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A Gentle Start: Embracing Mornings with Japanese Tea
You might reach for your morning coffee without a second thought.
But what if there were a gentler way to start the day—one that calms the mind, nourishes the body, and connects you to centuries of quiet tradition?
When I first replaced my daily coffee with wakoucha, Japan’s elegant black tea, the change was immediate and deeply noticeable.
My usual jitters and stomach discomfort vanished—replaced by a sense of calm clarity I hadn’t realized I was missing.
In this article, we’ll explore Japan’s rich world of tea—from the antioxidant-rich matcha to the soothing roasted notes of hojicha—and how these time-honored brews can become a meaningful part of your everyday ritual. Along the way, I’ll also share some of Japan’s most respected tea and wagashi brands, perfect for those seeking both flavor and intention.
Discovering Japanese Tea: More Than Just Matcha
While matcha has gained worldwide attention for its vibrant color and energizing properties, it’s only one chapter in Japan’s tea story. Each type of tea—whether green, roasted, or black—carries its own subtle character, health benefits, and cultural roots.
Let’s take a closer look at four beloved varieties:
🍃 Matcha – The Mindful Energizer
Finely ground green tea powder used in traditional tea ceremonies.
- Benefits: High in antioxidants (especially EGCG), boosts metabolism, promotes calm alertness thanks to L-theanine.
- When to enjoy: Morning or early afternoon.
🍂 Hojicha – The Roasted Comfort
Green tea roasted over charcoal, giving it a toasty, nutty aroma.
- Benefits: Naturally low in caffeine, gentle on the stomach, perfect for winding down.
- When to enjoy: Evenings or post-meal.
🍵 Genmaicha – The Everyday Cozy Cup
A blend of green tea and roasted brown rice, with a warm, savoury flavour.
- Benefits: Mild caffeine, helps with digestion, often loved by newcomers.
- When to enjoy: Midday or with meals.
🌸 Wakoucha – Japan’s Gentle Black Tea
Japanese-grown black tea with a smooth, floral profile.
- Benefits: Softer than most black teas, doesn’t irritate the stomach, a great coffee alternative.
- When to enjoy: Morning or afternoon.
Japan’s Top Tea Brands to Try
Whether you’re just beginning your tea journey or looking to elevate your daily ritual, Japan offers a wide array of tea brands that blend tradition with modern sensibility.
Here are five carefully curated tea houses and makers that reflect the country’s deep reverence for craftsmanship and flavor.
1. Lupicia（ルピシア）– A Modern Gateway to Japanese Tea
With over 400 varieties of tea—from classic sencha to seasonal blends—Lupicia is a beloved favorite for tea lovers worldwide. Their beautifully designed tins and accessible flavors make them a perfect starting point for newcomers.
📍 Available across Japan and internationally + online shop
2. Ippodo Tea（一保堂茶舗） – Centuries of Kyoto Excellence
Established in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo is a household name for those seeking matcha and high-quality sencha with deep umami and balance. Their teas are ideal for slow mornings and quiet afternoons.
📍 Available across Japan and New York store + online shop
3. Marukyu-Koyamaen（丸久小山園） – For the Matcha Connoisseur
If you’re looking for ceremonial-grade matcha with a refined taste profile, Marukyu-Koyamaen is one of Japan’s most respected tea producers. Their matcha is often used in traditional tea ceremonies.
📍 Kyoto + online shop
4. Yamamotoyama（山本山） – Trusted and Timeless
Founded in 1690, this Tokyo-based brand is known for approachable everyday teas like hojicha, genmaicha, and wakoucha. A staple in many Japanese households.
📍 Available at department store across Japan & online shop
5. Sazen Tea（サゼンティー） – A Bridge Between Cultures
Specializing in artisan teas and teaware, Sazen Tea offers a thoughtful selection for the global tea enthusiast. Their detailed guides and calming aesthetics make Japanese tea feel wonderfully accessible.
📍 Online shop
The Harmony of Tea and Sweets: 5 Traditional Wagashi Makers
Just like how many people enjoy a sweet treat with their coffee, it’s common in Japan to enjoy a small confection with a cup of tea.
One of the most beloved companions to Japanese tea is wagashi—traditional sweets often made from natural ingredients like red bean paste, rice flour, and seasonal fruits. These delicate creations not only satisfy the palate but also reflect the aesthetics of Japanese culture and the beauty of each season.
Here are five renowned wagashi makers that pair beautifully with your favorite cup of tea:
1. Toraya（とらや） – Timeless Elegance in Every Bite
With a history of over 500 years, Toraya is one of Japan’s most iconic wagashi brands. Their signature yokan (sweet red bean jelly) comes in elegant seasonal designs and flavors.
📍 Tokyo, Kyoto, and department stores nationwide + online shop
🔗 Website
2. Minamoto Kitchoan（源 吉兆庵） – Seasonal Beauty Meets Flavor
Known for their visually stunning, fruit-based confections, Minamoto Kitchoan crafts sweets that reflect the changing seasons and the aesthetics of nature.
📍 Shops across Japan and global cities like New York, London, Singapore, etc.
🔗 Website
3. Kagizen Yoshifusa（鍵善良房） – Kyoto’s Refined Sweetness
Established in the 18th century, this Kyoto confectioner is best known for kuzukiri—refreshing arrowroot noodles served with black syrup—and artfully presented seasonal treats.
📍 Kyoto
🔗 Website
4. Tsuruya Yoshinobu（鶴屋吉信） – Artful Omotenashi
Famous for its namagashi (fresh sweets), this brand offers a tea room where you can watch artisans handcraft sweets before your eyes—an experience as delicate as the wagashi itself.
📍 Kyoto and Tokyo flagship stores + online shop
🔗 Website
5. Wagashi Asobi – Tradition with a Contemporary Twist
This newer brand reimagines classic wagashi with a modern eye, using minimalist aesthetics and unique flavor pairings. A beautiful bridge between old and new.
📍 Tokyo + Online boutique
🔗 Website
How to Begin Your Own Tea Ritual at Home
🌿 1. Choose Your Tea Intentionally
Whether it’s earthy matcha, nutty hojicha, or fragrant wakocha, let your mood and body guide your choice.
Keep a few types on hand and rotate them depending on the time of day or how you feel that day.
🫖 2. Use Simple, Thoughtful Tools
No need for fancy gear—just a kyusu (Japanese teapot) and your favorite cup will do. Even with the simplest setup, you can create a small, intentional moment of care.
For matcha, a basic whisk (chasen) and bowl (chawan) can enhance the experience, but even that’s optional.
🕯 3. Create a Quiet Setting
Try turning off your notifications, sitting near a window, or playing gentle music.
Let the moment be yours—quiet, slow, and undistracted.
🍪 4. Add a Small Treat (Optional but Lovely)
A seasonal sweet or a piece of wagashi can turn a simple tea break into a mindful indulgence.
It’s not about calories—it’s about appreciation.
🧘♂️ 5. Sip Slowly, Breathe Deeply
As you sip, take in the aroma, the warmth, the flavor. Let your thoughts slow down.
You’re not just drinking tea—you’re grounding yourself.
Conclusion: A Small Ritual with a Big Impact
In a world that often moves too fast, Japanese tea invites you to slow down—even just for a few minutes.
It’s not about doing things perfectly. It’s about making space for stillness, comfort, and a quiet kind of joy.
Whether you’re swapping out your morning coffee for wakocha or savoring hojicha after a long day, these small moments add up.
And with every cup, you’re not just nurturing your body—you’re honoring a centuries-old art of presence and care.
FAQ: Japanese Tea, Simplified
Q: I’m new to Japanese tea. Where should I start?
Start with hojicha or wakocha—they’re mild, low in caffeine, and easy to enjoy without special tools.
Matcha is great too, but it takes a bit more practice.
Q: Where can I buy good Japanese tea outside of Japan?
Look for brands like Lupicia, Yamamotoyama, or Ippodo. Many offer international shipping or are available on global marketplaces.
Q: Is it okay to drink Japanese tea every day?
Absolutely. Most types of Japanese tea are gentle on the body and can be enjoyed daily—some even multiple times a day.
Just listen to your body and adjust based on how you feel.
Q: Can I enjoy Japanese tea without wagashi?
Of course! Tea on its own is already a moment of peace. But if you’d like to treat yourself, wagashi adds a lovely seasonal touch.
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