O-cha’s matcha is the best I’ve ever had (and I’ve tried quite a few brands from across the world). As if that isn’t enough, their company is empathetic, helpful, informative, and kind. They really go the extra mile. I will buy from o-cha for as long as I can!
Matcha aficionados - Here is a handy item! Known in Japanese as a "matcha furui", use this sifter when brewing matcha. Simply add your matcha and work it through the built-in removeable fine mesh insert inside the canister. Removes clumps, makes for a smoother, frothier bowl of matcha.
Available in dark burgundy or green, measures 73mm W x 79 mm H (2.9 inches by 3.1 inches) Quality craftsmanship throughout.
Note: Product includes the tool only, matcha purchased separately.
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.
Supply Note: Due to several factors, including but not limited to the favorable Japanese yen exchange rate, and the record number of foreign tourists visiting Japan who buy matcha and green teas, demand for this exclusive matcha—along with Matcha Taiko and some of our other premium green teas—has soared. This product had an extremely limited production capacity even before this surge. Unfortunately, the limit on how many we can obtain per month has also been recently reduced. Thus we have unfortunately had to raise the price a bit on an already pricey item.
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 Uji Organic Matcha, the most affordable option in our lineup, yet still offering impressive quality for its price. Sourced from Uji, a region near Kyoto famed for its tea cultivation, this matcha provides an accessible way to enjoy the benefits and flavors of organic green tea without a hefty price tag.
Cultivated using only natural organic fertilizers and free from agricultural chemicals, our Uji Organic Matcha is not only good for you but also kind to the environment. It proudly boasts certification from JONA (Japan Organic & Natural Foods Association) and carries the JAS mark, affirming its adherence to stringent organic standards.
This product is available in a 30-gram can, providing around 20 servings of 1.5 grams each, making it perfect for daily enjoyment. Whether you're new to matcha or looking for a cost-effective way to maintain your matcha routine, our Uji Organic Matcha is an excellent choice. Try some today and discover why even our most affordable matcha is a true bargain in terms of quality and taste.
Discover Matcha "Chiyo Mukashi" - one of our finest offerings at O-Cha.com, renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility. This matcha strikes a perfect balance between thick (koicha) and thin (usucha) consistencies, allowing it to be prepared in either style to suit your preference. Whether you're engaging in a traditional tea ceremony or seeking a potent source of antioxidants, "Chiyo Mukashi" is an excellent choice.
As with all our products, this matcha is guaranteed fresh. We order it as needed to ensure that what you receive has not lingered on shelves but is vibrant and full of flavor. Cultivated in the prestigious tea fields of Uji, known for producing some of the best matchas in the world, "Chiyo Mukashi" is kept under refrigeration right up to shipment, maintaining its quality and freshness.
Available in 30-gram packages, Matcha "Chiyo Mukashi" is ideally portioned for both daily enjoyment and special occasions. Experience the smooth, rich flavors of a truly superior matcha, crafted with care and expertise.
Discover Matcha "Toyo Mukashi" - a superior usucha (normal consistency) matcha sourced from the esteemed Uji City, near Kyoto, Japan. This matcha is ideal for those looking to engage in the traditional tea ceremony or simply seeking a rich source of antioxidants in their daily diet. "Toyo Mukashi" exemplifies the dedication to quality that Uji is renowned for, offering a vibrant taste and profound freshness.
At O-Cha.com, we prioritize freshness and quality above all. "Toyo Mukashi" is ordered in small batches to ensure that each package is as fresh as possible when it reaches you. This meticulous approach extends to how we store our matcha; it is kept under refrigeration right up until it is shipped, preserving its delicate flavors and nutrients.
Available in 30-gram packages, Matcha "Toyo Mukashi" provides a perfect introduction to the rich, nuanced world of high-quality Japanese matcha. Whether for ceremonial use or health benefits, this matcha delivers a premium experience.
A nice, dark matcha bowl provides a stark contrast with the beautiful green color of your freshly made matcha. Handmade in the Mino area near of Gifu Prefecture, this Mino-yaki chawan is the perfect tea bowl for brewing matcha green tea.
Measures 12 cm wide x 8 cm high (4.7 inches wide x 3.14 inches high)
Elevate your green tea experience with our wooden matcha bowl coaster, an elegant accessory designed to enhance your tea ritual. This coaster is not just a practical tool for protecting surfaces but also serves as a decorative element that complements your chawan (tea bowl). Featuring a small wooden peg, it provides a convenient spot to rest your tea whisk, keeping it clean and ready for use. Crafted with care in Japan, this coaster embodies the essence of traditional Japanese tea culture.
Made by the same maker as our legendary Uji Miyabi Sencha, each of our Uji Matcha-Iri Genmaicha tea bags consists of 4 grams of a high quality combination of loose leaf green tea (not tea dust), puffed rice, and matcha. This tea bag comes in a triangular, nylon mesh infusion bag, and will not affect the taste as traditional paper teabags are known to do. A wonderful taste experience awaits you when you open the re-sealable package. Our Matcha Iri Genmaicha tea bags are very delicious and you can serve them either hot or iced. As with all of our green teas, packaged in nitrogen filled packaging.
Introducing Matcha "Kiri no Mori", a high-quality usucha (normal consistency) matcha that ranks as one of our most popular offerings at O-Cha.com. Ideal for those new to the world of matcha, "Kiri no Mori" provides an accessible, yet high-quality introduction to this revered Japanese green tea.
Crafted in the renowned tea-growing region of Uji, this matcha is known for its vibrant flavor and rich antioxidant content. Whether you're looking to explore the traditional tea ceremony or simply aiming to enrich your diet with a potent source of antioxidants, "Kiri no Mori" is an excellent choice. Adhering to our commitment to freshness, we order this matcha only as needed and store it under refrigeration right up until it's shipped, ensuring that it reaches you in peak condition.
Available in 30-gram packages, Matcha "Kiri no Mori" is perfectly portioned for those seeking to savor the authentic taste and health benefits of freshly prepared Japanese matcha.
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.
Known as a "chasaji" in Japanese, this is a traditional sakura teaspoon is used for measuring out green tea. A full teaspoon will usually weight out to 4 or 5 grams. Made from the wood of blooming cherry trees, quite beautiful.
Note: This item is for loose leaf tea, not matcha. Here is a link to our matcha-spoon. Do not use in the microwave, store in the refrigerator, or use in a dishwasher.
Made in Tokoname, Japan, this smaller sized water cooler, will come in very handy when brewing green tea. Since most green teas needs to be brewed at lower temperatures, use this item to aid you in cooling your just boiled water first to exactly where you need it to be. The smaller size of this water cooler is perfect for a bowl of matcha, a single cup of green tea, or small infusions of gyokuro.
Made in Tokoname, Japan, this smaller sized water cooler, made from red clay, will come in very handy when brewing green tea. Since most green teas needs to be brewed at lower temperatures, use this item to aid you in cooling your just boiled water first to exactly where you need it to be. The smaller size of this water cooler is perfect for a bowl of matcha, a single cup of green tea, or small infusions of gyokuro.
Made in Tokoname, Japan, this smaller sized water cooler, made from white clay, will come in very handy when brewing green tea. Since most green teas needs to be brewed at lower temperatures, use this item to aid you in cooling your just boiled water first to exactly where you need it to be. The smaller size of this water cooler is perfect for a bowl of matcha, a single cup of green tea, or small infusions of gyokuro.
Discover the unique and vibrant Uji Organic Powdered Sencha, a distinct departure from matcha but equally esteemed for its health benefits. Grown under the full sun in Uji, this powdered sencha captures the essence of the first harvest, resulting in a green tea with a slightly more astringent flavor and maximum antioxidant properties.
Unlike traditional sencha, this tea is finely ground into a talcum-like powder, making it incredibly convenient to use—no teapot necessary! Simply mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of the powder (included with the package depending on your cup size) in hot water for an instant, healthful green tea drink. This versatility makes it a popular addition to shake mixes, offering a quick and easy way to incorporate the benefits of green tea into your daily routine.
Certified 100% organic by JAS/JONA, our Uji Organic Powdered Sencha ensures purity and sustainability. Try it today and experience the potent health benefits and distinct taste of this exceptional powdered green tea.
Made in Tokoname, Japan, this water cooler, made from red clay, will come in very handy when brewing green tea. Since most green teas needs to be brewed at lower temperatures, use this item to aid you in cooling your just boiled water first to exactly where you need it to be.
Experience the functionality and style of our Tokoname Samashi Water Cooler, crafted from clay and finished in a sleek black color. Perfect for green tea enthusiasts, this essential accessory is designed to cool boiling water to the ideal brewing temperature. With a capacity of 320ml (approximately 11 ounces), it's ideal for preparing just the right amount of water for your tea. The elegant black finish adds a modern touch to your tea preparation ritual, making it as visually appealing as it is practical.
We are delighted to offer Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō, a superb first-flush gyokuro sourced from a prestigious, centuries-old firm in Uji, Japan. Celebrated for its meticulous cultivation process, this gyokuro is shade-grown for approximately three weeks before harvest, which enhances its vibrant green color and imparts a distinctly sweet flavor profile.
Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō is a tea connoisseur's delight, known for its depth and complexity. Learning to brew this exquisite green tea properly is an art form, and mastering it can offer a lifetime of enjoyment. We encourage you to follow our detailed step-by-step brewing instructions to fully capture the essence and nuances of this exceptional tea.
Available in 100g packages, Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō is ready to transform your tea-drinking experience. Embrace the rich traditions and delicate flavors of one of Japan's finest green teas.
We are proud to present Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi," a pinnacle of quality in our gyokuro offerings, available in exclusive 50-gram packages. Sourced from the same esteemed Uji supplier as our beloved Gyokuro "Kamejirushi," "Tsurujirushi" represents the zenith of what we can obtain from this storied, centuries-old tea firm. This premium gyokuro is shade-grown prior to harvesting, enhancing its vibrant green hue and enriching its naturally sweet flavor.
The mastery of brewing Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi" is essential to experiencing its full, luxurious potential. This high-quality green tea demands specific brewing techniques, distinct from those used for sencha, to unlock its exquisite depth and complexity. We encourage you to consult our detailed brewing instructions to ensure the perfect cup.
Available in a 50-gram package, Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi" is not just a tea but an experience, offering a taste of the sublime that, once perfected, will captivate you for a lifetime. Embrace the challenge and reward of this exceptional gyokuro.
Introducing Uji Gyokuro Shōun, an exquisite first flush gyokuro sourced from a renowned, centuries-old tea firm in Uji, Japan. This premium green tea is cultivated with meticulous care, shade-grown before harvesting to enhance its vibrant green color and naturally sweeter taste. Uji Gyokuro Shōun represents the epitome of Japanese tea craftsmanship, offering a depth of flavor that is both refined and intensifying.
Mastering the brewing process of this gyokuro is essential to fully appreciate its unique qualities. Unlike sencha, gyokuro requires a specific brewing technique to unlock its full potential. We encourage you to follow our detailed step-by-step brewing instructions to ensure a perfect cup every time: How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!
Available in 100-gram packages, Uji Gyokuro Shōun is ideal for those who seek to immerse themselves in the rich, luxurious flavors of authentic Japanese gyokuro. Embrace this opportunity to explore one of the highest quality teas available and discover why it captivates tea enthusiasts worldwide.
Introducing Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" from Uji, near Kyoto—a superb blend that combines the first harvest of gyokuro leaves with gyokuro stems. Known for its shade-grown cultivation, gyokuro boasts a greener hue and a naturally sweeter taste compared to more commonly found green teas. This specific blend enriches the classic gyokuro with the addition of stems, introducing a delightful tartness that complements its sweetness.
Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" offers a perfect introduction to brewing gyokuro, especially for those new to this style, at an economical price. The brewing process mirrors that of traditional gyokuro: use more leaf, brew at lower temperatures, and allow a longer steeping time to fully develop its depth and character. We recommend using 10 grams of tea per 300ml or less of water, pre-heating your teapot and teacups, and brewing at 55-60°C (131-140°F) for 1.5 to 2 minutes.
Available in 100gm packages, Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" is an excellent choice for anyone eager to explore the refined taste of a premium Japanese green tea.
We are proud to present the prestigious Uji Shirakawa Gyokuro, the highest grade of gyokuro available from Tsuen Tea, Japan’s oldest continuously operating tea shop located in Uji near Kyoto. This limited-edition gyokuro is a testament to our commitment to providing only the finest teas. It is a rare opportunity for us to share such an exceptional product, sourced directly from the Tsuen family who have been serving quality teas by the Uji river since 1160.
Cultivated in the revered Shirakawa region, this gyokuro is a product of meticulous care and traditional methods. Shade-grown before harvesting, it boasts a richer green color and a sweeter flavor, distinct characteristics of top-tier gyokuro. This tea is especially rare, made entirely from hand-picked Gokou cultivar leaves and shaded using traditional straw and reed screens, rather than modern shade cloth.
This "old school" approach to tea cultivation not only enhances its quality but also its authenticity. Uji Shirakawa Gyokuro is not typically recommended for beginners due to its sophisticated brewing requirements. It's a connoisseur’s choice, perfect for those who have mastered the art of brewing gyokuro and appreciate its delicate nuances.
Available in 30-gram packages, this exquisite gyokuro is for those looking to indulge in one of the finest green teas Japan has to offer. Visit our read our, how to brew gyokuro page for detailed brewing instructions and prepare to be captivated by this luxurious tea experience.
We finally came across a gyokuro green tea bag of a high quality that is worthy of our lineup. Unlike the vast majority of green tea tea bags you run across, each of our Gyokuro Green Tea Bags consists of 5 grams of high quality gyokuro leaf (not tea dust). There are a few gyokuro stems in this tea bag which give the tea a slight astringency but the main flavor is gyokuro all the way.
This tea bag comes in a triangular, biodegradable (not plastic or nylon) mesh infusion bag and will not affect the taste as traditional paper teabags are known to do. A wonderful grassy aroma awaits you when you open the re-sealable package.
As of November 2020, the tea bag material used for our Uji green tea bags is composed of a starch based biomass material derived from plants. In addition to the filter, the laminate on the tag and string of this product also incorporate the same environmentally-friendly material.
One package includes (16) five-gram high quality gyokuro tea bags, try some today!
Instructions for Brewing Gyokuro Tea Bag
To achieve the best results when brewing gyokuro tea, it is crucial to manage the temperature carefully. Here is a recommended procedure using two cups:
1. Pour hot water (90°C / 194°F) into the first cup and allow it to sit for approximately one minute. This step will cause the temperature of the water to decrease (refer to detailed product images for guidance).
2. Transfer the water from the first cup to the second cup. This action will further reduce the water's temperature (detailed product images provide more information).
3. Place the tea bag into the now pre-warmed first cup and pour the water from the second cup back into the first cup, over the tea bag. The ideal brewing temperature is 55°C / 131°F. Allow the tea to brew for 2.5 to 3 minutes, which is longer than the typical brewing time for sencha tea. After brewing, move the used tea bag to the second cup for any additional infusions.
Discover the Best Organic Gyokuro Green Tea: Haruto
Indulge in the exquisite taste of Haruto, the best organic gyokuro green tea. This new and rare variety of gyokuro green tea was registered only 8 years ago. Grown by a select few farms in Kyushu, our Haruto is cultivated in Shibushi City, Kagoshima Prefecture. This tea is harvested earlier in the season, making it susceptible to frost damage, which adds to its rarity and exceptional quality.
Why Choose Organic Gyokuro Haruto?
Exclusive Rarity: With its limited cultivation and recent introduction, encountering Organic Gyokuro Haruto is a unique opportunity.
Award-Winning Quality: This high-quality green tea has been recognized with awards in Japan for its elegant sweetness, rich umami, and dark green tea leaves.
Organic Excellence: Unlike many organic gyokuro green teas, Haruto stands out with its superb quality, making it a rare gem in the tea world. Due to the restrictions on growing organic green teas, it's extremely difficult to find an organic gyokuro that tastes as good as non-organic gyokuro, but Haruto is one of the rare exceptions.
A Worthwhile Investment
While Organic Gyokuro Haruto may be priced higher than regular sencha, its exceptional quality and rarity justify the cost. Less than 1% of all green tea is grown and harvested as gyokuro, and an organic variety of this caliber is even more uncommon.
Brewing Perfection
Haruto, the best organic gyokuro green tea, offers complex, strong umami notes and a delightful aftertaste that lingers. For the best experience, brew it in a shiboridashi teapot with care, following our detailed brewing instructions: How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions! Once you master the art of brewing gyokuro, you'll be hooked for life.
The Best Organic Gyokuro Green Tea for Discerning Palates
This tea requires careful brewing to bring out its full flavor. Be sure to read our step-by-step guide on how to brew gyokuro for the perfect cup every time.
Limited Supply Available Now
Organic Gyokuro Haruto is available in 100 gm packages, but we have a limited supply. This exceptional tea will not last a year, so if you want to experience the rare and delightful taste of the best organic gyokuro green tea, get it while it's available. Don't miss out on this extraordinary tea—order your Organic Gyokuro Haruto today!