Japanese Tea: A Deeply Rooted Tradition

In Japan, tea is deeply ingrained in the culture—it's an essential and even defining element. While today, in France, we are fortunate to taste Japanese tea, exports remain limited compared to the quantity consumed daily by the Japanese people. In fact, less than 5% of Japan's tea production is exported, and it's said that the Japanese consume about 910 grams of tea per person per year.

Tea lovers, explore Betjeman & Barton's fine selection of Japanese teas and immerse yourself in this essential element of the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Japanese Tea: A Centuries-Old Tradition

In Japan, tea is undoubtedly the national drink. It is an inseparable part of the country's culture, even regarded as an art form through the famous tea ceremony, also known as “Cha No Yu.”

Tea was not initially produced in Japan—it was introduced from China during the Nara period in the 8th century. The monk Eichû, upon returning from China, brought the first tea brick to Japan to offer it to Emperor Saga. Seduced by the new flavor, the emperor then ordered the planting of tea bushes around what is now the city of Kyoto.

For centuries, Japanese tea remained a drink of the elite, particularly consumed in powdered form by the military aristocracy. Beginning in the 12th century, competitions called "tôcha" were organized to reward players who could identify the most tea varieties. However, these competitions were eventually banned and replaced by tea ceremonies that promoted harmony, respect, serenity, and purity.

The tea ceremony was even codified by the tea master Sen no Rikyū. The tea we know today, infused tea, began to be produced and consumed in Japan only during the Edo period (1603-1868). It was during this time that tea started to become popular, even being exported as early as the 19th century.

Today, tea remains an essential part of daily life in Japan but has significantly modernized over the years.

Green Tea, Black Tea, Matcha, and Oolong: Exploring the Japanese Flavor Palette

In Japan, green tea is the primary tea grown. Within this category, Sencha represents the largest share of production. Black tea is also produced in Japan, though it is much less common than green tea, yet still of exceptional quality.

Green and black teas actually represent a wide variety of tea types.

Matcha, for example, is a green tea particularly popular in Japan, much like Sencha. However, Matcha is considered one of the most noble green teas: consumed in powdered form, it is used in the tea ceremony and also incorporated into pastries. To create this green powder, the Japanese dry and grind tencha leaves between two granite stones to produce very fine particles that mix easily with water. After adding the powder to a bowl, hot water is poured in, and it is whisked until it forms a thick foam, almost like pea puree.

While Matcha is a noble tea, Sencha is a more popular tea and is one of the most consumed in the Land of the Rising Sun, representing 80% of green tea consumption! However, Sencha is still a tea of prestige—it is harvested during the first and most prized flush. The tea's oxidation is halted with steam, and the leaves are then dried.

Among the other famous Japanese green teas are Genmaicha, Hojicha, Kukicha, Gyokuro, Bancha, and of course, Oolongcha (Oolong), also known as "blue tea." Japan is also known for producing rarer, more exclusive teas, such as Tamaryokucha.

Although black tea is produced in Japan, it is made in very small quantities compared to green tea. The most emblematic of these is Kocha, meaning "black tea." This rare tea is often produced in limited quantities, sometimes using organic farming practices. Other fine varieties include Japanese Souchong, produced near Mount Fuji in limited quantities.

Finally, Japanese Oolong tea also deserves a mention. Oolong is known for being a tea between green and black, with its oxidation being incomplete and deliberately halted. Oolong tea is celebrated for its ability to offer a wide range of aromatic profiles. At Betjeman & Barton, we also appreciate this Japanese tea for its delicate emerald blue-green buds and its orange-tinted liquor.

Discover Our Selection of Prestige Japanese Teas

We are dedicated to offering you some of the finest origin teas, including renowned Japanese teas and rarer, more exclusive varieties produced in limited quantities.

Of course, you will find the famous Matcha, Japan’s traditional green tea known for its natural, vegetal notes. Our selection also highlights popular green teas such as Genmaicha, Gyokuro, Organic Hojicha, Kukicha, and Sencha, as well as the rare and precious Tamaryokucha.

Prestige and rarity are also featured in our selection of Japanese black teas. For this category, we work with small farms that treat tea production as a true craft, such as Kanzan black tea, where the leaves are cultivated by hand in the Shizuoka region.

Whether you are a Matcha enthusiast, a green tea connoisseur, or a black tea aficionado, let yourself be captivated by our exceptional selection of Japanese teas, which reflect the deep significance of this beverage in the Land of the Rising Sun.