About us
Origins of Yamada Chaya
Welcome to Yamada Chaya: your online Japanese teahouse.
Our story begins in Shiga, Japan, near the celebrated tea fields of Uji, Kyoto- the birthplace of some of the world’s finest matcha. Our founder, Yoshi, grew up surrounded by the quiet beauty of Japan’s tea culture, where each bowl of matcha is more than a drink- it is a moment to be fully present.
At Yamada Chaya, we live by the spirit of ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会) — “one time, one meeting,” the belief that each encounter is unique and should be cherished. This is the heart of our tea: to slow down, to notice, and to honour the moment in front of you.
For over a decade, we have been drinking and learning about matcha, deepening our respect for the farmers who nurture each leaf and the traditions that guide every step. From the shading of the tea fields to the careful grinding into vibrant, silky powder.
Our matcha is sourced from generational tea farmers in Japan. Crafted to capture the harmony expressed in 茶道, chadō, the Japanese tea ceremony’s, four principles: wa (和, harmony), kei (敬, respect), sei (清, purity), and jaku (寂, tranquility).
We honour the ceremonial roots of matcha while embracing its place in modern life. Whether enjoyed as a quiet, whisked bowl, poured into a creamy latte, or used to create something entirely new. In every form, it is still tea, still connection, still a moment worth savouring.
From our teahouse to your home, welcome to Yamada Chaya. May every sip be your own ichi-go ichi-e.
Why did we start Yamada Chaya?
To share our deep love for matcha and Japanese tea — and to bring the finest quality we can find to tea lovers here in Aotearoa (New Zealand) and beyond.
We are proudly based in Taranaki, New Zealand, where we blend traditional Japanese tea culture with a modern way of enjoying it.
Because we know, that you know, matcha must be truly high quality to be savoured and enjoyed.
We have sourced our matcha blends from generational tea farmers in Uji, Kyoto. Japan's most renowned matcha-producing region. Uji is widely regarded as Japan's top-tier matcha region as it has ideal tea growing conditions and over 800 years of history in the field.
Our JAS Organic Hojicha powder comes from Yame, Fukuoka. An area famed for it's nutty and toasty tasting notes in its tea.
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from specially grown and processed Japanese tea leaves called tencha (碾茶). Unlike other green teas, matcha is a powder and is whisked with hot water and consumed whole. Allowing you to enjoy the full benefit of the leaf's flavor, nutrients, and antioxidants.
How is it made?
Matcha comes from shade-grown tea plants, typically covered for 2–4 weeks before harvest. This shading slows photosynthesis, boosting chlorophyll (vivid green color) and L-theanine (umami, natural sweetness). Only the youngest, most tender leaves- the first flush of the season- are picked, steamed to stop oxidation, dried, and stone-milled into an ultra-fine powder.
What does it taste like?
High-quality matcha has a vibrant green color, a smooth texture, and a delicate balance of rich umami sweetness with a hint of natural vegetal bitterness- think tender baby greens or sweet green peas, not harsh grassiness. It truly has to be experienced to be believed.
Hojicha is a traditional Japanese green tea made by roasting steamed tea leaves, stems, or powder over charcoal or hot air. This roasting transforms the flavor profile, producing a toasty, nutty, and slightly caramel-like taste, while naturally lowering caffeine content and astringency.
Originating in Kyoto in the 1920s, hojicha was created as a lighter, easy-to-drink tea, perfect for evenings or children.
High-quality hojicha powder, like ours from Yame, Fukuoka, uses first- and second-flush leaves, carefully roasted to bring out rich nutty and cacao notes while preserving subtle sweetness.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (NZ), you are entitled to a refund or replacement if the product:
Due to the perishable nature of our matcha products, we do not offer refunds for:
See our refund policy for more information.
We will work quickly to ship your order as soon as possible (usually within 2-3 business days.)
Once your order has shipped, you will receive an email with further information. Delivery times vary depending on your location.
High quality Japanese matcha isn’t just tea, it’s the result of time, skill, and careful farming:
Each step protects its vibrant color, umami flavor, and health benefits- making it more costly than regular tea, but also far more rewarding.
from generational tea farms
& based in New Zealand
as well as modern tea culture
Enjoying the smooth and rich flavour of this Matcha. Now I drink it every morning without fail . Very well presented packaging.
Great for an afternoon snack tea drink as low caffeine. Quick delivery to UK
Creamy, flavorful and that color is just gorgeous. Has become my new favorite everyday matcha!
