THE BEST OF / FOOD & DRINK

Best Japanese tea shops to explore

A beginner-friendly route through matcha, sencha, and carefully sourced loose leaf tea.

THE SHORT VERSION

The quick picks

  1. 01
    Ippodo TeaBest traditional starting point
    ↗
  2. 02
    KettlBest deep dive into origin
    ↗
  3. 03
    TezumiBest tea-and-tools pairing
    ↗

OUR LENS

How we chose

We favored clear tea education and distinct ways to enter the category, from everyday bags to serious loose leaf.

These picks are editorial recommendations based on publicly available information and official sources. We have not independently tested every item. Check the linked source for current features, availability, and pricing.

THE DETAILS

Our three picks

01
Best traditional starting point

Ippodo Tea

An established Kyoto tea house with straightforward guidance across matcha, sencha, and gyokuro.

Know before you chooseA wide range can overwhelm a first-time buyer; start with a sampler or entry tea.
Check official source
02
Best deep dive into origin

Kettl

Its focus on producers and regions makes it rewarding for drinkers ready to compare different Japanese green teas.

Know before you chooseThe range leans premium.
Check official source
03
Best tea-and-tools pairing

Tezumi

Tea, teaware, and brewing guidance sit together, which helps when you are assembling a simple setup.

Know before you chooseCheck shipping options for your location.
Check official source

ONE LAST THING

Before you choose

Check the harvest or packing information when available, and follow the shop's water temperature guidance.