9 Best Japanese Green Teas in 2022 (Tea Sommelier-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Has a refreshing and light flavor that's great for everyday use
• Comes from Uji, Kyoto, Japan 
• Leaves are steamed instead of roasting to preserve the green color 
• Certified organic by Japanese standards

Cons:

• Buyers say there is a lot of tea dust inside the bag

Sencha is an excellent introduction to Japanese green tea. Chaganju's sencha leaves are sourced from Uji, a small city in Kyoto prefecture famous for its green tea production. Grown under sunlight, they are then steamed to stop the oxidation process and to keep the fresh flavor and green color. 

According to some buyers, the tea leaves are not whole. Nevertheless, many love its delicate, fragrant, and non-bitter flavor. Many say it's a great option for an everyday green tea. 

Pros:

• Features a combination of sencha leaves and roasted brown rice kernels 
• Has matcha powder for added richness
• Has a slightly sweet and toasty taste 
• Certified organic 

Cons:

• According to buyers, this tea has a high ratio of rice to tea

Genmaicha is a type of Japanese green tea made by blending sencha leaves mixed with roasted brown rice. This organic tea has low astringency, a strong roasted fragrance, and a slightly sweet taste. The addition of matcha makes the tea taste even smoother and gives it a nice green hue. 

A couple of reviewers complain that there is more rice than green tea leaves. Still, most buyers are impressed with the refreshing, nutty, and non-bitter taste. They also like that the airtight packaging that preserves the freshness of the tea leaves. Many reviewers also like that the tea is organic. 

Pros:

• A blend of twigs and stems that has a light flavor with nutty notes 
• Has a pleasant floral fragrance 
• Cultivated by the sustainable Chagusaba method practiced in Shizuoka 

Cons:

• Stems might float on the surface 

This kukicha has a light, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor with a distinctively floral fragrance. This tea is produced using the Chagusaba method, a traditional and sustainable agricultural technique that has been selected as a UNESCO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. 

One buyer dislikes that the stems float on the surface. Even so, the complex flavor of this tea is praised by many buyers. They love that it's flavorful, grassy, and light. A lot of reviewers are satisfied with the floral fragrance, too! 

Pros:

• Sourced from Uji, Kyoto
• Ceremonial grade
• Has a nutty, rich taste with a hint of bitterness
• Great for making lattes or drinking on its own

Cons:

• Some reports that it lacks umami

This ceremonial grade matcha is sourced from Uji, which is world-famous for its matcha production. It is made using shade-grown leaves from the first harvest of the year and has a well-balanced, nutty flavor with a slight bitterness. This matcha powder is packed in an airtight container to preserve freshness. 

A couple of users find the taste lacking umami. Nevertheless, the majority of reviewers like that it's rich and refreshing with a pleasant fragrance. Some say it's excellent for making lattes or baking. Many reviewers also like that the powder is very fine and leaves no clumps behind. 

Pros:

• Powder mixes easily in both hot and cold water
• A blend of sencha and matcha 
• Convenient single-serving packets
  

• Reports that it has a mild flavor

This green tea powder is a convenient choice if you're busy or on the go. This blend of sencha and match comes in single-serving packets that you can toss in a bag or keep in your desk. Simply mix it with hot or cold water, and your cup of green tea is ready! 

A few buyers say that this green tea is too mild. If you prefer strong tea, use more than one packet. Meanwhile, many reviewers love that it's quick to make and dissolves easily in hot or cold water. They also like that the packets are easy to take with them!

Pros:

• Sencha leaves are steamed for 60 to 80 seconds to reduce the bitterness 
• Organic
• Great for making cold brew iced tea 

Cons:

• Complaints that it doesn't have a fragrant aroma

Fukamushi sencha is steamed for twice as long as regular sencha. Thanks to the long steaming time, it's less bitter and has a refreshing taste. This tea doesn't need to be steeped for a long time and can be used to make cold brew iced tea. 

A few reviewers report that the aroma isn't fragrant. On the other hand, many love this tea for its smooth and rich taste. They like the light green hue, too!

Pros:

• Jasmine gives the matcha green tea a floral taste 
• Pyramid tea bags allow plenty of room for the tea leaves to unfurl 
• Reports that it can be enjoyed hot or cold

Cons:

• Some buyers need two bags to get the best flavor 

This jasmine green tea is blended with matcha for a light, refreshing flavor and floral fragrance. This loose leaf tea comes in pyramid-shaped tea bags that provide sufficient room for the tea leaves to fully expand. 

Although some reviewers say they need two bags to get a flavorful brew, most are pleased with its floral, smooth taste. They also say this tea tastes great hot or cold. 

Pros:

• Bottled tea is convenient to carry around 
• Organic 
• Tastes delicious when chilled
• Has a refreshing taste

Cons:

• Might taste stronger than regular bottled teas 

Looking for a premade option? This bottled tea is convenient to take on the go. And since it's USDA-certified organic and unsweetened, it's a healthy alternative to other premade iced teas. It's especially good chilled!

Some reviewers compare this organic version to the other bottled products by Ito En and find that it tastes slightly stronger. Nonetheless, the majority love that it has a fragrant and refreshing taste without any bitterness. 

Pros:

• Saemidori sencha has a rich and smooth taste
• It is made from the first harvest of the spring season 
• Certified organic 

Cons:

• Some complaints that it's not strong

This saemidori sencha is sourced from Kagoshima prefecture. It's handpicked at the first harvest of the spring season and has a smooth, nuanced taste. This product is also certified organic by the USDA. 

The taste of this sencha is too mild for some reviewers. However, many find it well-balanced, clean, sweet, and smooth. They add that it has a beautiful green color and is packaged well.