The Best Japanese Teas to Buy at Mitsuwa (And Amazon Alternatives)
Mitsuwa Marketplace is the largest Japanese grocery chain in the U.S., with stores in CA, NJ, IL, and TX. Its tea section is where serious Japanese tea lovers go — authentic sencha from Shizuoka, ceremonial matcha from Uji, proper hojicha, and the bottled-tea cooler any Japanese convenience-store fan dreams of. Here's what to grab and what's worth ordering from Amazon when Mitsuwa isn't an option.
U.S. — 11 stores in CA, NJ, IL, TX, HI
Japanese (exclusively)
What Mitsuwa Marketplace does best
- Matcha — ceremonial and latte grades, multiple brands imported from Japan
- Sencha and gyokuro loose-leaf
- Hojicha (both leaf and Japanese convenience-store bottled versions)
- Mugicha — bagged boxes from Ito En and Yamasan
- Bottled tea cooler — the full Ito En Oi Ocha lineup, including regional SKUs
- Matcha whisks, chashaku, chawan bowls
Our top picks at Mitsuwa Marketplace
Shopping tips
- The matcha display is usually in a refrigerated case — matcha degrades fast at room temp, so take the freshest tin.
- Yuzu kosho, shichimi togarashi, and tea-ware usually cluster near the tea aisle — stock up on one trip.
- Go early on Saturday; Mitsuwa draws crowds by late morning, especially the Costa Mesa and Edgewater locations.
- If you're new to Japanese tea, start with sencha + hojicha + mugicha — covers morning, afternoon, and evening.
Frequently asked
Does Mitsuwa stock ceremonial matcha?
Yes — multiple tins at varying price points, usually in the refrigerated section. Fresh-imported-from-Japan matcha here is as good as it gets in an American grocery.
Is Mitsuwa's tea more expensive than Amazon?
Premium imported SKUs are often cheaper at Mitsuwa than ordering from specialty retailers. Mainstream brands (Ito En, Yamamotoyama) are close to Amazon pricing.