Japanese Tea as the Best Souvenir – Top Places to Buy It near Tokyo Station
- Patia
- Apr 24
- 9 min read
Updated: May 9
HELLO, I'M AYU!
I am one of the staff members at Patia, where we offer cooking classes specifically designed for foreign tourists in Tokyo. I have two children, and I love cooking! I look forward to sharing my passion for cooking with you and making your experience in Japan truly memorable!
Bringing home a meaningful souvenir is one of the best ways to share your travel memories with loved ones. If you're visiting Japan, there's one gift that's beautiful, practical, and deeply connected to Japanese culture—Japanese tea.
Ligh tweight and easy to pack, Japanese tea not only looks elegant in its packaging, but also offers a rich and distinctive flavor that reflects centuries of tradition. Whether it’s matcha (powdered green tea), sencha (loose leaf green tea), or hojicha (roasted green tea), each variety has its own unique aroma and taste. This makes Japanese tea a versatile gift that can be appreciated by people of all ages and preferences.
In this post, we’ll explore why Japanese tea is such a perfect souvenir for your trip to Japan, tips on how to choose the right kind, and where to find high-quality tea shops conveniently located near Tokyo Station.
Table of Contents
Why Japanese Tea Is a Great Souvenir
For many travelers, choosing souvenirs is one of the most enjoyable parts of a trip. The best gifts are those that reflect the culture and flavor of the country you visited—and Japanese tea checks all the boxes. Here's why it's such a meaningful and practical choice:
1. A Culturally Rich Gift with Deep Tradition
Japanese tea is much more than a beverage—it's deeply tied to Japan’s history and traditional customs. Matcha, for example, is central to the Japanese tea ceremony, a ritual that reflects the spirit of hospitality and mindfulness.
The act of boiling water, carefully preparing the tea, and savoring its aroma and flavor is a quiet moment of reflection that embodies the Japanese appreciation for harmony and nature. Gifting Japanese tea is like sharing a piece of that culture—making it perfect for anyone interested in Japan, traditional arts, or simply the beauty of everyday rituals.
2. Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
When picking souvenirs, size and weight often matter—especially if you're flying internationally. Japanese tea is typically sold in dried leaf or powdered form, which makes it light, compact, and easy to pack.
Many shops offer beautifully designed tins, individually wrapped tea bags, and colorful, gift-ready packaging. These make perfect small presents for coworkers, hosts, or friends—stylish, practical, and easy to carry.
3. A Healthy Choice for Wellness Enthusiasts
As wellness trends continue to grow around the world, many people appreciate gifts that support a healthy lifestyle. Japanese green tea is naturally rich in catechins (powerful antioxidants), vitamin C, and amino acids that support health and beauty from the inside out.
Compared to coffee, many Japanese teas contain less caffeine, making them a gentler option. Teas like hojicha and genmaicha are especially low in caffeine and have a soothing, roasted aroma—perfect for a relaxing cup in the evening.
Types of Japanese Tea and What Makes Each One Special
Japanese tea comes in many varieties, each with its own flavor profile, preparation method, and cultural background. Here’s a quick guide to five of the most popular types of Japanese tea—perfect whether you're shopping for a souvenir or simply curious about what to try.
Matcha – Vivid Green, Rich Flavor, and a Symbol of Japanese Tradition
Matcha is perhaps the most iconic Japanese tea. Made by grinding shade-grown tea leaves into a fine powder, matcha is known for its bright green color, bold aroma, and smooth, umami-rich taste. It plays a central role in traditional tea ceremonies, but it’s also commonly used in sweets, lattes, and even savory dishes. For those interested in Japanese culture, matcha makes a beautiful and meaningful gift.
Sencha – Japan’s Everyday Green Tea
Sencha is the most commonly consumed green tea in Japan. The tea leaves are steamed, then rolled and dried, which gives sencha its signature fresh and balanced flavor. With a harmonious mix of sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and umami, it’s a staple on Japanese dining tables. If you’re looking for a classic, versatile tea to enjoy daily, sencha is a great choice.
Gyokuro – A Luxurious Treat for Tea Connoisseurs
Gyokuro is one of the highest-grade Japanese green teas, known for its deep umami flavor and natural sweetness. The tea plants are grown under shade for several weeks before harvesting, which intensifies the flavor and boosts the nutrient content. With its rich, velvety texture and delicate aroma, gyokuro is a tea meant to be savored—perfect for special occasions or as a premium gift.
Hojicha – A Toasty, Low-Caffeine Tea for Relaxation
Unlike other green teas, hojicha is roasted over high heat, giving it a warm, nutty aroma and a gentle, smooth flavor. Because the roasting process reduces its caffeine content, hojicha is often recommended for children, seniors, and anyone trying to avoid caffeine. It’s a comforting tea that’s especially enjoyable in the evening.
Genmaicha – A Unique Blend of Green Tea and Roasted Rice
Genmaicha is a blend of green tea leaves and roasted brown rice, offering a delightful balance of grassy freshness and toasty richness. The addition of rice gives it a mellow flavor and a slightly nutty finish. This tea stands out for its originality and makes a great conversation starter—ideal as a souvenir for those looking to try something new and uniquely Japanese.
Where to Buy Japanese Tea near Tokyo Station – Top 3 Shops for Authentic Souvenirs
Tokyo Station isn’t just a transportation hub—it’s also a great place to pick up high-quality souvenirs, especially if you’re looking for traditional Japanese tea. Here are three carefully selected tea shops located in or directly connected to Tokyo Station, offering everything from everyday sencha to rare matcha gifts.
Ippodo Tea – Over 300 Years of Japanese Tea Excellence
Founded in 1717 during the Edo period, Ippodo Tea is a historic tea purveyor with deep roots in Kyoto. Originally established by merchant Riemon Watanabe under the name “Omiya”, the shop has spent more than three centuries dedicated solely to Japanese tea. Ippodo Tea is renowned for its uncompromising focus on quality and for adapting its offerings to meet the tastes of each new generation.
Ippodo Tea - Tokyo Shin-Marunouchi Building Store
Located in the Shin-Marunouchi Building, this branch is directly connected to Tokyo Station via underground walkways. After entering the building, keep Seijo Ishii supermarket on your left and walk straight to the end of the hallway—then turn right.
Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo’s busy business district, this shop provides a quiet space where you can enjoy premium Japanese tea. It also offers takeout options, perfect for travelers or office workers who want high-quality tea on the go—even without access to hot water or tea-making equipment.
Open Hours
11:00 am to 9:00 pm (‘Last call’ at 8:00 pm)
11:00 am to 8:00 pm on Sundays and holidays (‘Last call’ at 7:00 pm)
Regular holiday
January 1st
Access
Shin-Marunouchi Bldg. B1F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Gion Kitagawa Hanbee – A Premium Uji Tea Brand from a 150-Year-Old Tea Wholesaler
Gion Kitagawa Hanbee is a refined Japanese tea brand created by Kitagawa Hanbee Shoten, a historic Uji tea wholesaler with over 150 years of history. This esteemed company is known for producing some of the world’s finest tea—some rare leaves even exceed ¥2 million per kilogram, making them virtually unavailable in regular markets.
While the company originally operated exclusively as a wholesaler, it has recently begun reaching out to the public in an effort to spread the culture of truly exquisite tea. In 2018, they opened a flagship tea café in Kyoto’s Gion district, followed by a shop in Osaka’s historic Takashimaya East Annex, a registered cultural property.
In April 2023, the brand opened its first-ever gift-focused store in Tokyo’s Marunouchi Building, bringing the elegance and prestige of Uji tea to the heart of the city.
Gion Kitagawa Hanbee – Tokyo Marunouchi Store
Conveniently located in the Marunouchi Building directly connected to Tokyo Station, this is the brand’s first store dedicated to tea gifts. Here, you’ll find a selection of high-grade Japanese teas—including award-winning varieties judged at national tea competitions—carefully chosen by seasoned experts.
Beyond loose-leaf tea, the shop offers beautifully packaged gift items like ochazuke (rice with tea) sets using top-grade matcha and elegant matcha-based sweets. Every product embodies the spirit of craftsmanship and premium ingredients, offering a rare opportunity to experience the true essence of Japanese tea culture.
Open Hours
Mon–Sat: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sun & Holidays: 11:00 am to 8:00pm
Regular holiday
January 1st and during scheduled building maintenance
Access
Marunouchi Building. B1F, 2-4-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Fukujuen – Over 230 Years of Kyoto Tea Heritage
Founded in 1790 during the Kansei era, Fukujuen is a prestigious Japanese tea company with its roots in Yamashiro, Kyoto—a region known for producing high-quality tea for centuries. For over 230 years, Fukujuen has dedicated itself to the craft of tea, earning the admiration of tea lovers across Japan and around the world.
The Yamashiro region, where the main store is located, has a rich history dating back to the Asuka period. Its proximity to the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, along with its rich natural and spiritual heritage, makes it an ideal environment for tea cultivation. Fukujuen’s base in Kamikoma has long been a vital hub for tea distribution, historically benefiting from waterway transport via the Kizu River.
Committed to preserving its traditional tea-making techniques while also embracing modern innovation, Fukujuen continues to offer a contemporary tea experience that honors its deep cultural roots.
Fukujuen – Daimaru Tokyo Store
Conveniently located on the basement floor of the Daimaru Tokyo department store—directly connected to Tokyo Station’s Yaesu North Exit—Fukujuen offers easy access for travelers and commuters alike. Just beside the central escalator, this prime location makes it simple to pop in, whether you’re in transit or heading home.
The store carries a wide variety of Japanese tea products, ranging from reasonably priced everyday items to luxurious gift sets. With its elegant packaging and top-quality selection, Fukujuen is a popular stop for visitors looking for refined gifts or a personal indulgence. Its reputation among international travelers continues to grow year after year.
Open Hours
10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Regular holiday
January 1st and 2nd
Access
Daimaru Tokyo. B1F, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Conclusion: Japanese Tea as the Best Souvenir
Japanese tea is more than just a delicious beverage—it’s a reflection of Japanese culture, the changing seasons, and a growing appreciation for health and mindfulness. At Tokyo Station, you’ll find a wide selection of high-quality tea shops that are easy to stop by, even during a busy travel schedule.
Whether you’re looking for a thoughtful souvenir or a little gift for yourself, browsing these tea shops at the end of your journey can be a relaxing and rewarding experience. Choosing Japanese tea while imagining the smile of the person you’re gifting it to will surely turn it into a memorable and meaningful present.
A Unique Japanese Experience: Make Your Own Ramen and Shop Like a Local
If you're looking to make your trip to Japan even more memorable, why not choose a hands-on experience that goes beyond the usual sightseeing? At Patia’s Ramen-Making Class in Tokyo, you’ll not only learn how to make authentic Japanese ramen from scratch—but also enjoy a bonus stop at a local supermarket to shop for ingredients and souvenirs.
Of course, buying premium tea from a specialty shop is a wonderful souvenir idea. But if you want something more casual for everyday enjoyment, Japan’s local supermarkets are full of great finds—affordable, varied, and full of character. Plus, you won’t be on your own. An instructor will accompany you, offering advice and helping you pick out the best teas, snacks, or gifts to take home.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want to dive deeper into Japanese food culture. You’ll get the satisfaction of creating your own bowl of ramen and the fun of discovering everyday Japanese products that locals actually use.
From the joy of crafting noodles by hand to the excitement of finding unique teas or cute snacks at the store, this experience is both educational and unforgettable—a highlight of your trip you’ll be talking about long after you return home.
Looking to create unforgettable memories during your trip to Japan? Why not join a hands-on experience that combines cooking and souvenir shopping?
Book the Jiro-style Ramen Making Class
Click here for more details "Ramen Making Experience: Entirely From Scratch!"
For Those Interested in Exploring Other Japanese Cuisine: "Patia’s Japanese Cooking Classes"
In this blog post, we introduced our Jiro-style Ramen making class, but we also offer a variety of other Japanese cooking experiences. From sushi-making classes to creating cute kyaraben (character bento) that represent Japanese culture, these are unique cooking experiences you can only have in Japan. Be sure to check out our other classes as well!
We share behind-the-scenes moments, cooking tips, and beautiful photos from our classes on Instagram! Follow us and join the Tokyo food adventure.
Find us on Instagram @patiajapanesecooking
Contact Us
If you have any questions or want to learn more about our cooking classes, feel free to get in touch! We’re here to help you create unforgettable culinary experiences during your stay in Japan.
