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Introducing Uji Matcha Manten, an unparalleled matcha offering that stands as the epitome of excellence in the world of matcha. Since its debut on O-Cha.com in the mid-2000s, Uji Matcha Manten has been a coveted treasure previously unavailable outside of Japan and remains an exclusive online offering through our site.

Upon experiencing this matcha, you'll be captivated by its intensely aromatic nature—the first hint of its superior quality. Sourced from a grower in Uji with a very limited production, this matcha is a rarity, supplied mainly to the local market. The availability of Manten is sporadic, making each batch a precious find.

The grower, a renowned figure in the Uji tea community and an accomplished author on the cultivation of Tencha (the precursor to matcha), has won numerous awards from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries. His meticulous care and traditional methods ensure that Manten offers a unique taste profile that is unmatched, often chosen by tea ceremony instructors who demand only the best.

Manten is ideally suited for koicha (thick matcha), which is sweeter and milder than the more common usucha (thin matcha). This exquisite quality is derived from tea plants that are at least 30 years old, necessary for achieving the less bitter, profoundly rich flavor required for koicha. While Manten can be prepared as usucha, its exceptional properties are best expressed when served thick.

Each 30-gram package of Uji Matcha Manten offers a chance to indulge in a matcha experience that transcends ordinary. 

For those preparing it as koicha, consider pairing it with a specialized 48 prong tea whisk designed for this luxurious thick style matcha.

Introducing our Organic Hōjicha from Uji, Japan, a uniquely roasted green tea that transforms into a delightful red hue with an enticing flavor profile. The roasting process not only enhances its taste but also significantly reduces its caffeine content, making it a popular choice in Japan for hospital patients and children alike.

This Hōjicha is exceptionally versatile and is known for its refreshing qualities, especially when served iced—a common practice in Japanese restaurants. Its distinct flavor and aroma provide a comforting, almost nostalgic tea experience, appealing to tea lovers of all ages.

Certified organic, our Hōjicha adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Each batch is carefully packaged in nitrogen-filled bags to preserve freshness and ensure that the rich, smoky essence of the tea is maintained.

Each package contains 100 grams of this exquisite tea, inviting you to savor its refined and unique character. Whether you're a longtime tea enthusiast or new to the world of Japanese teas, our Organic Hōjicha offers a taste experience that's both invigorating and soothing.

Consisting of 65-72 prongs, this whisk is handmade in Nara, Japan and should not be confused with imports from China that you will commonly encounter from most tea shops. There are over 120 different types of Nara tea whisks that vary according to the type of material used, shape and number of splines which will vary according to the school of tea, the kind of matcha (thick or regular thin type) which will be served, and various other factors. We chose this particular chasen for general purpose matcha drinking. 

About our bamboo tea whisk suppler (view detailed images) - Our whisks are made by the Kubo family located near Nara Japan. You can see them in action on this well-made YouTube video making whisks here:

Differences between Japanese and Chinese tea whisks... The vast majority of tea whisks encountered on the market are copies made in China, not Japan. There is almost no market for matcha whisks within China itself, nearly all are exported abroad and surprisingly, even to Japan.

Japanese craftsmen start the whisk making process using a sharp knife to chip the end of the bamboo, giving it a clean sharp break, whereas in China it tends to be done with a file. Because of this, the tip of the whisk prongs of Japanese whisks are known to last longer.

The bamboo used in Japanese whisks is superior and is dried for well over a year before use, no fungicides are used when producing Nara tea whisks. A real Japanese whisk will cost 2 or 3 times more than a Chinese whisk, naturally. It certainly is possible to make matcha with a Chinese made whisk but for long term reliability, we recommend that you invest in the real deal.

This 48 prong matcha whisk is handmade in Japan especially for thick style koicha matcha. Not to be confused with imports from China, this authentic hand-made tea whisk is made in Nara Prefecture. There are over 120 different types of Nara tea whisks, with the type of material, shape and number of splines varying according to the school of tea, and also on the kind of matcha to be used.

Note: This while you could use this whisk for other types of matcha, it was designed for use with thick "koicha" matcha. For general matcha brewing, we recommend this tea whisk instead.

About our bamboo tea whisk suppler (view detailed images) - Our whisks are made by the Kubo family located near Nara Japan. You can see them in action on this well made YouTube video making whisks here:

Differences between Japanese and Chinese tea whisks... The vast majority of tea whisks encountered on the market are copies made in China, not Japan. There is almost no market for matcha whisks within China itself, nearly all are exported abroad and surprisingly, even to Japan.

Japanese craftsmen start the whisk making process using a sharp knife to chip the end of the bamboo, giving it a clean sharp break, whereas in China it  tends to be done with a file. Because of this, the tip of the whisk prongs of Japanese whisks are known to last longer.

The bamboo used in Japanese whisks is superior and is dried for well over a year before use, no fungicides are used when producing Nara tea whisks. A real Japanese whisk will cost 2 or 3 times more than a Chinese whisk, naturally. It certainly is possible to make matcha with a Chinese made whisk but for long term reliability, we recommend that you invest in the real deal.

Discover the soothing pleasure of our Uji Hōjicha Tea Bags, the perfect choice for those seeking a refreshing tea experience without the caffeine. Crafted by the same artisans responsible for our renowned Uji Miyabi Sencha, each tea bag contains 4 grams of high-quality loose leaf hōjicha. This unique green tea is roasted to achieve a beautiful red hue and a distinctively smooth, rich flavor.

Hōjicha is appreciated for its low caffeine content, resulting from the roasting process, making it a popular choice in Japan for hospital patients and children. The triangular, nylon mesh bags ensure a full infusion, offering a flavor superior to that of traditional paper tea bags.

Open the re-sealable package and prepare to enjoy a wonderful taste experience. Our Uji Hōjicha Tea Bags can be enjoyed hot or iced, adapting to your preference. Each package contains 20 tea bags, ensuring you can relish this delightful beverage time and time again. As with all our teas, they are packaged in nitrogen-filled packaging to preserve freshness and flavor.

Experience the unparalleled quality of our handcrafted Shiboridashi teapot from Tokoname Prefecture, Japan. This exquisite teapot is increasingly rare and highly sought after by tea connoisseurs, especially those who appreciate the delicate nuances of brewing gyokuro, the most luxurious and costly type of loose-leaf green tea. Designed to brew at lower temperatures with a double amount of loose leaves, this teapot is perfect for extracting the subtle flavors and deep umami characteristic of gyokuro.

The Shiboridashi teapot's small size is purposefully designed to hold about 60ml (2 ounces) of water, making it ideal for preparing just one or two small cups at a time. This allows for multiple, concentrated infusions, each capturing the essence of the tea. The unique design features a thin gap between the inner body of the teapot and the lid, eliminating the need for a traditional filter basket and enhancing the infusion process for larger leaf teas like gyokuro and light-steamed asamushi sencha.

It’s important to note that due to its specific design, this teapot is best suited for larger leaf teas and not recommended for fine leaf particles like those found in deep-steamed green tea (fukamushi-cha).

Each Shiboridashi teapot is a testament to the artisan's skill, with attention to detail that might not be immediately apparent but significantly enhances both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Given the handcrafted nature of these teapots, slight variations from the images shown may occur, adding to the uniqueness of each piece.

For those deeply engaged in the art of tea, particularly gyokuro enthusiasts, our Shiboridashi and Houhin teapots offer an optimal brewing tool, combining traditional craftsmanship with effective modern design.

How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!