About tea

The Beginnings of Ureshino Tea

Ureshino tea, originating in the 15th century, owes its beginnings to Chinese potters who brought their tea-making traditions to Japan. The region is renowned for tamaryokucha, a distinctive green ...

Hardness of Water

Japanese tea is best brewed with soft water (about 30–80 mg/L hardness). Japan’s tap water generally falls within this range, making it suitable for highlighting the tea’s balance of umami, astring...

The Beginnings of Shizuoka Tea

Shizuoka Prefecture, the heart of Japan’s tea culture, has been cultivating exceptional teas for centuries. From Shoichi Kokushi’s first tea seeds in Ashikubo to the creation of the iconic Yabukita...

Kankōbai - Premium Fukamushi Sencha

Blooming like crimson plum blossoms in winter, Kankōbai is a deep-steamed first-harvest sencha that offers warmth, quiet strength, and profound umami in a cup that feels both comforting and refined.

Kyōbancha

Kyōbancha is more than just a tea, it’s a small daily ritual, especially in winter. Its soft smokiness and gentle warmth invite you to slow down, reconnect with simple pleasures, and savor quiet mo...

Why Fermentation Matters: Discovering Every Kind of Tea

Tea is one of the world's most enduring pleasures: simple at first glance, yet endlessly nuanced once you begin exploring it. From bright, grassy greens to deep, malty blacks, every tea tells a st...

The Return of the 88th Night - A Seasonal Story in Your Cup

Before diving into this week's topic, it's worth taking a moment to enjoy an old Japanese children's song from 1912. Still taught nationwide today, it begins with the line "夏も近づく八十八夜" (Summer is co...

Benefits of Hojicha

Warm, soothing, and rich in natural antioxidants, hojicha roasted green tea offers more than just comfort in a cup. From supporting heart and digestive health to easing inflammation and calming the...

How to Store Tea Properly (and What to Do if It Loses Its Flavour)

Learn how to store tea properly to preserve its flavour and aroma. Discover why refrigeration isn’t ideal, how to freeze tea safely, and how to revive old leaves by roasting them.

Japanese Tea Day: Honouring Eisai and the Roots of Tea Culture in Japan

Discover the story behind Japanese Tea Day (October 31st), a celebration of Eisai, the monk who brought green tea to Japan. Learn how tea became a symbol of harmony, health, and mindfulness.