Behind the Scenes at Nakamura Tokichi Honten: More Than Just Matcha Powder
Behind the Scenes at Nakamura Tokichi Honten: More Than Just Matcha Powder
Hello everyone☺️
If you know Nakamura Tokichi Honten only as a brand that sells premium matcha powder, I’m excited to let you in on a little secret: that’s just the beginning of our story.
Founded in 1854 in Uji, Kyoto—the heartland of Japan’s tea culture—Nakamura Tokichi Honten is where history, craftsmanship, and the spirit of Japanese tea come together. For over 170 years, we’ve been preserving and sharing the art of tea in ways that go far beyond the tin of matcha you might have on your kitchen shelf.
A World Beyond the Tin
Yes, our ceremonial-grade matcha is one of our proudest creations. But step inside our main shop in Uji, and you’ll find:
A Curated Tea Selection
From vibrant matcha to elegant gyokuro and toasty hojicha, each tea is hand-selected and crafted with the same care we’ve practiced for generations. Every blend tells a different story of aroma, taste, and season.
The Café Experience
Our café serves dishes and desserts infused with our own tea—like our matcha parfait layered with handcrafted jelly, or soba noodles made with fresh tea leaves. Every bite and sip is an invitation to taste tea in a new way.
The Tea Ceremony Room
Here, guests can take part in a quiet, timeless ritual that transforms the simple act of making tea into an art form. It’s not about rushing—it’s about savoring the moment.
Why It Matters
For us, tea is not just a product. It’s a living tradition—a way to connect with nature, with each other, and with yourself. Whether you whisk matcha at home in the U.S. or join us in Uji for a tea ceremony, you’re stepping into the same heritage.
If You Visit Uji…
Start your day with a warm welcome at our tea shop, wander through the shelves of tea, then enjoy a tea-inspired lunch or dessert in our café. In the afternoon, slow down in the tea ceremony room and discover the quiet joy of preparing matcha the traditional way.
From matcha powder on your counter to a full sensory experience in Japan, Nakamura Tokichi Honten is more than a store—it’s a bridge between worlds.
We can’t wait to share more of that world with you.
Until next time, may your tea moments be full of peace and discovery.