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What Does Matcha Taste Like? A Beginner’s Complete Guide to Japanese Green Tea
Introduction If you’re new to matcha, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “What does matcha taste
August 19, 2025
Premium Japanese Tea for a Mindful Daily Ritual
Discover premium Japanese teas like Matcha, Sencha, and Gyokuro, along with curated gift sets, accessories, and teaware to elevate every tea experience.
From Uji Fields to Your Teacup
Every leaf starts on centuries-old farms in Uji, Japan—handpicked and delivered fresh, so you taste the true essence of Japanese tea in every sip.
Ceremonial-Grade Purity
Our matcha is organic, stone-ground, and hand-picked—delivering vibrant color, deep aroma, and the smooth, rich taste true to Japanese tradition.
Crafted to the Last Scoop
Each batch of our matcha is carefully tested to ensure a smooth, silky texture, bold flavor, and a clump-free experience—every single time.
Matcha, Made for Today
Be part of a growing matcha community and explore a lifestyle rooted in wellness, tradition, and meaningful connection.
Our Customer Favorites
Popular Categories
From premium matcha to essential accessories, discover the top picks loved by tea enthusiasts. Hand-selected for quality, tradition, and everyday enjoyment.
Pure Tradition in Every Sip
Matcha Tea
Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has a vibrant green color and a rich, creamy texture.
Everything You Need to Begin
Matcha Accesories
Our matcha sets include all the essentials—whisk, bowl, scoop, and tea—ideal for beginners or gifting a complete matcha experience.
Elevate Your Tea Ritual
Gyokuro
A shade-grown, premium green tea with a sweet, umami-rich flavor
Japan’s Finest Green Tea
Gyokuro
Shade-grown for a naturally sweet, umami-rich flavor and smooth, luxurious finish.
Gyokuro Kanro Tea
Kanro’s name means “sweet dew. " This tea has a plentiful, rich character until the last drop. The main difference between Gyokuro and Sencha is that Gyokuro green tea is shade-grown and harvested only once a year in spring. This shading of the Gyokuro tea plants ensures that the natural antioxidant and anti-irritant properties associated with the plants are maximized to the utmost.
Kanro's plentiful umami and long finish make it a good Gyokuro for slowly sipping in small servings. It has a concentrated flavor, just like freshly squeezed tea leaves.
Try this tea for your first taste of Ippodo Gyokuro. Make sure to "cool the water thoroughly."
Loose leaves
Weight: 80g
Green tea from Japan
Gyokuro Mantoku from Ippodo 50g
Ideal for early mornings, when you want to gently wake up your senses. Mantoku delivers warmth and calm, helping you start your day with clarity and ease.
Yame Gyokuro Green Tea
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Ippodo Gyokuro Tekiro – 50g
Gyokuro Ippoen from Ippodo 50g
Rich in umami, smooth in texture, and virtually void of astringency, Ippoen is a top-class gyokuro that is a favorite among our patrons. We recommend enjoying Ippoen's full-bodied, but elegant character slowly at contemplative tea sessions. We also recommend this tea as cold brew, to taste the full potential of its deep umami and sweetness.
Ippodo Gyokuro Tenkaichi – 50g
Flavor Profile
Gyokuro Tenkaichi evokes the image of a hidden mountain spring—pure, serene, and crystal-clear. Its flavor is delicate yet profound, offering a clarity and depth that invites introspection. This tea is an expression of nature's quiet power, refined into a cup.
Gyokuro Supreme
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Ippodo Gyokuro Rimpo – 50g
The first brew is smooth and creamy its in mouth feel with strong umami and savoury notes to start and ends clean, bright and refreshing. A well - rounded tea to accompany rich, savoury dishes. One to be savoured with main course or slow sipping after a meal as the 2nd and 3rd brews yield more depth and umami.
Discover the World of Authentic Japanese Tea
Looking for the purest Japanese tea? You’re in the right place. From rich matcha to refreshing sencha and roasted hojicha, our collection brings the centuries-old tea traditions of Japan directly to your cup. Whether you’re a beginner or a tea connoisseur, our handpicked teas offer an unmatched experience of flavor, wellness, and culture.
What Is Japanese Tea?
Japanese tea refers to a variety of green teas grown and processed in Japan. Unlike other teas, Japanese green tea is steamed after harvesting, which gives it a bright green color, a fresh, grassy aroma, and a smooth, umami-rich flavor
The Complete Ritual Starter
Matcha Sets
Beautifully curated sets with all the essentials for preparing and enjoying authentic matcha at home.
Matcha Set – Duck Egg
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a duck egg blue finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Matcha Set – Golden Harmony
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a stunning navy finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Slight irregularities in size, glaze and texture reflect the artisan nature of the product and are embraced
Matcha Set – Light Coral
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a stunning navy finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Slight irregularities in size, glaze and texture reflect the artisan nature of the product and are embraced
Matcha Set – Midnight Grace
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a stunning navy finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Slight irregularities in size, glaze and texture reflect the artisan nature of the product and are embraced
Matcha Set – Sea Foam
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a vibrant finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Slight irregularities in size, glaze and texture reflect the artisan nature of the product and are embraced
Matcha Set – Autumn Ember
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a vibrant finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Slight irregularities in size, glaze and texture reflect the artisan nature of the product and are embraced
Matcha Set – Bronzed Serenity
Elevate your matcha experience with our exclusive Matcha Set, designed for both beginners and seasoned matcha enthusiasts. Crafted from premium ceramic with a stunning bronze finish, this set brings elegance and tradition to your tea ritual.
What's Included:
• 500ml matcha bowl (chawan) with a convenient spout for easy pouring
• 100-prong bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) for a perfectly frothy matcha
• Bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) for precise scooping
• Whisk holder (chasen stand) to maintain whisk shape and longevity
Create the perfect matcha moment with this beautifully designed set.
Pure, Ceremonial-Grade Excellence
Matcha Tea
Finely ground green tea powder used in tea ceremonies
Ippodo Sayaka Matcha
We recommend Sayaka for your first taste of Ippodo matcha, as it is a smooth blend with umami and just a hint of astringency. Try this matcha as koicha to experience the full depth and nuances of its character. As usucha, Sayaka is an accessible tea to serve to beginners and connoisseurs alike at teatime. For matcha lattes, we usually recommend a medium-to-light category matcha with more astringency, but some will choose Sayaka for its bright color, umami, and soft astringency.
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Kinrin Uji Matcha by Marukyu Koyamaen
Key Features:
- Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- Flavor Profile: Smooth and balanced with subtle sweetness and a mild astringent note
- Uses: Perfect for usucha, matcha lattes, and culinary creations
- Packaging: Sealed for optimal freshness and vibrant color retention
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Shikibu no Mukashi Matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen
Shikibu no Mukashi Matcha is a premium choice often used for preparing high-quality usucha (thin tea). Its deep, rich flavour, characterized by strong umami and full-bodied taste, makes it equally delightful when enjoyed as koicha (thick tea) at home. This matcha is perfect for those who appreciate the complex and luxurious aroma of top-quality matcha. Shikibu no Mukashi is an excellent option for anyone looking to indulge in the finest matcha experience.
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Wakatake Matcha by Marukyu Koyamaen
Wakatake Matcha, crafted by Marukyu Koyamaen, is specifically designed for matcha lattes and culinary applications. It produces an excellent daily matcha latte with a classic matcha flavor that pairs beautifully with any milk of choice.
While Wakatake is Marukyu Koyamaen's most economical offering, it maintains the company's high quality standards. It's particularly recommended for those who primarily enjoy matcha lattes and want to experience a Marukyu Koyamaen product, especially when their more popular matchas are difficult to obtain.
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Aoarashi Matcha by Marukyu Koyamaen
Aoarashi is an excellent economical matcha with a refreshing, balanced taste. From the famous and multiple award winning Marukyu Koyamaen company (established over 300 years ago!), this Uji matcha is suitable for beginners as well as for culinary uses, smoothies, and lattes.
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Matsukaze Mukashi Matcha by Kanbayashi Shunsho
Features:
Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan – the birthplace of matcha Grade: Ceremonial-grade, stone-milled for exceptional smoothness Flavor Profile: Well-balanced umami with natural sweetness and a hint of earthiness Texture: Velvety and fine, whisks easily into a frothy, rich consistency Color: Deep emerald green, a hallmark of superior shade-grown matcha Best For: Traditional usucha (thin tea) preparation, meditative tea rituals, and special occasions
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Jiko Matcha by Maruyasu 30g
Jiko is a very nice matcha from Maruyasa Tea. From Shiga Prefecture, Jiko was designed as a competition tea, using a blend of Samidori, Saemidori, Asahi and Yabukita cultivars. Stone ground, the matcha is creamy, nutty, and complex with a sweet, mouthwatering finish. It's well-integrated flavor experience and is highly recommended as usucha or a really nice matcha latte.
Hatsu Mukashi Matcha by Kanbayashi Shunsho
Key Features:
• Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan • Grade: Ceremonial • Flavor Notes: Mild umami, subtle sweetness, smooth finish • Uses: Tea ceremonies, matcha beverages, and culinary applications • Packaging: Airtight container for optimal freshness
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Baba Mukashi Matcha by Kanbayashi Shunsho
Key Features:
• Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan • Grade: Ceremonial • Flavor Notes: Bold umami, balanced sweetness, velvety finish • Uses: Tea ceremonies, matcha drinks, and culinary creations • Packaging: Premium airtight container to ensure lasting freshness
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Wako Matcha by Marukyu Koyamaen
Key Features:
- Origin: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
- Flavor Profile: Subtle sweetness, balanced umami, and a smooth, light finish
- Uses: Ideal for usucha, matcha lattes, or culinary delights
- Packaging: Freshly sealed to preserve vibrant color, aroma, and flavor
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Japan’s Everyday Green Tea
Sencha
Light, refreshing, and grassy with a hint of sweetness—perfect for daily sipping and a gentle energy boost.
Sencha Hosen From IppodoÂ
Hosen is a good introduction to Ippodo sencha. It has gentle sweetness, bright fragrance, and a mellow aftertaste, characteristic of our premium sencha blends. In our medium-rich category, this tea has a balanced character with more umami and sweetness than astringency. Try this sencha first, and brew it in the morning, at teatime, and other times that call for an aromatic, satisfying green tea.
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Shizuoka Fukamushi Sencha
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Sencha Shoike From Ippodo
Shoike has an even balance of umami, sweetness, astringency, bitterness, and fragrance, in a medium-bodied sencha. The result is a round-character tea that is accessible for beginners and satisfying for more seasoned sencha drinkers.
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Sencha Kunpu From Ippodo
With its characteristic elegant fragrance and delicate aftertaste, Kumpu is a high-class sencha in our rich category. Choose this tea if you enjoy umami, sweetness, and a sustained aftertaste, with a slightly gentler character. We also recommend this tea as cold brew, to taste the full potential of its deep umami and sweetness.
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Sencha Nichigetsu From Ippodo
Nichigetsu is a medium-body sencha with a balanced taste. It has a little more astringency than umami and sweetness, leading to an aftertaste with pleasant sencha crispness and gentle heartiness. Choose Nichigetsu for a sencha to enjoy throughout the day, with meals or at teatime.
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Kagoshima Organic Sencha
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Stems Sencha From Ippodo – 80g Bag
Stems Sencha is a sencha green tea with a classic balance of sweetness, umami, bitterness, and astringency. However, its crisp, snappy taste and its fragrance make it distinct from a regular leaf sencha. Try brewing it with boiling temperature water for 30 seconds, to bring out the full fragrance of the stems.
Sencha Kaboku from Ippodo
With a full-bodied sweetness that softly lingers on the tongue, and a flowery fragrance that permeates the air, Kaboku is a sencha for those who appreciate a high-class, robust sencha. We also recommend this tea as cold brew, to taste the full potential of its deep umami and sweetness.
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Sencha Fukamushi Superior
| Ingredients | Green tea from Japan |
|---|---|
| Dose | 4 grams(1½tsp) / 2 dl |
| Water temperature | 80 grader |
| Steeping time | 35-45 seconds the first time, slightly shorter the second time, then longer |
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Sencha Unro from Ippodo 80g
We recommend Unro for sencha drinkers who prefer light bitterness and astringency, and slight sweetness. With a short aftertaste, light body, and breezy aroma, this tea’s bitterness tastes refreshing especially when served after a meal. In addition to the standard sencha brew with 176°F water, you can try brewing Unro with hotter water for 30 seconds, producing an even more refreshing, aromatic character.
Thoughtful Sets for Every Occasion
Gifts
Beautifully packaged tea gifts that celebrate tradition, wellness, and the joy of sharing authentic Japanese tea.
Bamboo Matcha Whisk
Matcha Whisk Sets
Want to make smooth, frothy matcha at home? Buy a Matcha Whisk Set and elevate your tea experience with all the tools you need in one elegant package. Whether you’re a beginner or a matcha lover, this set ensures the perfect bowl every time – with your choice of color: Green, Blue, White, or Black.
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Basic Matcha Kit
On your next day off, take a moment to prepare a bowl of matcha. Measure a portion of powder, and marvel at its brilliant green color. As you start to whisk, feel the texture of the whisk's bamboo handle, and listen to the sounds of its tines swishing through the tea. Then, notice matcha's honey-like fragrance filling the room. Take a sip, and feel its richness blossom throughout your palate. Finally, sit in the moment, and observe how refreshed and relaxed you feel.
Stainless Steel Matcha Sifter
A matcha tea sifter is a small mesh strainer or fine sieve used to sift matcha powder before whisking. Matcha tends to clump due to its ultra-fine grind and static electricity. Sifting it allows for:
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Better mixing with water
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A creamier, smoother texture
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Fewer lumps and less waste
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A more enjoyable matcha experience
Matcha Whisk Holder
Place the rinsed matcha whisk or chasen on top of this holder when you have finished making matcha. The holder will protect the delicate bamboo tines of the chasen and help keep the shape and extend its life.
This is sold without the whisk. Buy whisk here.
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Mild & Comforting Green Tea
Bancha
A lower-caffeine tea with a toasty, earthy flavor—ideal for relaxed daily drinking and gentle on the stomach.
Ippodo Hojicha – 100g
Ippodo's Gokujo Hojicha is the perfect blend of roasted tea leaves and stems that many have come to love as a soothing everyday tea. Soft, sweet, and aromatic, Gokujo Hojicha our first recommendation whether you are looking to try hojicha for the first time or for the hundredth time.
Ippodo Gokujo Genmaicha – 100g
Ippodo Stems Hojicha – 100g
For those who love hojicha, we also offer Stems Hojicha by Ippodo Tea , a stems-only version of hojicha. Compared to Ippodo's regular Gokujo Hojicha, Stems Hojicha has a deeper roasted flavor and a unique stems character- round, hearty, and crisp. If you love the taste of Gokujo Hojicha, but are looking for a tea that is more full-bodied, then this is a must-try.
Convenience Meets Quality
Teabags
Enjoy premium Japanese teas in easy-to-brew teabags—perfect for busy days without compromising on flavor or freshness.
Teabag Assortment – 12 Bags
Genmaicha Teabags (Teapot Size) – 9 Bags
Hojicha Teabags – 25 Bags
Hojicha Teabags – 12 Bags
Gyokuro Teabags – 12 Bags
Mugicha Barley Teabags (Teapot Size) – 18 Bags
Sencha Teabags – 12 Bags
Sencha Teabags – 25 Bags
Gyokuro Teabags – 25 Bags
Iribancha Teabags (Teapot Size) – 18 Bags
Iribancha, also called Kyobancha, is known for its unique smoky aroma and its refreshing flavor. People in Kyoto have long enjoyed Iribancha with meals and throughout the day to stay hydrated. Since it has less caffeine than other green teas, less-sensitive people also drink it in the evening to relax.
Why Choose Japanese Tea?
✅ Unmatched Freshness – Sourced directly from heritage farms in regions like Uji, Shizuoka, and Yame
✅ Tradition You Can Taste – Grown using age-old Japanese methods passed down for generations
✅ Wellness Benefits – Naturally rich in antioxidants, L-theanine, and catechins
✅ Pure Quality – Organic, hand-picked, and tested for flavor, aroma, and texture
Types of Japanese Tea We Offer
Ceremonial-Grade Matcha – Perfect for traditional tea preparation
Fukamushi Sencha – Deep-steamed for a bold, full-bodied brew
Yame Gyokuro – Japan’s finest, shaded tea with a sweet finish
Hojicha Powder – Great for lattes, desserts, and low-caffeine sipping
Specialty Seasonal Teas – Rare, limited-edition brews direct from Japanese growers
Whether you want to start your day with clarity or wind down with a calming cup, Japanese tea fits every mood, moment, and ritual.
FAQs About Japanese Tea
What makes Japanese tea different from other green teas?
Japanese tea is steamed after harvest instead of pan-fired, giving it a vibrant color, fresh taste, and stronger umami flavor.
Is Japanese tea high in caffeine?
It varies—matcha and gyokuro have higher caffeine, while hojicha and genmaicha are more mellow.
Which Japanese tea is best for beginners?
Sencha or genmaicha are great starting points due to their balanced flavors and mild strength.
How should I store Japanese tea?
Keep it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor.
Are Japanese tea sets good gifts?
Absolutely! Their elegance and cultural significance make them excellent for birthdays, weddings, or holiday gifts.
Can I drink Japanese tea every day?
Absolutely! Many people enjoy multiple cups daily for its taste and health benefits.
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June 20, 2025