A Beginner’s Guide to the Types of Japanese Tea

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Japanese green tea is known for its many health benefits, but did you know that there are different types of Japanese tea? Each type has its own unique flavor and properties.

In this blog post, we will introduce the different types of Japanese tea, their uses, flavors and explain their benefits.

Teapot and tea bowl on a table in a traditional Japanese room in front of Shoji screen windows

What Makes Japanese Tea Different from Other Teas?

The first thing to know about Japanese tea is that it is almost exclusively green tea. Green tea is made from un oxidized leaves and has a higher concentration of catechins, which are health-promoting antioxidants. Japan does make a handful of black tea and herbal tea varieties.

This means that Japanese green teas are usually stronger in flavor and more potent in terms of their health benefits than other green teas.

Japanese green tea is also high in vitamin C, making it a great beverage to drink before or after meals for better digestion.

Japan does make a handful of black teas each year, but most all of the tea you will find from Japan will be green tea. Japanese tea is grown in Mount Fuji, in Schizuoka and on the island of Kyusu.

Tea is an important part of Japanese culture.

green powder tea with bamboo whisk

The Different Types of Japanese Tea

Bancha

This Japanese tea is from a long, flat tea leaf. Bancha means “late harvest”. This tea is produced for everyday use and is considered common tea, not for a Japanese tea ceremony.

Flavor: This tea is bitter and slightly astringent.

Uses: Everyday drinking, especially as a digestive. Best drunk hot.

How to Make Bancha Tea:

Use 2 cups water and 2 Tbsp Bancha tea leaves

  1. Boil water and let stand for 1-2 minutes to cool.
  2. Place tea leaves in a warmed teapot and add water.
  3. Steep for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Strain, then drink hot.

Hojicha Tea

This tea was created as an attempt to improve the taste of Bancha. It means “grilled tea leaf” and can also be called Roasted Bancha. The green tea leaf is roasted to a brown color (roasted green tea) and the resulting tea is reddish-brown and tastes better than Bancha.

Flavor: Lighter in flavor than Bancha with a nutty flavor to it that resembles coffee.

Uses: Houjicha is great for serving with meals and it has a very low caffeine content so it can be a bedtime tea as well. It can be drunk hot, warm or cool.

How to Make Houjicha Tea:

Use 2 cups water and 2 tsp Houjicha tea leaves

  1. Boil water, let cool 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place tea leaves in warmed teapot and add water.
  3. Steep for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Strain, then drink hot, warm or cool.

Sencha

This tea uses whole, unrolled leaves with a needlelike shape that comes in many different grades. Shincha is a variety of sencha tea that is made from the very first leaves of the tea plant grown in full sunlight and is very popular.

Flavor: This is a fresh and delicous tea infusion that has a light flavor.

Uses: This tea is great for relaxing and it is traditionally made in a special Kyusu teapot, which has a handle to the side, perpendicular to the spout.

How to Make Sencha Tea:

Use 1/2 cup water and 2 tsp Sencha tea leaves.

  1. Boil water and let cool 1-2 minutes.
  2. Place tea leaves in warmed teapot and add water.
  3. Steep for 1 minute ONLY.
  4. Strain, then drink hot.

Gyokuro Tea

One of Japan’s finest green teas, these tea leaves are grown on beautiful plantations where the tea trees are protected in winter and shielded from light with special mats once the buds appear. This process produces less tannins in the tea, and also changes the flavor and aroma.

Flavor: Fragrant, smooth and mellow with a rich green color and naturally sweet taste

Uses: This tea has high caffeine levels, so it’s best in the morning or midday, but not at night. Best while hot.

How to Make Gyokuro Tea:

Use 1/2 cup water and 1 tsp Gyokuru tea leaves

  1. Boil water and let stand for 1-2 minutes to cool.
  2. Place tea leaves in a warmed teapot and add water.
  3. Steep for 1 1/2 minutes (90 seconds).
  4. Strain, then drink immediately while hot.

Matcha

This tea is a fine-quality green tea known as Matcha. This tea is unique in that it is dried and then ground into a fine powder. For Matcha, the powdered green tea is gently stirred into hot water until it is frothy. If you see Matcha Uji on your tea, it is great quality.

Flavor: Matcha has an earthy flavor and is a bit bitter.

Uses: Matcha is well known for it’s antioxidant properties, so many people drink it for its health benefits. It’s a part of a ceremonial tea ritual in Japan and is often served with sweets.

How to make Matcha Tea:

Use 1 cup water and 2 1/2 tsp Matcha powder

  1. Boil water and let stand for 1-2 minutes to cool.
  2. Place powdered tea in a small warmed bowl that can hold at least 1 cup.
  3. Add the water and use a whisk to stir briskly until frothy.
  4. Drink hot or add milk or sweetner to taste.

Which Type of Japanese Tea is Best for Beginners?

The best type of Japanese tea for beginners is Sencha. It has a light and delicate flavor that is easy to appreciate.

Bancha and Houjicha are also good choices, as they have a more robust flavor that is still easy to drink.

Matcha can be a bit bitter for some people, so it might be best to try it in a small quantity at first.

Whichever tea you choose, enjoy the experience of exploring a new culture through its tea!

Common Questions About the Types of Japanese Tea?

Are these the only types of Japanese tea?

No! These are just the most common ones and the ones we feel are best for beginners. There are over a dozen types of tea in Japan, including the ones listed here plus Kabusecha, Tencha, Mecha, Shincha, Kukicha, Genmaicha, Konacha, Kamairicha, and Tamaryokucha – all green teas. There are also a few varieties of Japanese black tea and herbal tea.

What is the most common tea in Japan?

Japan cultivates many different types of green tea, so it’s no surprise that green tea is the most common tea in Japan. It is grown and processed in many different ways.

How do I choose a Japanese tea?

The best way to choose a Japanese tea is to try different types and see which one you like the best. If you are new to drinking tea, we recommend trying Sencha or Bancha first. If you want a more robust flavor, Houjicha is a good choice. Matcha can be a bit bitter for some, so it might be best to try it in a small quantity at first.

Do I need special equipment to make Japanese tea?

No, you do not need special equipment to make Japanese tea. All you need is water, a teapot or teacup, and your favorite type of Japanese tea. If you want to make Matcha, you will need the powdered Matcha tea, a bowl and a whisk.

Can I make Japanese tea with tap water?

Yes, you can make Japanese tea with tap water. However, we recommend using filtered or spring water for the best flavor.

I hope this guide has helped you understand a bit more about the types of Japanese tea. There are so many varieties out there, but these are the best ones for beginners.

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