A Guide to Japanese Green Tea: Discover the Culture in Every Cup
November 17, 2025
Index:
What Is Japanese Green Tea?
Main Types and Their Characteristics
How to Brew and Enjoy It
Where to Experience Japanese Tea in Japan
1. What Is Japanese Green Tea?
Japanese green tea refers to a range of non-fermented teas produced and processed in Japan.
It is made from the Camellia sinensis plant and is characterized by steaming the leaves to stop oxidation, preserving their vibrant green color, refreshing aroma, and a delicate balance of umami and bitterness.
Green tea is deeply rooted in Japanese daily life and culture. It is not only enjoyed as a drink but also plays an important role in the Japanese tea ceremony, which reflects principles of hospitality and mindfulness.
Today, Japanese green tea is gaining international popularity due to growing interest in health and Japanese cuisine.
2. Main Types and Their Characteristics
There are many types of Japanese green tea, each with its own flavor, aroma, and use.
Below are some of the most common varieties:
Matcha
A type of green tea that is steamed, dried, and finely ground into powder, traditionally using a stone mill.
It is known for its rich, deep flavor and is commonly used in tea ceremonies, as well as in sweets and beverages.
Sencha
The most common tea in Japan. Refreshing aroma with moderate bitterness.
It is characterized by its refreshing aroma and astringent taste, which is achieved through the process of steaming, shaping, and drying.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro is a high-grade green tea that is made by shading the tea trees for several weeks before harvesting. This gives it a high amino acid level, creating a delicious flavor in the tea.
It is characterized by its sweet and deep flavor and has a richer taste than sencha.
Hojicha
Hojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves over high heat, which produces a fragrant aroma.
It is low in caffeine and has a light flavor, making it an ideal drink to have with a meal.
Genmaicha
Genmaicha is made by mixing sencha with roasted brown rice and is known for its savory aroma and mild taste.
It is easy to pair with meals and is popular as a tea to be enjoyed daily.
For travelers who prefer low-caffeine options or want to pair tea with meals, Hojicha and Genmaicha are highly recommended.
3. How to Brew and Enjoy It
The flavor of Japanese green tea changes significantly depending on the water temperature and steeping time.
Here's a basic method for brewing sencha, the most common variety.
How to Brew Sencha (for 2 servings):
Tea leaves: 3g (about 1 heaping teaspoon)
Water: 160–180ml
Temperature: 70–80°C
Steeping time: 1 minute
Put tea leaves into a teapot.
Cool boiling water to the right temperature and pour it over the leaves.
After about one minute, pour evenly into cups.
4. Where to Experience Japanese Tea in Japan
In Japan, you can do more than drink green tea—you can experience it firsthand.
Tea Ceremony Experience (Tokyo, Kyoto, etc.)
Participate in English-friendly tea ceremony sessions, where you learn the etiquette and enjoy freshly prepared matcha.
Popular areas include Omotesando in Tokyo and Gion in Kyoto.
Japanese Tea Specialty cafe
Enjoy modern Japanese tea drinks and sweets in stylish cafe settings.
Examples include “Ippodo” in Kyoto and “Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience” in Tokyo.
Tea Farm Tours and Factory Visits (Shizuoka, Uji, etc.)
In Shizuoka and Uji, you can join guided tours of tea farms, including tea picking and factory visits.
Best season is from spring to early summer. Advance reservation recommended.
For a unique experience, visit Okuakasaka Sushi Tanji, a high-end sushi restaurant in Tokyo that offers green tea pairing as part of its OMAKASE course.
