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Hekisuien

碧翠園碧翦園天狗の宇治茶

One of Kyoto's oldest tea merchants, founded in 1867 (Keio 3) in Joyo City at the heart of the Uji tea production region. Hekisuien is credited as the originator of genmaicha, first sold in 1923 under the trademark 'Hana Yanagi'. The company trades under its iconic Tengu mascot mark ('Tengu no Uji-cha') and specializes in stone-milled ceremonial matcha made exclusively from first-flush Kyoto Prefecture tencha. Winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the Uji Tea Competition (gyokuro category) and recognized as a 'Kyo no Shinise' (Historic Kyoto Establishment) by the Kyoto Governor.

Brand story

Since its founding in 1867, Hekisuien has been dedicated solely to the craft of Uji tea. Located in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture — nestled between the birthplace of Japanese green tea in Ujitawara to the east and the premium gyokuro-producing area of Kyotanabe to the west — the company sits at the geographic center of Japan's most celebrated tea region. In the Taisho era, the company's president Kishiro Horii pioneered the blending of roasted rice with tea, creating what would become genmaicha, first registered in 1923 as 'Hana Yanagi'. Guided by the principle 'always remain humble', Hekisuien carries on its traditions under the Tengu trademark — named after the long-nosed spirit of folklore as a reminder against arrogance. All drinking-grade matcha is made from first-flush Kyoto Prefecture tea and is 100% stone-mill ground with no additives. The company earned JAS Organic certification in 2007 and continues to operate as both a wholesale distributor and direct retailer.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 碧翠園
Founded: 1867
Headquarters: Joyo, Kyoto
Origin regions: Uji
Certifications: JAS Organic
Official site: ujicha.co.jp
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥61–¥360/g
Blends tracked: 16

Origin regionsUji

CertificationsJAS Organic

Blend Lineup

16 blends

Where to Buy Hekisuien in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Joyo, Kyoto

株式会社碧翆園本社
Headquarters
〒610-0113 京都府城陽市中中ノ郷51

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Hekisuien been producing matcha?: Hekisuien was founded in 1867, making it over 150 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Joyo, Kyoto.
Where is Hekisuien matcha grown?: Hekisuien sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
Is Hekisuien matcha stone-milled?: Yes, all Hekisuien matcha is stone-milled (石臼挽き). Stone grinding at low RPM preserves the tea's color, aroma, and umami by avoiding heat damage during processing.
How many matcha products does Hekisuien offer?: Hekisuien currently offers 16 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Premium, Supreme, Ceremonial). The lineup ranges from Aoi no Shiro to Zuisei no Mukashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Hekisuien matcha more expensive?: Hekisuien matcha ranges from ¥61 to ¥360 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 Hekisuien's 159-year heritage.
Where does Hekisuien ship to?: Hekisuien ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Hekisuien matcha in Japan?: Hekisuien has 1 retail location in Japan, including 株式会社碧翆園本社 in Joyo.
Is Hekisuien matcha organic?: Yes, Hekisuien matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Sources

Sources (5)

Hekisuien Official Website

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Company overview, founding year 1867, Joyo location, Tengu trademark, genmaicha origin story

Hekisuien Online Shop

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Full matcha product lineup with JPY prices, 16 products including house line and Oiemoto selections

Kyocha Association Member Page

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: JAS Organic certification, Kyo no Shinise recognition, wholesale/retail business model

Joyo City Portal - Hekisuien

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: Address, phone, business hours, founding year, Uji Tea Competition award

Ujicha Matcha (International Retailer)

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 85%

Supports: Product descriptions, tasting notes, USD pricing for international market

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Hekisuien been producing matcha?

Hekisuien was founded in 1867, making it over 150 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Joyo, Kyoto.

Where is Hekisuien matcha grown?

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

Is Hekisuien matcha stone-milled?

Yes, all Hekisuien matcha is stone-milled (石臼挽き). Stone grinding at low RPM preserves the tea's color, aroma, and umami by avoiding heat damage during processing.

How many matcha products does Hekisuien offer?

Hekisuien currently offers 16 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Premium, Supreme, Ceremonial). The lineup ranges from Aoi no Shiro to Zuisei no Mukashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Hekisuien matcha more expensive?

Hekisuien matcha ranges from ¥61 to ¥360 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 Hekisuien's 159-year heritage.

Where does Hekisuien ship to?

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

Where can I buy Hekisuien matcha in Japan?

Hekisuien has 1 retail location in Japan, including 株式会社碧翆園本社 in Joyo.

Is Hekisuien matcha organic?

Yes, Hekisuien matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Sources

Sources (5)

Hekisuien Official Website

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Company overview, founding year 1867, Joyo location, Tengu trademark, genmaicha origin story

Hekisuien Online Shop

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Full matcha product lineup with JPY prices, 16 products including house line and Oiemoto selections

Kyocha Association Member Page

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: JAS Organic certification, Kyo no Shinise recognition, wholesale/retail business model

Joyo City Portal - Hekisuien

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: Address, phone, business hours, founding year, Uji Tea Competition award

Ujicha Matcha (International Retailer)

Accessed Mar 24, 2026Confidence: 85%

Supports: Product descriptions, tasting notes, USD pricing for international market