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Chikiriya

ちきりや

ちきりや (Chikiriya) is one of Kyoto's oldest tea merchants, founded in 安政元年 (Ansei 1, 1854) on Sanjo-dori in central Kyoto — an address it has occupied ever since. The roots of the founding family (the Akiyama–Yonenai line) trace to 1756, when a branch ancestor opened a textile business at Sanjo Kinudana; the fifth-generation head pivoted to tea in 1854. Formally incorporated as a joint-stock company in 1951, Chikiriya today is led by representative director 米内政明 (Masaaki Yonenai). The company operates nine divisions spanning cultivation, manufacturing, product development, quality assurance, wholesale, retail, and international business across the Americas, Asia, and Europe. It opened its own Uji tea gardens in 1888 and built a Shizuoka processing factory in 1988. Certifications include Organic JAS (2013), ISO 9001:2015, and the Social Enterprise Certification (2021). Chikiriya's current "Tales of Uji" collection highlights single-origin Okumidori cultivar matcha, positioned for both ceremony and everyday use. Their matcha is described as mildly sweet with round, earthy umami and a fresh, grassy aroma reminiscent of shaded Uji gardens.

Brand story

Chikiriya frames itself as a long-running Kyoto tea merchant devoted to enriching daily life through tea, expanding the matcha conversation beyond ceremony into everyday use.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: ちきりや
Founded: 1854
Headquarters: Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan
Official site: kyo-chikiriya.com
Ships to: Japan, International
Price/gram range: ¥16–¥185/g
Blends tracked: 9

Blend Lineup

9 blends

Where to Buy Chikiriya in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Kyoto

Osaka

Kikugawa, Shizuoka

Chikiriya Shizuoka Factory
Official Store
56-2 Kannoo, Kikugawa, Shizuoka 439-0016, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Chikiriya been producing matcha?: Chikiriya was founded in 1854, making it over 170 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
What tea cultivars does Chikiriya use?: Chikiriya uses the Okumidori cultivar, a variety selected for its specific flavor characteristics in matcha production.
Which Chikiriya matcha is best for lattes?: Chikiriya has 2 blends suitable for lattes: Stone Ground Uji Matcha, Ujihime. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.
How many matcha products does Chikiriya offer?: Chikiriya currently offers 9 matcha blends across 7 grade levels (Ceremonial Premium, Daily / Culinary, Premium Ceremonial, Premium Roasted, Culinary, Everyday Matcha, Ceremonial). The lineup ranges from Jo no Mai to Yume no Ukihashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Chikiriya matcha more expensive?: Chikiriya matcha ranges from ¥16 to ¥185 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 Chikiriya's 172-year heritage.
Where does Chikiriya ship to?: Chikiriya ships to: Japan, International. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Chikiriya matcha in Japan?: Chikiriya has 5 retail locations in Japan, including Rokkaku Chikiriya in Kyoto.

Sources

Sources (1)

Chikiriya Company Profile

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 98%

Supports: Founded 1854, CEO Masaaki Yonenai, HQ Kyoto Sanjo, 9 divisions, ISO 9001, Organic JAS 2013

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Chikiriya been producing matcha?

Chikiriya was founded in 1854, making it over 170 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan.

What tea cultivars does Chikiriya use?

Chikiriya uses the Okumidori cultivar, a variety selected for its specific flavor characteristics in matcha production.

Which Chikiriya matcha is best for lattes?

Chikiriya has 2 blends suitable for lattes: Stone Ground Uji Matcha, Ujihime. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.

How many matcha products does Chikiriya offer?

Chikiriya currently offers 9 matcha blends across 7 grade levels (Ceremonial Premium, Daily / Culinary, Premium Ceremonial, Premium Roasted, Culinary, Everyday Matcha, Ceremonial). The lineup ranges from Jo no Mai to Yume no Ukihashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Chikiriya matcha more expensive?

Chikiriya matcha ranges from ¥16 to ¥185 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 Chikiriya's 172-year heritage.

Where does Chikiriya ship to?

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

Where can I buy Chikiriya matcha in Japan?

Chikiriya has 5 retail locations in Japan, including Rokkaku Chikiriya in Kyoto.