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The 5 Best Uji Teas of 2025: Matcha, Gyokuro & Sencha

Buying Tip

Authentic Uji tea is often labeled with the "Uji-cha" mark. Be careful of cheap blends that say "Kyoto Style" but actually use leaves from other regions. Real Uji tea comes at a premium due to limited production space.

Uji is not just a place; it's a flavor profile. Defined by the rich, savory "Umami" of shaded growth and the creamy texture of the Samidori cultivar, Uji tea is the benchmark for Japanese quality. But with so many brands claiming the Uji name, it is hard to know what is real.

We tested the top exports from Kyoto's finest tea houses. Whether you are looking for a vibrant ceremonial Matcha, a broth-like Gyokuro, or a refreshing Sencha, these are the best bottles of Uji terroir you can buy.

A variety of Uji teas including Matcha powder and Gyokuro needles on a wooden table.
Best Ceremonial Matcha
Ippodo Sayaka Matcha

1. Ippodo 'Sayaka' Matcha

★★★★★ (The Benchmark)

Ippodo is a Kyoto institution dating back three centuries. 'Sayaka' is their entry-level ceremonial grade, but it beats most competitors' premium grades. It has a smooth, creamy texture with hints of edamame and almost zero bitterness. It whisks into a vibrant, neon-green foam effortlessly.

Pros:
  • Perfect balance of sweetness/astringency
  • Vibrant emerald green color
  • Trusted historic brand
Cons:
  • Small tin (20g or 40g)
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Best Gyokuro
Hibiki-An Gyokuro

2. Hibiki-An Super Premium Gyokuro

★★★★★ (Liquid Umami)

This is Uji in a cup. Grown in the Ogura area of Uji, this Gyokuro is shaded for weeks to boost amino acids. The result is a tea that tastes less like a beverage and more like a savory soup broth. It is thick, viscous, and intensely sweet. A true luxury experience.

Pros:
  • Intense Umami bomb
  • Farm-direct freshness
  • Beautiful needle shape
Cons:
  • Requires precise low-temp brewing (50°C)
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Best Uji Sencha Tea Bag
Tsujiri Uji Sencha

3. Tsujiri Uji Sencha

★★★★☆ (Elegant & Floral)

Tsujiri is another legendary Uji brand. Their Sencha is classic Uji style: Asamushi (light steamed). This preserves the needle shape and creates a clear, golden liquor with a sophisticated floral aroma that Shizuoka deep-steamed teas often lack. It is crisp, refreshing, and clean.

Pros:
  • Clear, golden liquor
  • Tea Bag ease
  • Elegant packaging
Cons:
  • Lighter body than Fukamushi styles
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Best Daily Drinker
Ito En Matcha Green Tea

4. Ito En Matcha Green Tea (Uji Blend)

★★★★☆ (Value Pick)

For everyday drinking, you don't always need single-estate rare leaves. This loose leaf blend from Ito En combines Sencha with Uji Matcha powder. You get the fresh grassy taste of Sencha with the vibrant green color and umami kick of Matcha. It brews fast and is very forgiving.

Pros:
  • Vibrant green color
  • Very affordable
  • Widely available
Cons:
  • Contains Matcha powder (cloudy brew)
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Best Low Caffeine
Ocha & Co Hojicha Powder

5. Ocha & Co Hojicha Powder

★★★★★ (Toasty & Sweet)

Hojicha is roasted green tea. This powder version is made from high-grade Uji tea plants. The roasting removes most of the caffeine and bitterness, leaving a sweet, caramel-like flavor with a smoky aroma. It is the perfect evening tea.

Pros:
  • Low caffeine (good for evening)
  • Sweet caramel notes
  • Warming and comforting
Cons:
  • Roasted flavor masks the "green" notes
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Read Next: Uji Knowledge

Understand the region behind the label.

The Guide to Uji: Japan's Ancient Capital

Matcha 101: Grades & Production

What is Gyokuro? The Shade Grown Secret