放香堂
Hokodo (放香堂) is a historic Uji tea specialist founded in the Tenpō era (1830s). Operating its own organic tea gardens in Wazuka, Kyoto, the company produces ceremonial matcha under the guidance of sixth-generation tea master Yasuyuki Suda (酢田恭行), one of only a dozen people nationwide to hold the 10th-dan tea appraisal certification. Hokodo is also famous as the home of Japan's oldest coffee shop, established in Kobe in 1878.
Brand story
Hokodo traces its origins to the early Tenpō era when founder Higashi Genbei cultivated tea gardens in Wazuka Village, Yamashiro Province, and distributed Uji tea nationally. The company expanded to Kobe following the port's opening in 1867, and in 1878 opened what is now recognized as Japan's first coffee shop. Having survived wartime destruction, Hokodo rebuilt in 1947 and today continues under sixth-generation tea master Yasuyuki Suda, holder of the coveted tenth-dan tea appraisal certification. Their Wazuka tea gardens achieved JAS Organic certification in 2002. The guiding philosophy is 以茶伝心 — 'conveying sincerity through tea.'
Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.
Supports: Founded Tenpō era (1830s), headquarters Kobe, tea master Yasuyuki Suda, JAS Organic 2002
Supports: Founded ~1830, received Hokodo name 1858, Kobe expansion 1867, Japan's first coffee shop 1878
Supports: Sixth-generation tea master, 10th-dan certification, Kobe store address, philosophy
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