For centuries, Ippodo Tea Co. has been crafting some of the finest Japanese green teas. From their rich matcha to their delicate gyokuro, Ippodo has a well-deserved reputation for exceptional quality. If you’re looking to bring this prestigious tea brand into your own home, you’re in luck. Ippodo Tea is widely accessible, both online and in physical locations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best places to buy Ippodo Tea, ensuring that you can enjoy a perfect cup of Japanese green tea no matter where you are.
1. Ippodo's Official Website
One of the easiest ways to purchase Ippodo Tea is directly through their official website. Available in both Japanese and English, the site offers the full range of their teas, including matcha, sencha, gyokuro, and bancha. You can also find exclusive seasonal offerings and gift sets that are perfect for tea enthusiasts.
Benefits of Buying from the Official Website:
Access to the full range of Ippodo products
Detailed product descriptions and brewing instructions
Exclusive online-only items and seasonal teas
International shipping options available
Ippodo also provides recommendations based on your preferences. Whether you’re new to green tea or a seasoned connoisseur, their online store makes it easy to explore new varieties and find the perfect match for your taste.
2. Ippodo Tea Shops
If you’re fortunate enough to live in or travel to Japan, visiting an Ippodo shop is an unforgettable experience. Ippodo's flagship store in Kyoto is located near the Imperial Palace, offering an authentic and immersive tea-buying experience. Not only can you browse their products in person, but you can also sample their teas before purchasing.
Flagship Store Location:
Kyoto: Ippodo's main store, established over 300 years ago, offers an extensive selection of their teas. It also includes a tea room where you can taste freshly brewed tea before making a purchase.
Address: Teramachi-dori Nijo, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915, Japan
In addition to the Kyoto store, Ippodo also has a tea shop in Tokyo and a small presence in New York City. The in-store experience offers a personalized touch, as the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and can guide you through the selection process.
New York City Location:
Located within the Michelin-starred restaurant, Kajitsu, in Manhattan. Here, you can buy a limited selection of Ippodo teas or enjoy them with a meal.
Address: Kajitsu, 125 E 39th St, New York, NY 10016, USA
3. Third-Party Online Retailers
In addition to the official Ippodo website, you can also purchase their teas through third-party online retailers. These platforms offer a convenient way to access Ippodo's high-quality teas, especially if you live in a country where international shipping might be a bit tricky.
Amazon: Ippodo Tea is available on Amazon, offering a variety of teas, including their famous matcha and sencha. Amazon is a good option for faster shipping times, especially for U.S.-based customers, though selection may be more limited compared to Ippodo's official site.
Tip: Always ensure that the product is sold by a trusted source, as third-party sellers may not offer the freshest products.
Rakuten Global Market: Rakuten offers an international marketplace where you can purchase Ippodo teas directly from Japan. Similar to Amazon, it’s a reliable way to get your hands on some of Ippodo’s finest teas without ordering directly from their site.
4. Specialty Tea Shops
Certain specialty tea shops and Japanese import stores also carry Ippodo teas. These are often local brick-and-mortar shops that focus on premium teas and Japanese imports. Some notable examples include:
Tea and Whisk (Las Vegas): A small tea shop in Las Vegas known for its curated selection of high-quality Japanese teas, including Ippodo.
Yamibuy: An online Asian marketplace that sometimes offers Ippodo teas, especially their matcha varieties.
Before visiting a local shop, it’s worth calling ahead to ensure they have Ippodo Tea in stock, as the availability may vary depending on the location.
5. Department Stores in Japan
For those visiting Japan, you can find Ippodo Tea in high-end department stores like Isetan, Mitsukoshi, and Takashimaya. These department stores often have gourmet sections featuring premium teas, and Ippodo is a frequently featured brand.
What to Expect: Department store selections are usually more limited than at Ippodo's flagship stores, but you can still find popular items like their matcha and sencha teas, as well as gift sets.
6. Specialty Cafés and Restaurants
If you’re not ready to commit to buying an entire tin or bag of Ippodo tea, why not try it first at a café or restaurant? Some specialty tea houses and high-end Japanese restaurants serve Ippodo teas. For example:
Cha-an Teahouse (New York): A cozy Japanese teahouse in Manhattan that offers a range of Ippodo teas on their menu.
Kajitsu (New York): A Michelin-starred restaurant where you can pair your tea with a traditional Japanese meal.
This is an excellent way to experience Ippodo Tea in a curated setting, with teas brewed by professionals who know how to bring out the best flavors in every cup.
Whether you’re new to Ippodo Tea or a long-time fan, there are plenty of options for purchasing their high-quality green teas, both online and in physical stores. From visiting the flagship store in Kyoto to ordering a tin of matcha from the convenience of your home, Ippodo Tea is more accessible than ever.
Remember, no matter where you buy your Ippodo tea, the key is to savor the experience—sip slowly, breathe in the aroma, and enjoy the moment. Happy tea hunting
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