Why Japanese Tea?

Japanese tea stands out due to its signature steaming process, which preserves the natural color, umami flavor, and nutrients of the tea leaves. Unlike pan-fired or oxidized teas, Japanese green teas are steamed immediately after harvest. This results in a tea that's:

  • Rich in L-theanine: promotes calm, focused energy
  • High in catechins: natural antioxidants
  • Balanced in caffeine: clean, sustained energy without the crash

We believe tea is more than a drink—it's a cultural connector and a joyful ritual. Our teas are grown by small producers in Kyoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Shizuoka, then shared with a global community who values quality, intention, and story in every cup.

Is your matcha ceremonial grade?

Yes. Both Jade Dawn Chance and Haze Love Orchestra are ceremonial grade matchas:

  • Made from first-harvest, shade-grown tencha
  • Stone-ground into fine, vibrant powder
  • Best enjoyed whisked with water—no milk needed

What "ceremonial grade" really means:

“Ceremonial grade” is not an official classification in Japan. Instead, matcha quality is assessed by:

  • Leaf quality — First flush is best
  • Shading — 20–30 days enhances L-theanine
  • Origin — Uji (Kyoto), Kagoshima are top producers
  • Color & texture — Bright green, silky smooth
  • Taste — Deep umami, little bitterness
  • Processing — Stone-milled in small batches

Jade Dawn Chance (Uji): Elegant, classic Kyoto matcha
Haze Love Orchestra (Kagoshima): Mellow, full-bodied, southern terroir

What’s the difference between your teas?

Sencha — Sweet Grass Cabaret

  • Flavor: Fresh, grassy, slightly umami
  • Caffeine: Moderate
  • Ideal moment: Mid-morning recharge
  • Best for: Everyday tea drinkers

 Matcha — Haze Love Orchestra & Jade Dawn Chance

  • Flavor: Creamy, vegetal, deep umami
  • Caffeine: High
  • Ideal moment: Morning focus or meditation
  • Best for: Straight whisking or light lattes

Genmaicha — Night Gale Poem

  • Flavor: Nutty, toasty, slightly sweet
  • Caffeine: Low to moderate
  • Ideal moment: After meals or chilly days
  • Best for: Newcomers to green tea

Hōjicha — Evasive Amber Paradise

  • Flavor: Smoky, mellow, caramel-like
  • Caffeine: Very low
  • Ideal moment: Evening wind-down
  • Best for: Caffeine-sensitive drinkers

Yamacha — Whisper Quiet Oblivion

  • Flavor: Earthy, slightly floral, wild
  • Caffeine: Low
  • Ideal moment: Slow weekends, deep thought
  • Best for: Connoisseurs & terroir lovers

Is Japanese tea high in caffeine?

Caffeine levels vary by type:

  • Matcha: High (60–70mg) — strong but smooth
  • Sencha: Moderate (30–50mg)
  • Genmaicha: Low to moderate (15–30mg)
  • Hōjicha: Very low (under 10mg)
  • Yamacha/Wild teas: Varies, typically low

Thanks to high L-theanine, Japanese teas offer a balanced lift—calm focus without the crash.

 


Ingredients, Sourcing & Quality

Where does your tea come from?

All our teas are 100% produced and processed in Japan. We work directly with small, independent farmers across Kagoshima, Miyazaki, and Shizuoka to ensure traceability, sustainability, and unmatched quality.

Are your teas organic?

Yes, all our teas are organically grown, free from pesticides, chemical fertilizers, additives, and preservatives. Certification levels vary:

  • Ceremonial Grade Matcha Haze Love Orchestra & Jade Dawn Chance : JAS certified organic, equivalent to USDA Organic and EU Organic.
  • Sencha Sweet Grass Cabaret & Genmaicha Night Gale Poem : Grown on JAS-certified farms. While the raw tea is certified, the refinement stage is done in non-certified facilities, which is common in Japan.
  • Wild Tea Whisper Quiet Oblivion: Wild-foraged, naturally organic—no certification needed.
  • Hojicha Evasive Amber Paradise: Grown naturally without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, but not formally certified.

Are your teas gluten-free?

Yes. Our teas contain no gluten. However, they are not processed in dedicated gluten-free facilities—though those facilities exclusively handle tea.

Do your teas contain sugar or sweeteners?

No. We never add sugar or artificial sweeteners. Just pure, real tea leaves and herbs.

Do you use flavorings or additives?

Never. Our teas are made with 100% whole, natural ingredients—no artificial flavors, aromas, or enhancers.

What is the shelf life of your teas?

Best consumed within 12 months of packaging, and within 6 months after opening.

How should I store my tea?

  • Use an airtight container.
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry place, away from sunlight or heat.
  • Keep away from strong odors (like spices or coffee), as tea absorbs aroma easily.

How do I brew Japanese tea?

Each tea has its own optimal method. Visit our [Steeping Guide] for water temperature, steeping time, and brewing tips by tea type.


Orders, Shipping & Subscriptions

What payment methods do you accept?

  • Major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express
  • Digital wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay

Where do you ship from?

All orders ship directly from Japan, ensuring freshness and authenticity.

How much does shipping cost?

  • Free global shipping on orders over $40
  • $10 flat rate shipping for global orders under $40
  • Free domestic shipping within Japan

Do I have to pay customs duties?

Customs and import taxes are set by your local authorities and may apply upon delivery. These are the customer’s responsibility.

How soon will my order ship?

Orders are shipped on business days (Mon–Fri). Most orders are dispatched within 1–2 business days.

How long does delivery take?

  • Global shipping: 10–14 business days
  • Express service: Available at checkout
  • Shipping times vary by country and customs process

Will I get a tracking number?

Yes. A shipping confirmation with tracking info is sent via email once your order ships.

Can I send a gift?

Absolutely! You can ship items directly to someone as a gift.

Can I edit or cancel my order?

In general, we do not accept cancellations. If your order hasn’t shipped yet, email us at keep_in_touch@aroundtea.com and we’ll do our best to help. Once shipped, changes or cancellations are no longer possible.

Do you offer subscriptions or bundles?

Yes! Subscribe and save with:

  • Delivery every 2 weeks, 1 month, or 2 months
  • 15% off and free global shipping on all subscriptions
  • Flexible management: pause, skip, or cancel anytime


Wholesale & Partnerships

Do you offer wholesale pricing?

Yes! We welcome partnerships with cafes, shops, hotels, and creatives. Email us at keep_in_touch@aroundtea.com for details.