10 Japanese Teas That Deserve a Spot in Your Pantry

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If you’ve ever been to Japan, you’ll know that tea is everywhere. From quiet cups at home to bottles in vending machines, it’s a daily ritual that never really goes out of style. But beyond the usual matcha and sencha, Japan has a whole world of teas—some earthy and fermented, others bright and grassy, and all packed with flavor and history.

So if you’re planning a trip to Japan or you just want to sip like a local, here are ten Japanese teas that are totally worth checking out. These aren’t fancy, hard-to-find types either—they’re the same ones you’ll see in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and tea specialty stores across the country. These ten teas were chosen based on their popularity on Japanese sites like My Best, Rakuten, and Kakaku, and they represent the best mix of traditional craftsmanship, convenience, and flavor.

1. Nab - Awa Bancha (阿波晩茶)

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Awa Bancha is one of Japan’s most unique teas, and definitely not your average green tea. Kamikatsu Awa Bancha is a traditional lactic-fermented green tea from Tokushima, made by boiling mature mountain leaves, rolling them, then fermenting them in wooden barrels before sun-drying. This careful process gives a gently sour, toasty flavour, while lactic acid bacteria, organic acids and antioxidants help support digestion and are gentle on the stomach.

Despite its deep flavor, Awa Bancha is incredibly mellow and low in caffeine, which makes it great for evening tea sessions or just relaxing after a long day. It’s often described as Japan’s rustic version of kombucha, but with a smoother, more grounded taste. It’s the kind of tea you sip slowly, letting the quiet depth of flavor unfold. If you love discovering traditional, regional specialties, this one’s a hidden gem worth hunting down.

2. Ito En - One Pot Matcha Iri Ryokucha (ワンポット 抹茶入り緑茶)

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This tea is the ultimate everyday green tea in Japan, blending sencha and matcha so you get fresh, grassy brightness with rich umami depth. Sencha is steeped from whole green tea leaves for a clean, refreshing taste, while matcha is finely ground tea powder that adds body and creaminess. Umami can be translated to "pleasant savory taste" in Japanese, and is a savory, brothy, and mouth-filling sensation.

It’s the kind of tea that feels right any time of day: hot in the morning, cold over ice in summer, or even in a thermos on a walk. It’s easy to brew, forgiving even if you don’t get the water temperature just right, and consistently delivers that satisfying, “real Japanese tea” flavor. If you’ve only ever had bottled green tea before, this is a great step up.

3. Ujinotsuyu Seicha - Iyemon Instant Green Tea Stick Type (伊右衛門 インスタント緑茶 スティックタイプ)

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If you want good green tea without any hassle, Iyemon’s instant sticks are a lifesaver. Each stick packs the perfect amount of powdered green tea that dissolves instantly in hot or cold water: no teapot, no steeping, no cleanup. The flavor is impressively fresh for something instant: clean, grassy, and just the right amount of bitterness.

It’s perfect for busy days when you just want a quick pick-me-up that still tastes authentic. You can toss a few sticks in your bag, mix one up at work, or pour one into a bottle of cold water on the go. It’s practical, budget-friendly, and tastes better than most bottled teas. Definitely one of those small Japanese innovations that make daily life easier and tastier.

4. Arahataen - Gabugabu Nomeru Fukamushi Teabag (がぶがぶ飲める深むしティーパック)

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“Gabugabu nomeru” roughly translates to “you can gulp it down,” and that’s exactly what this tea is about. It’s made with deep-steamed leaves from Shizuoka, which gives it a beautiful green color and a mellow, rich taste that’s smooth from the first sip. There’s no bitterness here, just a satisfying body and a clean, lingering finish that makes it dangerously easy to drink cup after cup.

It’s also super convenient. Each teabag releases flavor fast, so you don’t have to wait long for a strong brew. The deep-steaming process makes the tea richer in flavor and slightly cloudy in color, a sign of the fine tea particles that give it that signature smooth texture. It’s comforting, versatile, and ideal for anyone who wants café-quality tea at home without any fuss.

5. Ito En - Kaori Hirogaru Hojicha (香り広がるお茶 ほうじ茶)

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Hojicha is one of Japan’s most comforting teas, and Ito En’s version really captures its cozy charm. Instead of being steamed like most green teas, it’s roasted over high heat, which gives it a nutty, slightly caramelized aroma that fills the room as soon as it’s brewed. The flavor is warm and toasty, light on bitterness, big on comfort.

It’s also low in caffeine, so it’s perfect for evenings or whenever you want something calm and easy to drink. Many people in Japan drink hojicha after dinner or before bed because of how soothing it feels. You can enjoy it hot, or even make a chilled version that tastes surprisingly refreshing. It’s the kind of tea that’s simple, nostalgic, and quietly addictive.

6. Ito En - Oi Ocha Premium Genmaicha (お〜いお茶 プレミアムティーバッグ 玄米茶)

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Genmaicha is a beloved Japanese tea made with green tea leaves (usually sencha or bancha) and roasted brown rice. Its comforting, toasty aroma and lightly sweet, nutty flavor make it a soothing choice for anyone who enjoys a mellow, easy-to-drink tea.This product from Ito En takes Genmaicha a step further. The convenient tea bags include not only green tea and roasted brown rice but also premium Uji Matcha, which adds a richer body and a vibrant green note to the brew. The result is a more flavorful, full-bodied Genmaicha.

7. Ito En - Oi Ocha Koi Cha (お〜いお茶 濃い茶)

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Oi Ocha is one of Japan’s best-selling tea, and this “Koi Cha” version (which means “strong tea”) takes everything people love about it and doubles down. It’s deeper, richer, and bolder, with a pleasant bitterness that really lets the tea’s natural umami shine through. It’s the kind of green tea that serious tea drinkers love—it tastes real, not watered down.

It’s perfect when you need that tea kick without resorting to coffee. Despite its intensity, it’s still smooth and refreshing, and you can drink it cold or hot without losing flavor. There’s a reason it’s everywhere in Japan: once you get used to that robust taste, it’s hard to go back to lighter teas.

8. Nakane Seicha - Chatsumi no Sato Matcha Iri Fukamushi Teabag (茶つみの里 抹茶入り 深蒸し茶 ティーパック)

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This tea combines matcha and fukamushi (deep-steamed) leaves, which means you get the best of both worlds. It has that creamy, full-bodied texture of matcha along with the smooth, mellow flavor of a well-brewed green tea. When you steep it, the water turns a rich green and fills the air with a fresh, grassy aroma that feels instantly calming.

Each teabag is packed generously, so you get a strong, flavorful brew every time. It’s also convenient for mornings: you can toss one in your cup, add hot water, and you’re done. The taste feels balanced: rich without being too bitter, fresh without being sharp. It’s a great choice if you want something high-quality that’s still easy to prepare.

9. Ogino Shoten - Kagoshima Chirancha Pink (Shincha) (鹿児島県産 知覧茶 ピンク〈新茶〉)

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Shincha, or “new tea,” is the very first harvest of the year, and this one from Chiran, Kagoshima, captures everything that makes it special. It’s fresh, bright, and just a little sweet, with a floral aroma that feels like spring in a cup. The leaves are young and tender, so the tea brews smooth and light, without any bitterness.

Because shincha is only available once a year, it’s one of those seasonal treats that tea fans eagerly wait for. This particular blend comes in elegant pink packaging and feels like a gift to yourself—a fresh, fragrant reminder of Japan’s changing seasons. It’s one of those teas that makes you slow down and appreciate the little things.

10. Ocha no Kuwanoen - Funmatsu Ryokucha (粉末緑茶 無農薬栽培)

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Funmatsu ryokucha is like matcha’s laid-back cousin. It’s powdered green tea made from organically grown leaves, and it dissolves straight into water—no whisk needed. The flavor is clean and slightly grassy, with a natural sweetness that makes it easy to drink, even for beginners.

It’s great hot or cold, and you can get creative with it: add it to smoothies, mix it into desserts, or make your own green tea latte. Since you’re consuming the whole leaf, you’re also getting all the nutrients that usually stay behind in tea bags. Simple, refreshing, and healthy—it’s an easy way to bring a bit of Japan’s tea culture into your daily routine.

A Taste of Japan, Wherever You Are

There’s a lot more to Japanese tea than just matcha lattes and tea ceremonies. From Tokushima’s fermented Awa Bancha to fukamushi tea, each cup has its own story and flavor that makes it special.

And the best part? You don’t even need to fly to Japan to try them. Thanks to ZenPlus, you can order most of these teas straight from Japan and have them shipped right to your doorstep. So go ahead: brew a cup, take a sip, and get a little taste of Japan wherever you are!

What do you think?

Which of these teas would you want to try first?

Have you ever tasted Awa Bancha or Ryokucha?

Are you more of a matcha fan? Or do you prefer the roasted aroma of hojicha?

Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social media: X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook! We’d love to hear which tea won your heart.

ZenPlus is your one-stop shop for authentic Japanese goods—whether it’s premium tea, teaware, snacks, or even anime merch straight from Japan. Check out our marketplace to order these and get them shipped right to your doorstep!

About the Writer

Cristy is a freelance artist and writer who has been obsessed with anime and manga since childhood. Her love for these imaginative worlds fuels her creative endeavors, and she shows no signs of stopping anytime soon.