotGift – $1.32 a teabag

Bancha

Light, easy-to-drink teas with a generous aroma: roasted hojicha, genmaicha with roasted rice, and smoky iribancha.

Tea Our notes Good for How we brew it Sizes and prices One serving
Ippodo Tea Good Fortune Tea pouch (80g / 2.82 oz) with a bright red vertical banner and Japanese calligraphic text.
ObukuchaLight & SmoothSeasonal

Obukucha is a genmaicha that combines the light sweetness of high-grade yanagi tea leaves with the heartiness of roasted rice.

 Standard brewIced 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
240 mL (8 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 30 seconds 		$2.63 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.88 a cup
Pyramid shaped teabag of genmaicha green tea and roasted rice beside package of Obukucha Good Fortune Tea Teapot-Size Teabags
Obukucha TeabagsLight & SmoothSeasonal

Obukucha is a genmaicha that combines the light sweetness of high-grade yanagi tea leaves with the heartiness of roasted rice.

 Standard brewPiping hot – $2.67 a teabag
A tall white pouch of Ippodo Tea Hojicha (80g / 2.82 oz) featuring a dark maroon vertical banner with Japanese calligraphic text for "Hojicha".
HojichaLight & Sweet

Remarkably aromatic, light-bodied, and refreshing. This hojicha blend of roasted green tea leaves and stems is one of the most popular teas in our selection.

We suggest it for: Roasted, malty tea · Medium body, sweetly aromatic

Standard brewIcedWith milk 4 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
240 mL (8 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 30 seconds 		$2.38 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.79 a cup
A tall white pouch of Ippodo Tea Stems Hojicha (80g / 2.82 oz) featuring a bright orange vertical banner with Japanese calligraphic text for "Kuki Hojicha".
Stems HojichaLight & Crisp

This tea made from just roasted green tea stems produces a unique crisp, round, and hearty character brew.

We suggest it for: Strong, crisp flavor

Standard brewIcedWith milk 4 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
240 mL (8 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 30 seconds 		$2.38 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.79 a cup
White and blue simple packaging and Japanese characters for Ippodo Tea Genmaicha green tea with roasted rice.
GenmaichaLight & Soothing

Genmaicha is a popular Japanese tea made by blending green tea leaves with roasted rice. Good for sipping at any time, and especially with meals.

We suggest it for: Roasted rice with green tea leaves · Mild and savory

Standard brewIced 2 tbsp. (10g / 0.35 oz)
240 mL (8 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 30 seconds 		$2.25 a pot (10 g) 8 in the 80g bag about $0.75 a cup
Colorful rose pink bag with drawings triangles and patterns for Japanese Genmaicha green tea with rice One-Pot Teabags
Genmaicha TeabagsLight & Soothing

Our large-size Genmaicha teabags made from blending green tea leaves with roasted rice. Good for sipping at any time, and especially with meals.

 Hot brewCold brew 1 teabag
300 mL (10 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 2 minutes 		$2.56 a teabag
Open box filled with Ippodo hojicha tea bag packets with orange accents, alongside a single hojicha packet in front.
Hojicha TeabagsLight & Roasted

This hojicha teabag has an authentic character, with a soothing roasted aroma.

 Standard brewPiping hotGift – $1.27 a teabag
Dark beige sealed packaging bag with maroon designs and Japanese and English writing for Iribancha "smoky aroma" teabags
Iribancha TeabagsUniquely Smoky

Iribancha is produced by roasting green tea leaves until they start to smoke. Be warned! This tea is intensely smoky, like campfires and peaty scotch.

We suggest it for: Smoky · Smoky, like a campfire

Hot brew 1 teabag
400 mL (14 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 5 minutes 		$1.15 a teabag

Barley tea

Roasted barley with a mild, comforting taste. It has no tea leaves and no caffeine.

Tea Our notes Good for How we brew it Sizes and prices One serving
Front of bright sunny yellow packaging bag for Ippodo Tea Co. Mugicha Japanese barley tea one-pot teabags
Mugicha Barley TeabagsRoasted Barley

Caffeine-free, Mugicha is made simply from roasted barley. Enjoy its smooth, comforting taste, hot or cold.

We suggest it for: Caffeine-free, please

Hot brewCold brew 1 teabag
1 L (32 oz)
100°C (212°F) · 10 minutes 		$1.11 a teabag

About this guide

  • The tasting notes, caffeine figures, serving sizes and recipes are our own, the same ones you will find on the page of each tea.
  • Our suggestions are the ones we give in our tea quizzes. Each quiz has a page of its own: Tea quiz, Matcha quiz, Sencha quiz, Gyokuro quiz, Bancha quiz.
  • One serving is the price of the smallest pack divided by the servings it makes. A larger pack often comes to less per serving. A bowl of usucha uses 2 g of matcha. A pot of leaf tea uses 10 g and fills three cups, and you can brew the same leaves up to three times.
  • Japanese tea is at its best soon after you open it, so we suggest choosing a size that you will finish within about a month.
  • Prices do not include shipping or tax. Sets, and teas that are not listed in our store at the moment, are not included. A size that is sold out is marked.
  • Caffeine figures are approximate. They change with the water temperature and the brewing time.

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