While Japanese people have long been enjoying the benefits of matcha, the superfood has become increasingly popular overseas in recent years. In fact, the current matcha boom has been making news in Japan. Producers are facing challenges trying to meet demand and consumers are looking at higher prices as supplies run out. As you track down your next cup of matcha, you have to wonder, what’s the difference between one brand and the next? Luckily, we have all the information you need about the top Japanese matcha brands.
Matcha-Producing Regions in Japan
What to Know When Buying Matcha
Matcha-Producing Regions in Japan
Head west to check out matcha producing regions in Japan.
Kyoto (Uji) After tea reached Japan from China via the Buddhist monk Eisai in the late 12th century, the first place where cultivation of tea began in earnest was Uji. Farmers here also developed the technique of shading the tencha leaves (tea leaves which are made into matcha), which is still used in matcha production today. With this long history, matcha from Uji is known as the most prestigious with many of the top brands today originating in the Edo period and before.
Shizuoka
As the country’s largest tea producer, Shizuoka is famous for its green, refreshing sencha (infused tea leaves). This prefecture’s climate is ideal for tea production with fertile volcanic soil with high drainage, fog and mist from the mountains and fresh water. The matcha produced here in the valleys around Mount Fuji is also said to have a lighter and slightly more astringent taste than other matcha on this list.
Fukuoka (Yame)
Fukuoka’s Yame region is popular for gyokuro (one of Japan’s highest grades of green tea). Its production requires the same shading technique as matcha, thereby increasing its chlorophyll content and the tea’s rich flavor. For matcha as well, Yame farmers’ dedication to the painstakingly covered cultivation is said to result in a full-bodied, mellow taste. Yame matcha has been gaining popularity in recent years for its deep umami notes and comparable sweetness.
Aichi (Nishio)
While Aichi is not a household name for sencha production, the Nishio region has a long history of tea cultivation, dating back to the late 1200s. The tea fields here are almost exclusively dedicated to the tencha leaves which become matcha. With a climate similar to Uji, with hot summers and cool winters and soil with good drainage, Nishio matcha is said to be full-bodied, with a balanced taste profile and a strong fragrance.
What to Know When Buying Matcha
For first-time buyers, here’s what you need to consider.
Light vs Rich When you are looking to buy matcha to drink, you will notice that it is often ranked from usui (light) to koi (rich). These designations refer to flavor profiles as well as color and aroma. Usucha (light matcha) has more astringency, a lighter green color and a less strong flavor and fragrance. Koicha (rich matcha) has a brighter and a darker color, with rich sweetness and umami in both taste and aroma. It is often made with twice as many leaves as usucha. As such, koicha is usually more expensive than usucha and can be harder to purchase.
Buying in-person
So, where should you buy matcha? In addition to the online stores of several top brands from the main producing regions that we list below, you should definitely head to your local department store. Many famous and local tea companies have branches in the depachika (department store basement), where you can find matcha and store clerks well-versed in explaining its nuances (in Japanese). Some stores even have English pamphlets to help you make your purchasing choices.
Best Japanese Matcha Brands
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