The Best Asian Teas to Buy at Uwajimaya (And Amazon Alternatives)
Uwajimaya is the largest Asian grocer in the Pacific Northwest, with stores in Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, and Beaverton. The tea section is broader than a pure-Japanese chain — strong on Japanese (matcha, hojicha), with Korean and Chinese picks mixed in. Here's how to shop it.
U.S. — Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Bellevue, Renton, Beaverton)
Japanese (primary); Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Vietnamese
What Uwajimaya does best
- Japanese matcha and sencha — wider than most non-Japanese-exclusive grocers
- Korean boricha and corn tea — a full aisle end
- Chinese oolong and jasmine basics
- Tea-ware: matcha whisks, Japanese kyusu teapots, Korean ceramic cups
Our top picks at Uwajimaya
Shopping tips
- Uwajimaya's Seattle flagship has a large prepared-food court near the tea aisle — easy to combine a tea run with lunch.
- Watch for seasonal Japanese tea gift boxes around Obon and New Year's.
- The housewares section carries matcha whisks and chawan bowls at prices better than specialty retailers.
Frequently asked
Is Uwajimaya better than Amazon for Japanese tea?
For freshness of matcha specifically, yes — the Seattle/Bellevue locations get imports that have been in-country days, not months. For mainstream brands at best price, Amazon with Subscribe & Save wins.
Can Uwajimaya order teas they don't stock?
Occasionally yes — the customer service desk at the Seattle flagship can check distributor availability for specific Japanese brands. Not a guarantee, but worth asking if you're hunting a particular tin.
Does Uwajimaya carry Korean teas?
Yes, though the Korean section is smaller than a dedicated H-Mart. Expect 2-3 boricha brands, Damtuh corn tea, and occasionally Osulloc on the premium shelf. For full Korean depth, a PNW H-Mart is the stronger stop.