How long has Aiya been producing matcha?

Aiya was founded in 1888, making it over 130 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.

Where is Aiya matcha grown?

Aiya sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

Which Aiya matcha is best for lattes?

Aiya has 2 blends suitable for lattes: Kaze no Kaori, Sawa. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.

How many matcha products does Aiya offer?

Aiya currently offers 10 matcha blends across 8 grade levels (Award-Winning Ceremonial, Koicha Premium, Organic Usucha, Usucha, Koicha, Usucha Premium, Koicha Superior, Organic Premium). The lineup ranges from Hana no Mine to Ten no Midori, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Aiya matcha more expensive?

Aiya matcha ranges from ¥77 to ¥350 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods — and Aiya's 138-year heritage.

Where does Aiya ship to?

Aiya ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.

Where can I buy Aiya matcha in Japan?

Aiya has 8 retail locations in Japan, including 上町本社 in Nishio.

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Aiya

あいや

Aiya Co., Ltd. is a fifth-generation family-owned matcha producer and wholesaler headquartered in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture — Japan's premier matcha-growing region. Founded in 1888 by Aijiro Sugita (whose shop sold both indigo dyes and tea, lending the company its name from the Japanese word for indigo, "ai"), Aiya has grown into the world's largest matcha manufacturer. The company operates 1,000+ stone mills running 24 hours a day across four Japanese factories, and six overseas subsidiaries spanning the USA, Germany, Austria, China, and Thailand. Aiya was the first matcha producer to obtain JONA organic certification (1997) and ISO 22000 food safety certification (2008), and has maintained long-term partnerships with the same farming families across multiple generations. Its retail arm, Saijoen (西条園), offers ceremonial and culinary matcha through a flagship café in Nishio and an online shop.

Brand story

Aiya helped define Nishio as a modern matcha powerhouse through scale, export orientation, quality control, and category expansion from ceremonial to food-industry matcha.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: あいや
Founded: 1888
Headquarters: Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Origin regions: Nishio
Official site: www.matcha.co.jp
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥77–¥350/g
Blends tracked: 10

Origin regionsNishio

Blend Lineup

10 blends

Where to Buy Aiya in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Nishio, Aichi

Nagoya, Aichi

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Aiya been producing matcha?: Aiya was founded in 1888, making it over 130 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Where is Aiya matcha grown?: Aiya sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
Which Aiya matcha is best for lattes?: Aiya has 2 blends suitable for lattes: Kaze no Kaori, Sawa. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.
How many matcha products does Aiya offer?: Aiya currently offers 10 matcha blends across 8 grade levels (Award-Winning Ceremonial, Koicha Premium, Organic Usucha, Usucha, Koicha, Usucha Premium, Koicha Superior, Organic Premium). The lineup ranges from Hana no Mine to Ten no Midori, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Aiya matcha more expensive?: Aiya matcha ranges from ¥77 to ¥350 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods — and Aiya's 138-year heritage.
Where does Aiya ship to?: Aiya ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Aiya matcha in Japan?: Aiya has 8 retail locations in Japan, including 上町本社 in Nishio.

Sources

Sources (3)

Aiya Co., Ltd. — Company Profile

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 99%

Supports: Founded 1888, CEO Takeo Sugita, 264 employees, capital 30M yen, 4 Japan factories, 6 overseas subsidiaries

Aiya America — Our Story

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 99%

Supports: 1888 founding by Aijiro Sugita, history milestones, organic certification 1997, ISO 22000 2008, 5th generation family business

Saijoen Official Online Shop

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Product lineup: usukicha, koicha, organic matcha grades with prices

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Aiya

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Aiya in Japan

Nishio, Aichi

Nagoya, Aichi

Toyokawa, Aichi

Kuwana, Mie

Okazaki, Aichi

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (3)

How does Aiya compare?

Aiya

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Aiya in Japan

Nishio, Aichi

Nagoya, Aichi

Toyokawa, Aichi

Kuwana, Mie

Okazaki, Aichi

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (3)

How does Aiya compare?