Ippodo Tea, officially Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗), is one of Japan's most prestigious and historic tea producers. With a history spanning over three centuries, Ippodo is a revered institution in Kyoto, specializing in high-quality, sustainably grown Japanese green teas.
Brand History & Philosophy
- Founded: 1717
- Original Name: Omiya
- Location: Teramachi Nijo, Kyoto, Japan (the main store has been in the same location for over 300 years).
The company was founded by Rihei Watanabe. In 1846, Prince Yamashina bestowed the name "Ippodo," which translates to "preserve one." This name reflects the company's mission to uphold and preserve the tradition of providing exceptionally high-quality tea.
Ippodo's philosophy is rooted in sourcing and blending leaves to create a consistent, signature taste for each of their teas, year after year. They are blenders, not growers, which allows them to select the best leaves from various trusted tea farmers primarily in the Uji region of Kyoto.
Company Details
- Official Name: Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
- Established: 1717
- Location: Kyoto, Japan
- Core Business: Sourcing, blending, and selling premium Japanese green teas, including matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha.
Key Matcha Products
Ippodo offers a rich lineup of matcha, categorized by richness and quality, making it easy for customers to choose based on their preference and intended use. The names of their matcha products are poetic and often end in "-no-mukashi" (〜の昔), meaning "long ago."
Ceremonial Grades (Rich)
These are Ippodo's highest-quality offerings, suitable for koicha (thick tea) and special occasions.
- Unmon-no-mukashi (雲門の昔): The richest and highest grade.
- Kan-no-shiro (関の白): A step down, but still exceptionally rich and smooth.
Ceremonial Grades (Medium)
Balanced and versatile, perfect for usucha (thin tea) or premium lattes.
- Ikuyo-no-mukashi (幾世の昔): A popular, well-balanced daily drinker.
- Sayaka-no-mukashi (清かの昔): A lighter, refreshing option.
Culinary Grades
Designed for lattes, baking, and other culinary uses.
- Hatsu-mukashi (初昔): A robust culinary grade.
Quality and Sourcing
- Origin: Ippodo sources its tea leaves almost exclusively from the Uji region of Kyoto, an area renowned for producing the finest Japanese teas due to its unique terroir.
- Blending Mastery: Ippodo's expertise lies in the art of blending. Their master blenders skillfully combine leaves from different cultivars and harvests to create the signature Ippodo taste for each product, ensuring remarkable consistency.
- Sustainability: The company is committed to sustainable agriculture, working closely with its partner farmers.
Market Position
Ippodo is a premium, heritage brand that is highly respected both in Japan and internationally.
- Target Audience: Tea connoisseurs, practitioners of the Japanese tea ceremony, and anyone seeking high-quality, authentic Japanese green tea.
- Competitors: Competes with other historic Kyoto-based producers like Marukyu Koyamaen.
- Brand Identity: Ippodo is known for its elegant packaging, deep-rooted history, and the exceptional quality and consistency of its teas.
Where to Buy
Ippodo has flagship stores and is available through various international retailers.
- Flagship Stores:
- Kyoto Main Store (since 1717)
- Tokyo Marunouchi Store
- New York City Store
- Online: Ippodo maintains official online stores for Japan, the US, and other international regions.
- Specialty Retailers: Available at high-end department stores and specialty tea shops worldwide.