5 Best Japanese Teas for Fall

It’s official—fall is finally here! A truly beautiful season, fall is also the perfect time for enjoying tasty Japanese teas. Tea is the most popular beverage in Japan, and it’s easy to see why.

There’s nothing like a warm cup of tea on a nice fall day. Among the wide array of Japanese teas, there are several we prefer for this time of year thanks to their warming flavor profiles that range from umami to nutty and slightly sweet.

Check out this list for five of our favorite fall teas to try this season!

Matcha

A traditional tea that’s still extremely popular today, matcha is made from finely ground, shade-grown tea leaves. This grow method makes for leaves that are a darker shade of green and full of flavor.

The finest buds are hand-picked for matcha. The tea is then slowly stone-ground to make for its iconic, bright green color and powder-like texture.

Rather than steeping, matcha tea is made by mixing the actual leaves into hot water and whisking until frothy. The flavor of matcha is complex and unique, tasting earthy and slightly sweet with pleasantly bitter undertones.

Kukicha

Also known as bōcha, kukicha is a “twig tea.” Kukicha is unique because it’s made from the stems, stalks, and twigs of the tea plant rather than the leaves.

Kukicha is a green tea that’s low in caffeine. It’s also refreshing and a good mix between savory and sweet. When it comes to flavor, this tea is slightly nutty and a touch sweet with a delightful, creamy texture.

Kukicha is a pretty, pale yellow color when brewed. Between its warm color and dynamic flavors, kukicha is a great tea for fall.

Hojicha

Another green tea, what makes hojicha unique is its preparation. While most Japanese teas are steamed, hojicha is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal, a tradition originating from Kyoto.

This roasting method takes away the tea’s bitterness. Hojicha boasts a subtle caramel-like flavor while tasting toasty, even slightly smokey.

When brewed, hojicha is a warm, red-ish brown color. Thanks to its beautiful hue and warming taste, hojicha really tastes like autumn in a cup.

Okukirishima Tea

Made from the finest sencha green tea leaves, okukirishimacha is a fragrant, flavorful, and full-bodied tea.

Drinking okukirishima tea feels like an indulgence, making it a great pick for this time of year. The tea leaves are emerald green in color and make for a silky, subtly sweet tea. Okukirishima tea is a pretty, light green color when brewed.

Hakone Sanroku Black Tea Akafuji

A product from Kanagawa Prefecture, this blended black tea boasts a bold flavor while being truly fragrant, almost floral.

Hakone Sanroku Black Tea Akafuji is less astringent compared to some other black teas, making it a unique pick. A warm, red-ish brown color when brewed, it also makes for a cozy and smooth cup of tea.

From the complex, umami flavors of matcha green tea to toasty hojicha and nutty kukicha, there are plenty of tasty teas to try this fall.

Whether you’re marveling at foliage or curling up in your favorite blanket, sipping on one of these Japanese teas is a great way to celebrate the fall season.