Best Japanese Non-alcoholic Beverage Types
Hōjicha is a Japanese roasted green tea. It is made with bancha or sencha green tea that is roasted over high heat. During roasting, the tea attains a distinctive reddish-brown color. Brewed hōjicha will result in a light brown tea with a slightly warmer character than traditional green tea.
Instead of typical green and vegetal aroma, hōjicha usually has roast-like notes reminiscent of coffee, cocoa, and caramel. The flavor is earthy and subtly sweet, with roasted notes that are typically not overpowering. Hōjicha has less caffeine and tannins than other green teas.
THE BEST Hōjicha Teas
Sencha is the most popular green tea in Japan. It is harvested from the leaves that are exposed to direct sunlight. After they are plucked, the leaves are shortly steamed and are then rolled and dried. There are several different types of sencha, but shincha, also known as ichiban-cha, is often cited as the highest-quality version.
It is produced from the first seasonal harvests and typically has a sweeter and more delicate flavor. Japanese sencha has green, needle-like leaves. It has a vegetal and grassy character, mild sweetness, and subtle astringency. Sencha tea pairs well with seafood and rice.
THE BEST Sencha Teas
Genmaicha is a mix of roasted green tea (bancha or sencha) and roasted brown rice (genmai), though white rice is also sometimes used. Invented in Kyoto by a local merchant, genmaicha was initially regarded as a standard and cheap tea option.
It is now enjoyed by many and praised for its distinctive character. Like other types, it also varies in quality and grades. When brewed, the tea will usually have a pale yellow color. The aroma is a blend of vegetal and light roasted notes. The flavor is rounded, nutty, and subtly sweet.
Gyokuro is a Japanese green tea of exceptional quality. It is a type of shade-grown tea—the bush is covered two weeks before the harvest. The technique results in tender, emerald-colored leaves packed with green notes. This exclusive tea is only harvested by hand.
It is an expensive and rare tea that should be carefully brewed. Leaving it to brew too long or using too hot water may result in a bitter and harsh brew. When brewed correctly, gyokuro has a subtle pale green color. It is a fragrant tea with delicate vegetal notes, while the flavor is rich and savory, often described as umami-like.
THE BEST Gyokuro Teas
Matcha is a Chinese green tea variety that is unique for its harvesting, processing, and preparation methods. Three or four weeks before the harvest, the bush (Camellia sinensis) is covered to prevent direct sunlight, allowing the leaves to grow in the shade.
After the harvest, the leaves are cleaned from stems and veins and are then processed into a fine powder. Unlike most tea varieties, matcha always comes in a powdered form—the practice was first introduced in China, but it remained a standard in Japan.
THE BEST Matcha Teas
Bancha is a Japanese green tea often called common, everyday green tea. This tea is harvested at the end of the season, following the summer harvest for sencha tea. The leaves are mature and firm, resulting in a slightly harsher and less fragrant tea, which is considered lower in quality than sencha or gyokuro.
Bancha can also include stems and twigs, which are indicators of quality. If the tea has more twigs and stems, this is a signal of lower quality bancha. This type of tea should be shortly steeped. It will usually be lighter and have more astringency than other types of Japanese green tea.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Mugicha is a Japanese name for barley tea—an infusion made by steeping roasted barley grains in hot or cold water. Technically, barley tea is a tisane, and nowadays, it is often made by using teabags consisting of roasted and ground barley.
The drink has ancient origins and is enjoyed in many Asian countries. When brewed, barley tea has a light brown color and a savor, nutty and earthy flavor. It can be sweetened to preference, while the chilled, summer version is often served over ice.
MAIN INGREDIENTS
Amazake is an ancient fermented rice-based drink that hails from Japan. It can be prepared with water, kōji mold, and steamed rice, but it is also sometimes made by combining hot water and sake lees (sake kasu)—the solid sake leftovers.
When made with kōji mold and steamed rice, it typically does not contain alcohol. The drink is not filtered, and it has a thick or chunky texture, while the flavor is subtle and sweet. Although it is considered a beverage, amazake has several uses—it is mostly enjoyed as a snack or a dessert drink, but it can also be added to dishes and drinks, in which it imparts sweetness and flavor.
Although it is usually called ginger tea, this ginger-based drink is better described as a ginger infusion. It can be made by simmering sliced ginger in hot water, but in South Korea (saenggang-cha) and Japan (shōgayu), it is often prepared with a mixture of honey and grated ginger.
The combination is stored, and it is then just mixed with water. Some variations will also include lemon or starch. The drink is commonly enjoyed as a health remedy, and it can either be made as a hot or cold beverage. Ginger tea comes in numerous variations that are found in various Asian countries.
Kukicha is a unique type of Japanese tea that is made with twigs and stems of Camellia sinensis. It typically comes in the form of green tea, though more oxidized varieties are also available. When brewed, the tea has a subtly sweet, vegetal flavor and a pleasant aroma.
It has low astringency and makes for an excellent, everyday tea. Karigane is a type of high-quality kukicha. It is produced from stems and stalks of the leaves used in the production of Gyokuro—a type of shaded Japanese tea. Kukicha would pair well with light dishes, poultry, cheese, and desserts.
Best Japanese Non-alcoholic Beverage Producers
Yame Tea Kumaen is a Japanese company located in the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, known for producing high-quality green tea. The company specializes in varieties such as Gyokuro, Sencha, Matcha, and Bancha, using traditional cultivation and processing methods that date back centuries.
Yame, as a region, offers ideal conditions for tea production due to its unique climatic environment. Kumaen prides itself on maintaining high standards of quality and a careful approach at every stage of production, from leaf picking to packaging.
The teas they produce are recognized for their rich flavors and delicate aromas.
BEST Yame Tea Kumaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Arahataen Tea Farm is a traditional Japanese tea farm located in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Established in 1874, the company is one of the most renowned producers of Japanese green tea. Arahataen takes pride in producing high-quality teas, using a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The company is also dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly production methods. Arahataen is famous for using the Chagusaba technique, a traditional method of tea cultivation that involves planting grass along the tea fields to create a natural ecosystem.
BEST Arahataen Tea Farm Teas and Herbal Infusions
Marukyu Koyamaen is a prestigious tea company based in Uji, Kyoto, Japan, specializing in premium green teas, particularly Gyokuro and Matcha. Founded in 1917, it has a long history of producing high-quality teas using traditional Japanese methods.
The company prides itself on its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Japanese tea culture while delivering exceptional products that embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. Marukyu Koyamaen also offers a variety of tea-related products and services, including factory tours and special offerings for food-grade matcha.
Their teas are highly regarded for their rich flavor, aroma, and smoothness, making them a favorite among tea enthusiasts worldwide.
BEST Marukyu Koyamaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha is a green tea producer based in Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The company specializes in the cultivation and production of high-quality Japanese green tea. Sueyoshi Seicha emphasizes the use of traditional farming methods and sustainable practices to ensure the purity and flavor of their teas.
Their product range includes a variety of green tea types such as sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. Sueyoshi Seicha Kobo also engages with the community through events and direct interactions with customers, showcasing their passion for tea and promoting a lifestyle centered around the enjoyment of fine teas.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2022
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Teas and Herbal Infusions
Teaholics is a Japanese company specializing in the sale and distribution of high-quality teas from around the world. Founded with the goal of providing an exceptional tea experience, Teaholics offers a diverse range of teas, including popular varieties such as black, green, white, oolong, and yellow tea, as well as herbal infusions and specialty blends.
One of Teaholics' key features is its commitment to quality. The company strives to ensure that each tea it sells is carefully selected and tested to meet high standards. Quality is further ensured through collaboration with renowned producers and tea farms that use traditional processing methods and take great care in cultivating the tea plants.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2022, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Teaholics Teas and Herbal Infusions
Yamayo Orchard is a family-run farm located in Minami Ward, Niigata City, Japan. For generations, they have been cultivating high-quality fruits, including Le Lectier pears, Japanese pears, and grapes. Le Lectier is a European pear variety introduced to Japan over 120 years ago.
Due to its sensitivity to diseases and the difficulty of cultivation, it is known as the "phantom pear." Today, about 90% of Japan's Le Lectier pear production takes place in Niigata Prefecture. Yamayo Orchard was among the first in Niigata Prefecture to receive the Eco-Farmer certification, utilizing reduced chemical fertilizers and pesticides to produce safe, reliable, and delicious fruit.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023, 2021
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
BEST Arai's Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
BEST Wakohen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Yamamotoyama is a Japanese tea producer with a rich history and tradition in the tea industry. The company is one of the leaders in the production of Japanese green tea, especially known for its high-quality products and innovations in the tea industry.
Yamamotoyama was founded in 1690 in Japan, making it one of the oldest tea companies in the world. Since its founding, the company has been dedicated to producing premium Japanese teas and distributing them both domestically and internationally. Yamamotoyama specializes in the production of various types of Japanese green tea, such as Sencha, Matcha, Genmaicha, and Hojicha.
BEST Yamamotoyama Teas and Herbal Infusions
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2024, 2023, 2021
BEST Kaoru Teas and Herbal Infusions
Best Japanese Non-alcoholic Beverages
Gyokuro Saemidori from Yame Tea Kumaen is a high-quality green tea known for its rich, sweet flavor and distinct umami profile. This tea is grown in the Yame region, which is famous for producing premium teas in Japan. Gyokuro tea is unique in that its leaves are shaded for several weeks before harvesting, reducing the amount of sunlight they receive and increasing the amino acid content, making it sweet and less bitter.
Saemidori is a variety of tea known for its rich green color and high quality, providing a full, creamy taste with a mild yet pronounced umami character. In addition to its exceptional flavor, this tea is packed with antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients that contribute to health.
Issaku Japanese Green Tea is an exclusive green tea produced by Arahataen Tea Farm. This tea is unique due to its limited production, making it rare even in Japan. It is made using the deep steaming method, which results in a stronger flavor and natural sweetness.
It is exclusively harvested from the first spring plucking and handpicked by tea masters. Issaku tea is grown on specialized farms in the Shizuoka region, where the climate contributes to its exceptional quality. This tea is perfect for those who want to experience an authentic, high-quality Japanese green tea with a rich tradition and careful processing of each leaf.
The Kiwami Choan is a premium matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen, known for its exceptional quality. It won the Gold Award in the matcha category at the Leafies 2022 tea fair in the United Kingdom. The matcha is carefully cultivated and processed to maintain its rich, deep flavor, making it ideal for traditional tea ceremonies and connoisseurs who appreciate high-quality tea.
It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. The Kiwami Choan matcha offers a smooth, umami-rich taste, with a vivid green color that embodies the mastery of Marukyu Koyamaen's tea-making tradition.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2021
Yamayo Orchard's Le Lectier Juice is a premium beverage made from the Le Lectier pear, a variety cultivated in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. This juice is produced using fully ripened Le Lectier pears, resulting in a rich and authentic flavor that captures the essence of the fresh fruit.
The juice is 100% pure, with no added sugars or preservatives, ensuring a natural and healthy drink option.
AWARDS
Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars
2025
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2024
Tenju is a premium grade of matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen. This matcha is crafted from hand-picked tea leaves and is known for its rich, distinctive aroma and robust flavor, making it ideal for preparing thick matcha. It comes in a beautifully designed packaging with the tea's name printed on the box, which enhances its premium appeal.
The Tenju matcha is recommended for connoisseurs who appreciate traditional, high-quality matcha, and it is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Japanese tea culture.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2023
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022, 2021
Teaholics’ Blue Mountain green tea is a unique and exquisite offering, earning a 2-star rating at the 2021 Great Taste Awards. This Japanese green tea is characterized by its vibrant and creamy taste, with notes of mango that come through distinctly on the palate.
The Blue Mountain tea presents a fresh, spring-like aroma. On the palate, it offers a smooth, creamy texture, complemented by the subtle flavor of raw mango. It’s well-balanced, with a delicate yet distinct profile that is both invigorating and refreshing.
AWARDS
Great Taste Awards - 3 stars
2022
Great Taste Awards - 2 stars
2021
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