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Horii Shichimeien

堀井七茗園

Horii Shichimeien (堀井七茗園) is one of Uji's most historically significant tea houses, founded in 1879 (Meiji 12). The shop stewards the Okunoyama tea garden (奥ノ山茶園), the sole surviving estate from the legendary Uji Shichimeien — seven elite tea gardens designated by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu during the Muromachi period. This unbroken custodianship of over 600 years places Horii Shichimeien in a category of its own among Japanese matcha producers. The brand's historical contribution to tea manufacturing is equally remarkable: in 1924, third-generation owner Horii Chojiro invented the Horii-style tencha manufacturing machine (堀井式碾茶製造機), the archetype from which all modern tencha processing equipment in Japan descends. The shop operates fully vertically — cultivating, processing, finishing, stone-grinding, and retailing its teas entirely in-house. Under sixth-generation owner Horii Chotaro, the house has accumulated 12 first-place Agricultural Minister's Awards (農林水産大臣賞) at national tea competitions, and holds certification as a Premium Gyokuro Certified Shop (プレミアム玉露認証店).

Brand story

Founded in Meiji 12, Horii Shichimeien explicitly connects itself to the classical Uji tea-garden tradition, positioning its matcha as a continuation of old Uji prestige.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 堀井七茗園
Founded: 1879
Headquarters: Uji, Kyoto
Origin regions: Uji
Official site: horiishichimeien.com
Ships to: Japan, International
Price/gram range: ¥83–¥900/g
Blends tracked: 12

Origin regionsUji

Blend Lineup

12 blends

Where to Buy Horii Shichimeien in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Uji, Kyoto

堀井七茗園
Official Store
〒611-0021 京都府宇治市宇治妙楽84

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Horii Shichimeien been producing matcha?: Horii Shichimeien was founded in 1879, making it over 140 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Uji, Kyoto.
Where is Horii Shichimeien matcha grown?: Horii Shichimeien sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
What tea cultivars does Horii Shichimeien use?: Horii Shichimeien uses the Asahi cultivar, a variety selected for its specific flavor characteristics in matcha production.
How many matcha products does Horii Shichimeien offer?: Horii Shichimeien currently offers 12 matcha blends across 2 grade levels (Ceremonial, Single Origin). The lineup ranges from Agata no Shiro to Uji Mukashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Horii Shichimeien matcha more expensive?: Horii Shichimeien matcha ranges from ¥83 to ¥900 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 Horii Shichimeien's 147-year heritage.
Where does Horii Shichimeien ship to?: Horii Shichimeien ships to: Japan, International. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Horii Shichimeien matcha in Japan?: Horii Shichimeien has 1 retail location in Japan, including 堀井七茗園 in Uji.

Sources

Sources (3)

Horii Shichimeien Official Site

Confidence: 99%

Supports: Brand overview, product range, purchase limits

Nihon Cha Seikatsu — Horii Shichimeien Feature

Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded 1879; Okunoyama garden; 3rd gen invented tencha machine 1924; 6th gen owner Horii Chotaro; vertical integration

Ocha no Kyoto Tourism — Horii Shichimeien

Confidence: 95%

Supports: Oldest Uji tea garden; Okunoyama garden; Premium Gyokuro Certified Shop; address: Uji Myoraku 84

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Horii Shichimeien been producing matcha?

Horii Shichimeien was founded in 1879, making it over 140 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Uji, Kyoto.

Where is Horii Shichimeien matcha grown?

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

What tea cultivars does Horii Shichimeien use?

Horii Shichimeien uses the Asahi cultivar, a variety selected for its specific flavor characteristics in matcha production.

How many matcha products does Horii Shichimeien offer?

Horii Shichimeien currently offers 12 matcha blends across 2 grade levels (Ceremonial, Single Origin). The lineup ranges from Agata no Shiro to Uji Mukashi, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Horii Shichimeien matcha more expensive?

Horii Shichimeien matcha ranges from ¥83 to ¥900 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 Horii Shichimeien's 147-year heritage.

Where does Horii Shichimeien ship to?

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

Where can I buy Horii Shichimeien matcha in Japan?

Horii Shichimeien has 1 retail location in Japan, including 堀井七茗園 in Uji.

Sources

Sources (3)

Horii Shichimeien Official Site

Confidence: 99%

Supports: Brand overview, product range, purchase limits

Nihon Cha Seikatsu — Horii Shichimeien Feature

Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded 1879; Okunoyama garden; 3rd gen invented tencha machine 1924; 6th gen owner Horii Chotaro; vertical integration

Ocha no Kyoto Tourism — Horii Shichimeien

Confidence: 95%

Supports: Oldest Uji tea garden; Okunoyama garden; Premium Gyokuro Certified Shop; address: Uji Myoraku 84