Kyoto’s Timeless Matcha Heritage: Long-Established Tea Brands on JJ Market

September 16, 2025

Kyoto, and especially the Uji region just south of the city, has been the heart of Japanese tea culture for centuries. The area’s misty hills, mineral-rich soil, and dedication to craft have given rise to some of Japan’s most renowned matcha producers. Many of these tea houses have been in operation for generations, refining their techniques and preserving tradition. Below, we introduce several long-established Kyoto matcha brands – each with a unique story – that you can find on the JJ Market website. These brands embody Kyoto’s tea heritage, from pioneering innovations in the 16th century to the meticulous craftsmanship of today.

Kanbayashi Shunsho (est. 16th Century, Uji’s Tea Pioneer)

History & Background: With a staggering 450-year history, Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten is one of Uji’s oldest tea houses[1]. Founded during the Eiroku era (mid-1500s) by the Kanbayashi family, it rose to prominence when the Ashikaga shoguns championed Uji tea. The house is now led by the 14th generation, Kanbayashi Shunsho XIV, who continues the legacy of this prestigious family business[2].

Matcha Characteristics: Kanbayashi’s matcha benefits from centuries of refinement. Grown in Uji’s ideal climate of frequent mist and moderate rainfall, their tea has a deep umami flavor and vivid green color typical of high-grade Uji matcha. They produce ceremonial-grade matcha known for its smoothness and balanced taste – suitable for traditional tea ceremonies – as well as other Uji green teas. The brand’s products often carry poetic names (e.g. Hatsu Mukashi or Hashitate no Mukashi) and vary from robust, full-bodied blends to more delicate, sweet notes, catering to both koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea) preparations.

What Sets Them Apart: Kanbayashi Shunsho stands out for its unparalleled lineage and its role in shaping Uji tea culture. Few tea brands can claim direct ties to the 16th-century tea trade. Despite its age, Kanbayashi Shunsho innovates while upholding tradition[1]. For instance, the family helped standardize Uji’s tea processing techniques and continues to adapt (such as modern packaging or new product lines) without sacrificing quality. This marriage of history and innovation has made Kanbayashi a living symbol of Kyoto’s tea heritage.

Where to Buy: Experience this heritage through JJ Market’s Kanbayashi Shunsho collection – a range of their Uji matcha products is available on the JJ Market website [2][3].

Ippodo (est. 1717, Kyoto’s 300-Year Tea House)

History & Background: Ippodo Tea Co. was founded in 1717 by the Watanabe family in central Kyoto[4]. Originally known as Omiya, this tea shop served the Kyoto aristocracy and common folk alike, eventually earning the name “Ippodo” (meaning “one tea store”) from a prince in 1846 in honor of its reputation. With over 300 years of continuous operation, Ippodo remains a family-run business devoted to high-quality Japanese teas[5].

Matcha Characteristics: Ippodo sources tea leaves from the mountainous regions of Kyoto and nearby prefectures, where cool days and nights yield leaves rich in aroma and umami[6]. Their matcha is known for a gentle, well-balanced flavor – combining natural sweetness, smooth umami, and minimal bitterness. Ippodo offers a broad selection of matcha grades, from beginner-friendly blends to top-tier ceremonial powders. Each is stone-milled to a fine powder, yielding a creamy texture and vibrant emerald color when whisked. Aside from matcha, Ippodo also produces notable gyokuro, sencha, and bancha, about 30 varieties in total[7], emphasizing the nuanced flavors of each tea type.

What Sets Them Apart: Ippodo is revered for its consistency and educational approach. As a Kyoto tea institution, it has long been a place where locals and visitors learn about tea. The company emphasizes aromatic, well-balanced teas that are approachable yet high in quality[4][7]. They provide detailed brewing guides and even operate a tearoom in Kyoto, reflecting their mission to uphold tea culture. In essence, Ippodo’s strength lies in centuries of expertise paired with a friendly invitation to enjoy fine tea.

Where to Buy: Explore Ippodo’s matcha (and other teas) through their product lineup on JJ Market’s Ippodo page [7], which features several of their popular teas.

Marukyu Koyamaen (est. 18th Century, Uji Quality Masters)

History & Background: Marukyu Koyamaen traces its roots to the Genroku era (~1680s-1700s), when the Koyama family’s first generation, Koyama Kujiro, began cultivating tea in Uji[8]. Initially focused on farming, by the fourth generation they started retailing tea, and by the eighth generation, Marukyu Koyamaen had expanded its distribution across Japan[9]. With over 300 years of history, this company has remained steadfast in its philosophy of “tea-making with a focus on quality”[8].

Matcha Characteristics: Marukyu Koyamaen is famed for matcha that is exceptionally smooth and creamy, with a rich umami depth. Their range covers everything from top-grade ceremonial matcha (like the award-winning Tenju blend) to blends suited for latte or confectionery use. They maintain extremely strict standards for flavor and safety, overseeing every step from tea bush to milling in-house[10]. This hands-on approach results in matcha known for its fresh aroma, brilliant green hue, and lingering sweet finish. Tea masters of various schools have bestowed numerous distinguished chamei (tea names) on Marukyu’s highest-grade matcha, attesting to its excellence in tea ceremony circles.

What Sets Them Apart: Marukyu Koyamaen’s commitment to quality is virtually unparalleled. By controlling cultivation, processing, and grinding internally, they ensure consistency that tea connoisseurs trust[11]. They are also highly decorated in tea competitions, having won the prestigious Minister of Agriculture award multiple times[11]. This dedication to excellence and innovation (they experiment with cultivars and new matcha blends) while honoring tradition has cemented Marukyu Koyamaen’s reputation as a top Uji tea producer.

Where to Buy: You can find a wide selection of Marukyu Koyamaen’s matcha – from their finest ceremonial tins to everyday grades – on JJ Market’s Marukyu Koyamaen page [8]. It’s a chance to taste the quality that three centuries of craftsmanship delivers.

Fukujuen (est. 1790, Blending Tradition and Innovation)

History & Background: Fukujuen was founded in 1790 (Kansei 2) by a tea merchant named Iyemon Fukui[12]. Its birthplace was the town of Kamikoma in Yamashiro, southern Kyoto – a historic tea trading hub. In fact, tea culture in that region dates back even earlier than Kyoto’s famed Heian era, with nearby mountains and temples fostering tea cultivation since the Asuka period[13]. For over 230 years, Fukujuen has devoted itself exclusively to tea, evolving from a humble tea dealer to one of Kyoto’s most respected tea companies[12].

Matcha Characteristics: Fukujuen produces Uji matcha that captures the essence of its terroir – expect a deep jade color, fresh grassy aroma, and round, full-bodied taste with gentle sweetness. They offer ceremonial matcha as well as blends intended for everyday enjoyment or culinary use. Fukujuen’s teas are often noted for their balance and clarity of flavor, a result of blending expertise acquired over generations. They continue to use traditional stone mills for grinding matcha, but also embrace modern quality controls to ensure purity. Additionally, Fukujuen is known for other Kyoto teas (sencha, gyokuro, genmaicha), reflecting a broad mastery of tea beyond matcha.

What Sets Them Apart: Fukujuen seamlessly fuses tradition with modernity. On one hand, they carry on tea-making skills passed down through the ages in Uji[14]; on the other, they innovate by adopting new technologies and proposing a “modern tea lifestyle”[14]. For example, Fukujuen runs stylish tea salons and experiments with contemporary packaging and recipes, all while maintaining the integrity of the tea. Their long history in an historically important location (Kamikoma’s river port once allowed Kyoto tea to reach Osaka and beyond) means Fukujuen is also a storyteller of tea’s journey. Each tin of matcha from Fukujuen carries that legacy of Kyoto’s tea commerce and cultural exchange.

Where to Buy: For those interested in Fukujuen’s esteemed teas, JJ Market features Fukujuen’s matcha collection on their site. Visit JJ Market’s Fukujuen page to appreciate over two centuries of Kyoto tea tradition[12].

Itoh Kyuemon (est. 1832, Uji’s Shirakawa Tea Artisan)

History & Background: Itoh Kyuemon began in 1832, late in the Edo period[15]. This Uji-based tea shop was established by the Ito family and has since become a prestigious name in Uji tea. For nearly two centuries, Itoh Kyuemon has upheld traditional tea craftsmanship while also developing trusted relationships with local tea farmers. The company remains headquartered in Uji City, with close ties to nearby tea-growing areas like Shirakawa and Ujitawara[16].

Matcha Characteristics: Itoh Kyuemon is renowned for its premium Uji matcha characterized by a smooth, fresh flavor and vibrant aroma[17]. They achieve this by using only hand-picked first flush tea leaves – the tender new growth of spring – ensuring maximum sweetness and nutrients[16]. These leaves are processed on the same day of harvest to lock in freshness, then shade-dried and stone-milled into fine matcha powder[18]. The result is a matcha with a bright green color, silky mouthfeel, and an elegant balance of umami and mild sweetness. Aside from matcha, Itoh Kyuemon also produces excellent sencha and gyokuro, which they blend and fire-dry by artisan hands to enhance aroma[19].

What Sets Them Apart: Itoh Kyuemon prides itself on a farm-to-cup approach. By partnering directly with tea farmers in famous Uji terroirs, they ensure only top-quality leaves make it into their products[16]. This close cooperation, combined with nearly 200 years of blending expertise, gives their teas a distinctive consistency and depth. Itoh Kyuemon has also embraced modern tastes – they often release seasonal matcha sweets and flavored teas – but always rooted in authentic Uji tea flavor. In essence, their reputation rests on delivering the true essence of Uji tea in every cup, whether it’s a bowl of ceremonial matcha or a casual latte blend.

Where to Buy: You can find Itoh Kyuemon’s matcha selection on JJ Market. Check out their product page on JJ Market for a taste of Itoh Kyuemon’s finest Uji teas[15][20], including some of their celebrated matcha powders.

Nakamura Tokichi (est. 1854, Uji Tea Innovators)

History & Background: Nakamura Tokichi Honten was founded in 1854 and has since become one of Japan’s most esteemed tea makers[21]. Based in Uji, Kyoto – an area synonymous with high-quality tea – this company has been crafting tea for over 160 years[22]. Nakamura Tokichi built its name by preserving traditional Uji tea production methods while also being unafraid to innovate and diversify. Today, they not only produce tea, but also run popular tea house cafes in Uji, where one can sample their teas and tea-based confections.

Matcha Characteristics: The matcha from Nakamura Tokichi is prized for its rich flavor, vibrant jade-green color, and silky smooth texture】[23]. Their matcha carries a pronounced umami with sweet undertones and very low bitterness, reflecting high-grade tea leaves and careful shading techniques. They produce ceremonial matcha that whisks into a thick, creamy froth – perfect for formal tea gatherings – as well as slightly more robust matcha suitable for modern lattes or sweets. Every batch is stone-ground at a measured pace to avoid heat, preserving the tea’s aromatic compounds. The company also produces a line of “Mukashi” matcha (meaning “of old”) with names like Jingai no Mukashi or Hatsu no Mukashi**, which harken back to classical recipes and are sought after by connoisseurs[22][24].

What Sets Them Apart: Nakamura Tokichi stands out by bridging tradition and innovation. They have maintained age-old techniques – such as handcrafting teas and using stone mills – ensuring authenticity in flavor[22]. Simultaneously, they have been innovators: early on, they embraced serving tea in new ways, and in modern times they introduced creative matcha desserts (their matcha jelly and ice creams are famous). This dual commitment means you can trust their matcha for a classic tea ceremony or enjoy it in contemporary forms. Nakamura Tokichi’s flagship shop in Uji (housed in a Meiji-era building) even offers a “tea jelly” dessert made with their matcha, exemplifying how they honor the past yet delight present-day palates.

Where to Buy: A selection of Nakamura Tokichi’s acclaimed matcha is available on JJ Market’s website [25]. These include some of their signature blends, allowing tea enthusiasts worldwide to experience Uji tradition in a cup.

Tsujiri (Gion Tsujiri, est. 1860, Revival of Uji Tea)

History & Background: Tsujiri – often known as Gion Tsujiri – was founded in 1860 by Tsuji Riemon in Uji[26]. Its birth came at a pivotal time: the late Edo period, when Uji’s once thriving tea industry was in decline. Tsuji Riemon, a visionary tea merchant, made it his mission to restore Uji tea’s former glory. He innovated a now-famous tea storage method by introducing the airtight tea chest (canister), which greatly improved the preservation of tea leaves and allowed Uji tea to be shipped further without losing quality[27]. He also perfected the gyokuro production technique – producing fine, needle-shaped leaves with exceptional sweetness – thereby elevating Uji’s reputation for premium tea[28]. Thanks to these efforts, Tsujiri is credited with helping revive Uji’s tea industry in the 19th century[27].

Matcha Characteristics: Tsujiri’s matcha carries the hallmarks of top-grade Uji matcha: a deep green hue, intense aroma, and a round, mellow flavor with abundant umami. They continue to prioritize quality over quantity. In fact, Tsujiri (Gion Tsujiri) still employs traditional granite stone mills to grind their tencha leaves – a painstaking process that yields only about 40 grams of matcha per hour[29]. This slow grinding ensures minimal friction heat, preserving the tea’s vibrant color and fragrant notes[29]. The resulting matcha whisks into a beautiful crema with a full-bodied taste and smooth finish. Tsujiri is also known for imaginative matcha-based products today (from matcha lattes to pastries), reflecting Riemon’s ethos of innovation, but the core of their brand remains high-grade Uji matcha.

What Sets Them Apart: Tsujiri is distinctive not only for its longevity but for its spirit of “Yuwa” – innovation anchored in tradition[30]. The founder’s inventions (like the tea canister) and improvements to gyokuro processing revolutionized how tea was enjoyed and distributed. This inventive streak continues: Tsujiri has been at the forefront of making matcha accessible worldwide, opening tea houses abroad and popularizing matcha drinks and sweets (many modern matcha lovers have likely tried a Tsujiri matcha latte or parfait). Yet, despite global expansion, Tsujiri stays true to its roots in Uji. It’s this balance of heritage and creativity that keeps Tsujiri relevant after 160+ years. Every cup of Tsujiri matcha is a nod to the past and a toast to the future of tea.

Where to Buy: You can discover Tsujiri’s products, including their matcha powders, through JJ Market’s Tsujiri page [27][29]. It’s an opportunity to taste matcha from the very brand that helped define Uji tea culture.

Yamamasa Koyamaen (est. 1861, Uji’s Refined Tea Artisans)

History & Background: Yamamasa Koyamaen is another branch of the Koyama family tea legacy (related to Marukyu Koyamaen) and can trace its tea-growing ancestry to the early Edo period[31]. The company in its modern form celebrated its 160th anniversary in 2021[32], placing its establishment around 1861. Based in the Uji-Okura region, the Koyamaen family for generations honed their craft on select tea fields. They earned high esteem in the tea ceremony world – evidenced by the honor of receiving 18 distinguished tea names from grand masters of various tea schools[33] (a mark of recognition for excellence in specific matcha blends).

Matcha Characteristics: Yamamasa Koyamaen specializes in premium Uji matcha known for a deep, resonant umami flavor. Their matcha tends to have a rich, almost broth-like sweetness with minimal bitterness, making it ideal for koicha (thick tea) as well as usucha. The texture is velvety due to ultra-fine milling, and the aroma is markedly fresh and “green”. Yamamasa is very particular about cultivar selection – they often use prized tea cultivars and shading techniques to maximize the natural theanine (which yields sweetness). They produce matcha at various grades, but even their culinary-grade offerings maintain a higher quality than typical, which is why many Japanese confectioners and high-end restaurants trust the Yamamasa brand for flavoring sweets or tea dishes.

What Sets Them Apart: Yamamasa Koyamaen maintains full control over its matcha production, from cultivating tea bushes to the final grinding process[32]. This vertical integration, combined with centuries-old technique, ensures consistency and top quality in every batch. The company’s relatively smaller scale (compared to some larger tea houses) allows it to focus on craftsmanship. Tea aficionados often note that Yamamasa’s matcha has a “ceremonial spirit” – likely a result of those tea-master bestowed names and close ties with tea ceremony practice. In essence, Yamamasa Koyamaen embodies the refinement of Uji tea artistry, carrying forward a family tradition parallel to but distinct from its Marukyu sibling.

Where to Buy: Although Yamamasa Koyamaen’s products can be harder to find internationally, JJ Market offers a selection of their matcha. Browse JJ Market’s Yamamasa Koyamaen collection [34][32] to experience these carefully crafted Uji teas for yourself.

Horii Shichimeien (est. 1879, Guardian of Uji’s “Seven Gardens”)

History & Background: Horii Shichimeien was founded in 1879 by the Horii family[35], but its heritage reaches much further back – it’s intimately connected to the legendary “Uji Shichimeien” or Seven Famous Tea Gardens of Uji. These seven imperial tea gardens were established during the Muromachi period by shogunal decree[36]. Over time, most fell out of cultivation, but the Horii family’s tea garden, Okunoyama, is the sole remaining active tea garden among the original seven[37]. The Horii enterprise grew around this precious garden, and to this day they are unique in Kyoto as both tea farmers and producers directly descended from that classical lineage.

Matcha Characteristics: Horii Shichimeien produces matcha that is truly farm-direct – tea is grown, processed, and ground within the Horii estate. Their matcha often has a distinctive character: a robust umami punch with earthy undertones, perhaps reflecting the specific soil of the Okunoyama hillside. The color is a deep forest green, and the prepared tea yields a thick froth with a mellow sweetness. They offer a range of matcha blends often named to honor their legacy (for example, “Shichimei no Mukashi” matcha nods to the seven gardens, and “Choko no Mukashi” to their long history)[36][38]. These blends vary from high ceremonial grades with a smooth, sweet profile to slightly more astringent blends suitable for daily usucha or for matcha-based sweets. All are crafted with leaves from the Yamashiro region, nestled between the Uji and Kizu rivers, where the Horii family carefully selects the finest leaves each season[35].

What Sets Them Apart: Horii Shichimeien’s claim to fame is its direct link to Kyoto’s ancient tea culture[36]. Being the steward of the last of Uji’s seven famous tea gardens is a profound responsibility – and the Horii family takes pride in preserving this living history[37]. What sets them apart is the integration of cultivation and production: many tea companies either farm or process, but Horii Shichimeien does it all. This results in an exceptionally transparent and high-quality product. Furthermore, their dual identity as farmers and tea artisans means they prioritize sustainable cultivation and quality over volume. In every tin of Horii matcha, one can taste a bit of Uji’s storied past – it’s a tea not just to drink, but to contemplate.

Where to Buy: To sample matcha from this historic tea garden, visit JJ Market’s Horii Shichimeien page [36]. It offers a selection of their matcha powders, bringing the spirit of Uji’s seven gardens straight to your cup.

Hokoen (est. 1860s, Farm-to-Cup Uji Matcha)

History & Background: Hokoen is a distinguished Uji tea wholesaler and producer with a history spanning over 160 years[39]. Established around the 1860s (the late Edo to early Meiji period), Hokoen’s roots lie in the Nagaike area of Jōyō City, Kyoto – a locale known for tea cultivation[40]. The company began as a family-owned tea farm and grew into a business that not only cultivates tea but also processes and distributes it. Remaining true to its origin, Hokoen still manages its own tea plantations, making it a vertically integrated tea producer.

Matcha Characteristics: Hokoen’s matcha is often described as exceptionally fresh and aromatic, thanks to the company’s tight control over its crop and production timeline[41][42]. Leaves are shade-grown on their estates to develop high chlorophyll (for color) and amino acids (for flavor), yielding matcha with a bright green hue and a pronounced sweet-umami taste. Hokoen produces both usucha-grade matcha, which is light, creamy, and slightly sweet (perfect for everyday enjoyment), and koicha-grade, which is thicker, with a more intense depth and lingering finish. By roasting some teas in-house and carefully grinding, they ensure their matcha has a robust fragrance and a smooth, non-gritty texture[42]. Notably, Hokoen’s matcha products (like their Houki, Myouju, and Eiraku blends) are prized by tea enthusiasts for delivering high ceremonial quality at relatively accessible prices[43][44].

What Sets Them Apart: Hokoen embodies the farm-to-cup philosophy perhaps more than any other Kyoto brand. By cultivating, harvesting, processing, and even packaging their own tea, they can guarantee the quality and provenance of their matcha[42]. This also allows them to offer great value – top-quality tea at reasonable prices – because they cut out middlemen in the supply chain[42]. Hokoen is also celebrated for consistency; tea masters appreciate that the flavor profile of their matcha remains steady year after year, a sign of careful blend management. With over a century and a half of expertise, Hokoen has stayed somewhat under the radar internationally, but among Uji tea connoisseurs it’s a respected name. Their dedication to excellence without flashy marketing makes them a hidden gem of Kyoto’s tea world.

Where to Buy: Hokoen’s matcha can be found through JJ Market in select varieties[39]. It’s a wonderful choice for those who want to taste Uji matcha that comes straight from the growers who perfected it.

Honoring Kyoto’s Tea Legacy

Kyoto’s long-established matcha brands are more than just tea providers – they are custodians of an art form and a cultural legacy. From Kanbayashi Shunsho, which carries the torch from feudal Japan, to Horii Shichimeien, which keeps alive the spirit of the shogunate’s tea gardens, each brand tells a part of Kyoto’s story. Brands like Tsujiri and Nakamura Tokichi show how innovation can revive tradition, while Marukyu Koyamaen and Yamamasa Koyamaen demonstrate an unswerving commitment to quality that has earned global respect. Others, such as Itoh Kyuemon and Fukujuen, bridge the old and the new – ensuring that the joys of Uji tea can be experienced in modern life, whether in a simple cup at home or a creative matcha dessert in a cafe. And then there’s Hokoen, proving that controlling every step from leaf to bowl can result in matcha that captures the very essence of the land it was grown on.

For tea enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike, exploring these brands is like taking a journey through time. With each sip of these matchas, you partake in a heritage that has been lovingly passed down through generations in Kyoto. JJ Market’s curated selection makes it easy to access this world of tea. As you prepare a bowl of any of these Uji matchas, imagining the gentle rolling hills of Wazuka or the serene tea rooms of Gion, you’ll not only enjoy a delicious drink but also connect with the profound tradition that is Kyoto tea culture. Happy tasting, and welcome to the storied world of Kyoto’s matcha!

Sources:

JJ Market – Collection: Kanbayashi Shunsho[1] (History of Kanbayashi Shunsho)
JJ Market – Collection: Kanbayashi Shunsho[2] (14th generation leadership)
Ippodo Tea Co. – Company Background[4] (Founded in 1717 in Kyoto)
JJ Market – Collection: Ippodo[7] (300-year history and tea selection)
JJ Market – Collection: Marukyu Koyamaen[8] (History since Genroku era; quality focus)
JJ Market – Collection: Fukujuen[12] (Founded 1790, 230+ year history)
JJ Market – Collection: Fukujuen[14] (Tradition and modern tea lifestyle)
JJ Market – Collection: Itoh Kyuemon[15] (Founded 1832 in Uji)
JJ Market – Collection: Itoh Kyuemon[17] (Use of first flush leaves and stone grinding)
JJ Market – Collection: Nakamura Tokichi[25] (Founded 1854, tradition and innovation)
JJ Market – Collection: Nakamura Tokichi[22] (Rich flavor and global reputation of their matcha)
JJ Market – Collection: Tsujiri[26] (Founded 1860 in Uji; tea chest innovation)
JJ Market – Collection: Tsujiri[27] (Riemon Tsuji’s contributions to Uji tea and gyokuro method)
JJ Market – Collection: Gion Tsujiri[29] (Stone mill grinding technique for quality)
JJ Market – Collection: Yamamasa Koyamaen[33][32] (Edo-period roots; 160th anniversary; tea names honor)
JJ Market – Collection: Horii Shichimeien[36] (Founded 1879; connection to Uji’s seven tea gardens)
JJ Market – Collection: Horii Shichimeien[37] (“Okunoyama” garden as last of seven; preserving heritage)
JJ Market – Collection: Hokoen[39] (160+ years of tea production; own plantations and quality control)
Ujicha Matcha – Hokoen Matcha Collection[40] (Hokoen’s region and specialization in Uji teas)