How long has Gion Tsujiri been producing matcha?

Gion Tsujiri was founded in 1860, making it over 160 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Kyoto, Kyoto.

Where is Gion Tsujiri matcha grown?

Gion Tsujiri sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

What does Gion Tsujiri matcha taste like?

Across its lineup, Gion Tsujiri matcha tends toward color (8.6/10) with notable umami (7.8/10). Individual blends vary — check each blend's profile page for detailed tasting notes.

How many matcha products does Gion Tsujiri offer?

Gion Tsujiri currently offers 16 matcha blends across 4 grade levels (Koicha, Usucha, Ceremonial Special Selection, Usucha / Culinary). The lineup ranges from Banpu no Mukashi to Ume no Shiro, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Gion Tsujiri matcha more expensive?

Gion Tsujiri matcha ranges from ¥32 to ¥230 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 Gion Tsujiri's 166-year heritage.

Where does Gion Tsujiri ship to?

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

Where can I buy Gion Tsujiri matcha in Japan?

Gion Tsujiri has 9 retail locations in Japan, including 株式会社祇園辻利本店所在地 in Kyoto.

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Gion Tsujiri

祇園辻利

Gion Tsujiri (祇園辻利) is one of Kyoto's most celebrated Uji tea houses, founded in 1860 (Manen 1) by Tsujiri Uemon in Uji during a period of Uji tea revival. The Tsujiri lineage later established its iconic presence in Kyoto's Gion district after the third generation expanded to Taiwan and the fourth generation resettled in Gion after WWII. Today Gion Tsujiri is renowned for its stone-mill ground matcha endorsed by all three major tea schools — Urasenke, Omotesenke, and Mushanokoji Senke — as well as Kenninji Temple, one of Kyoto's oldest Zen temples. Their matcha is produced at a rate of just 40g per hour to ensure quality.

Brand story

Founded in 1860 at the height of Uji tea culture's renaissance, the Tsujiri family pioneered high-quality tencha processing and revived Uji's waning tea industry. The fourth generation returned from Taiwan post-WWII and opened a shop in Gion, guided by the vision of Hisaku Miyoshi. In 1978, Saryo Tsujiri (茶寮都路里) cafe opened in Gion, becoming a landmark matcha dessert destination. Today, the brand bridges the most formal tea ceremony traditions with everyday matcha enjoyment, with matcha blends bearing the endorsement (御好み) of tea school grand masters.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 祇園辻利
Founded: 1860
Headquarters: Kyoto, Kyoto
Origin regions: Uji
Official site: www.giontsujiri.co.jp
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥32–¥230/g
Blends tracked: 16

Origin regionsUji

Brand Flavor Trends

Average across 9 scored blends. Individual blend scores may vary significantly.

Blend Lineup

16 blends

Where to Buy Gion Tsujiri in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Kyoto

Tokyo

Osaka

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Gion Tsujiri been producing matcha?: Gion Tsujiri was founded in 1860, making it over 160 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Kyoto, Kyoto.
Where is Gion Tsujiri matcha grown?: Gion Tsujiri sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
What does Gion Tsujiri matcha taste like?: Across its lineup, Gion Tsujiri matcha tends toward color (8.6/10) with notable umami (7.8/10). Individual blends vary — check each blend's profile page for detailed tasting notes.
How many matcha products does Gion Tsujiri offer?: Gion Tsujiri currently offers 16 matcha blends across 4 grade levels (Koicha, Usucha, Ceremonial Special Selection, Usucha / Culinary). The lineup ranges from Banpu no Mukashi to Ume no Shiro, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Gion Tsujiri matcha more expensive?: Gion Tsujiri matcha ranges from ¥32 to ¥230 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 Gion Tsujiri's 166-year heritage.
Where does Gion Tsujiri ship to?: Gion Tsujiri ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Gion Tsujiri matcha in Japan?: Gion Tsujiri has 9 retail locations in Japan, including 株式会社祇園辻利本店所在地 in Kyoto.

Sources

Sources (6)

Gion Tsujiri Official Website

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Brand overview, headquarters Uji/Kyoto, stone-milling method, 40g/hr production

Gion Tsujiri History Page

Accessed Mar 23, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded 1860 by Tsujiri Uemon in Uji; Gion establishment post-WWII; Saryo Tsujiri cafe 1978; sixth generation as of 2005

Gion Tsujiri Official Website

Accessed Apr 3, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Brand verification completed against official company, store, and shop pages.

Gion Tsujiri Official Website

Accessed Apr 3, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Brand verification completed against official company, store, and shop pages.

Gion Tsujiri Official Website

Accessed Apr 3, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Brand verification completed against official company, store, and shop pages.

Gion Tsujiri Official Website

Accessed Apr 3, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Brand verification completed against official company, store, and shop pages.

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