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.

Terms of service

1. Overview

Welcome to Yamada Chaya. By accessing and using this website, www.yamadachaya.co.nz, you agree to be bound by the following Terms of Service and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree, please do not use this site.

These terms apply to all users of the site, including without limitation browsers, customers, wholesalers, vendors, and contributors of content.

2. Products & Availability

We sell premium and superior matcha powder and related products. All descriptions, images, prices, and availability of products are subject to change at any time without notice.

We reserve the right to discontinue any product at any time. All purchases are subject to availability.

3. Pricing & Payments

All prices are listed in New Zealand Dollars (NZD.)

We accept payments via secure third-party payment gateways (e.g. Stripe, PayPal, Shopify Payments). By purchasing, you agree that:

You are authorised to use the payment method provided
You will not attempt to reverse, charge back, or cancel the payment once the order has been processed

We reserve the right to cancel or refuse any order at our sole discretion.

4. Shipping & Delivery

Shipping costs are calculated at checkout and may vary by destination. We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-3 business days, but we do not guarantee delivery times.

Once a parcel has been handed to the courier, it becomes their responsibility. We are not liable for delays, loss, or damage during transit.

For full shipping terms, see our Shipping Policy.

5. Returns & Refunds

Due to the perishable nature of our products, we do not accept returns for opened items or change-of-mind purchases. Faulty or damaged items may be refunded or replaced in accordance with the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

See our Refund Policy for full details.

6. Wholesale Terms

Wholesale buyers must contact us directly for pricing and terms. We reserve the right to accept or decline wholesale applications. Wholesale purchases may be subject to different return and refund conditions, agreed upon in writing.

7. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including but not limited to product descriptions, photos, logos, and branding, is the intellectual property of Yamada Chaya and may not be copied, distributed, or reproduced without written permission.

8. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Yamada Chaya shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from your use of or inability to use our site or products, including but not limited to health outcomes or business losses.

You agree that your use of our products is at your own discretion and risk.

9. Privacy

Your privacy is important to us. Please review our Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, used, and protected.

10. Governing Law

These terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. Any disputes shall be resolved under New Zealand jurisdiction.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us at:
hello@yamadachaya.co.nz
www.yamadachaya.co.nz