Matcha is finely stone-milled green tea powder made from shade-grown Camellia sinensis leaves. Shading the plants for 3–4 weeks before harvest forces them to produce more chlorophyll and L-theanine — giving matcha its vivid green colour, deep umami flavour, and calm, focused energy. Unlike steeped tea, you consume the whole leaf, making it far more nutrient-dense.

What is the difference between koicha and usucha?

Usucha (thin tea) is the everyday preparation — light, frothy, approachable. Koicha (thick tea) is a ceremonial preparation using twice the matcha and half the water, producing a rich, paste-like tea with intense umami. Koicha requires a higher grade matcha.

What matcha grades do you offer?

We offer ceremonial grade matcha using only the youngest first-flush leaves from shaded plants — stone-milled to a silky powder with natural sweetness and umami. Our Premium Matcha is our latte-grade — smooth and balanced for daily use, holding up beautifully in milk.

Hojicha is Japanese green tea roasted at high heat, transforming its colour from green to warm amber and its flavour to nutty, toasty, and caramel-like. Our Organic Yame Hojicha is JAS-certified organic, sourced from Yame, Fukuoka. Because roasting reduces caffeine, hojicha is a beautiful evening tea.

Where does your tea come from?

Our matcha is sourced from generational tea farmers in Uji, Kyoto — the birthplace of Japanese matcha culture. Our hojicha comes from Yame, Fukuoka. Both regions have centuries of tea-growing heritage.

How should I store matcha?

Keep your matcha tin sealed, away from light, heat, and moisture. Once opened, use within 4–6 weeks for best flavour. Store in a cool, dark cupboard — not the fridge, as condensation can affect the powder.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we ship to New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Europe, Canada, Singapore, and Japan.

Refund policy

We offer a 30-day return window from the date your order is delivered.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a return, items must be:

Unused and in original packaging
In the same condition as received
Accompanied by proof of purchase

To request a return, please email hello@yamadachaya.co.nz.
Returns must be approved before sending. Items sent without approval will not be accepted.

Return address:
Yamada Chaya Limited
9A Turehu Street, New Plymouth, 4312, New Zealand

Non-Returnable Items

Due to the nature of our products, we do not accept returns or refunds for:

Matcha or hōjicha powders (perishable goods), unless faulty
Opened or used items
Change-of-mind purchases once processed or shipped
Personal taste preferences or subjective results
Sale items or gift cards
Custom or personalised orders

Handmade ceramics:

Our ceramic pieces are individually crafted and may feature natural variations in glaze, colour, shape, or small imperfections. These are not considered faults and are part of their character. Returns will not be accepted for these reasons.

Damaged, Faulty, or Incorrect Items

Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (NZ), you are entitled to a refund or replacement if your item:

Arrives damaged or defective
Is incorrect or not as described
Is not of acceptable quality

Please contact us within 3 business days of delivery with:

Your order number
A description of the issue
Clear photos of the item and packaging

If approved:

Refunds are issued to your original payment method within 5–10 business days
Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer

Unopened Returns

If you believe your unopened item is eligible:

Contact us within 3 business days of delivery
Items must be returned within 30 days in original, unopened condition
Return shipping is at the customer’s cost unless the item is faulty

Exchanges

We do not offer direct exchanges.
The fastest option is to return the item (if eligible) and place a new order.

Refund Process

Once your return is received and inspected, we’ll notify you of the outcome.
If approved:

Refunds are processed within 10 business days
Banks may take additional time to complete the transaction

If more than 15 business days have passed since approval, please contact us.

Late or Missing Refunds

If your refund hasn’t appeared:

Check your bank account
Contact your bank or card provider
Email us if the issue persists

EU Customers

If your order is shipped to the European Union, you have the right to cancel or return your order within 14 days, provided items are unused and in original condition with proof of purchase.