The Many Different Area Brands of Japanese Green Tea
Tea making in Japan has evolved differently in different areas. Some may have the same tea with different tastes, others may have completely unique tea you can't find anywhere else.
Discovering and tasting these one by one is another way to enjoy and appreciate Japanese tea.
Here we'll introduce some of the famous "Area Brands" of Japanese Green tea.
While Kyoto and Shizuoka may be the most famous when it comes to Japanese Tea produce, there are many other famous areas all around Japan producing high quality and unique Japanese tea. They've developed brands for themselves. Let's go over some of the famous ones. We'll start off with perhaps the most famous - the "Three Great Teas of Japan".
The "Three Great Teas of Japan"
Japan has what's called the "3 Great Teas of Japan". The Ujicha, Shizuoka-cha, and the Sayamacha are the three traditional "Great Teas of Japan". These days, Kagoshima-cha is counted in as well.
- Ujicha (Kyoto)
The undeniable leader of Japanese green tea culture. Ujicha has really innovated and progressed the quality of green tea in Japan. Perhaps the leader of Matcha is Ujicha. - Shizuoka-cha (Shizuoka)
The largest production of Japanese green tea in Japan, has various "Area Brands" under its umbrella. Known for the best Fukamushi-sencha. - Sayamacha (Saitama)
Rare type of tea known for a unique drying process of the leaves by using a strong fire. - Kagoshima-cha (Kagoshima)
The second largest production of Japanese green tea in Japan.
From here, we'll categorize by the regions in Japan.
Teas from the Kantou Area
While containing a huge tea consumption market in Tokyo, the Kanto area's climate is rather cool for ideal production. Nevertheless, they do have some famous area brands, including the Sayamacha.
- Sayamacha (Saitama)
Rare type of tea known for a unique drying process of the leaves by using a strong fire. Although the volume of production is low, it is know to be one of the 3 great teas of Japan.
Teas from the Chubu Area
Chubu covers a vast area of land with very different climate conditions. Therefore it has some of the most unique types of tea. It also has Shizuoka - which is a tea production giant.
- Kaga-Boucha (Ishikawa)
A type of Kukicha roasted to become Houjicha, popular throughout Japan. - Shizuoka-cha (Shizuoka)
The largest production of Japanese green tea in Japan, has various "Area Brands" under its umbrella. Known to be one of the "3 Great Teas of Japan". - Kakegawa-cha (Shizuoka)
Under the Shizuoka-cha umbrella. One of the origins of Fukamushi-Sencha, and also known for a unique Agricultural method. - Honyama-cha (Shizuoka)
The origin of Shizuoka-cha, loved by Ieyasu Tokugawa, the first Shogun who conquered Japan. - Kawane-cha (Shizuoka)
One of Japan's leaders in terms of high-quality Fukamushi-Sencha. - Murakami-cha (Niigata)
The northern-most commercial tea plantation on the Japan Sea side of Japan. - Nanbu-cha (Yamanashi)
Similar to Shizuoka-cha in taste, but mainly produces normal steamed Sencha. - Nishio-no-Matcha (Aichi)
A rare Area Brand that focuses on Tencha and Matcha. - Isecha (Mie)
3rd greatest tea production in Japan, especially known for its quality Kabuse-cha.
Teas from the Kinki Area
Covering the prefectures such as Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, the Kinki area has many notable teas as well. Especially the Ujicha in Kyoto is significant, as it is had historically lead and progressed the Japanese green tea culture in Japan.
Teas from the Kyushu Area
Having climate very suitable for tea production, Kyushu has many famous Area brands as well. Teas such as Kamairi-cha and Mushisei-Tamaryokucha are mostly produced in this area.
- Yamecha (Fukuoka)
Highest output of Gyokuro in Japan. The quality of the tea is also dominant. - Ureshino-cha (Saga / Nagasaki)
Origin of the Kamairi-cha. Mainly produces Mushisei-Tamaryokucha. - Kagoshima-cha (Kagoshima)
The second highest production of tea in Japan. Many varieties of tea are produced, driven by technology and efficiency. - Chiran-cha (Kagoshima)
High-grade tea brand produced in the Kagoshima prefecture.