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Hoshino Seichaen

星野製茶園

Hoshino Seichaen is a premium tea producer from Hoshino Village in the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, one of Japan’s finest gyokuro-producing areas. Founded in 1946, the company pioneered tencha (matcha base leaf) production in Kyushu in 1989, installing 50 stone mills to produce matcha using traditional hon-gyokuro cultivation techniques. Their matcha is distinguished by a uniquely sweet, rich flavor and high-toned aroma characteristic of Yame terroir. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and Organic JAS certifications, and their Hoshino Matcha was designated among Japan’s “The Wonder 500” outstanding regional products.

Brand story

Nestled in the mist-shrouded mountains of Hoshino Village in Okuyame, Hoshino Seichaen was established in 1946 and began tea cultivation the following year. Under the leadership of representative Toshiyuki Yamaguchi, the company has grown to 42 employees while maintaining its commitment to quality-first tea production. A pivotal moment came in 1989 when the company pioneered Kyushu’s first tencha factory, bringing matcha production to the region using techniques derived from their award-winning gyokuro cultivation. In 1981, they won first place at the National Tea Competition in the gyokuro category, and in 2016 received the Minister of Agriculture prize at the Japanese Tea Award for their Yame Traditional Hongyokuro. In 2023, they opened a new store and chocolate workshop, expanding into matcha-based confections.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 星野製茶園
Founded: 1946
Headquarters: Hoshino, Yame, Fukuoka
Origin regions: Yame
Official site: www.hoshitea.com
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥15–¥162/g
Blends tracked: 14

Origin regionsYame

Blend Lineup

14 blends

Where to Buy Hoshino Seichaen in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Yame, Fukuoka

株式会社星野製茶園
Headquarters
8136-1 Hoshinomura, Yame, Fukuoka 834-0201, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hoshino Seichaen founded?: Hoshino Seichaen was established in 1946 in Hoshino, Yame, Fukuoka. It is a pre-war era matcha producer with 80 years of history.
Where is Hoshino Seichaen matcha grown?: Hoshino Seichaen sources its matcha from Yame in Fukuoka prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
How many matcha products does Hoshino Seichaen offer?: Hoshino Seichaen currently offers 14 matcha blends across 6 grade levels (Koicha, Ceremonial, Usucha, Culinary, Ceremonial Organic, Ceremonial Premium). The lineup ranges from Hoshiju to Yame no Tsuyu, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Hoshino Seichaen matcha more expensive?: Hoshino Seichaen matcha ranges from ¥15 to ¥162 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 Hoshino Seichaen's 80-year heritage.
Where does Hoshino Seichaen ship to?: Hoshino Seichaen ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Hoshino Seichaen matcha in Japan?: Hoshino Seichaen has 1 retail location in Japan, including 株式会社星野製茶園 in Yame.

Sources

Sources (3)

Hoshino Seichaen Official

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded 1946, 42 employees, ISO 9001/22000, Organic JAS 2014, pioneered Kyushu tencha 1989

Hoshino Seichaen Story

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: Philosophy, production methods, brand history

Ujicha Matcha

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 85%

Supports: Product lineup, USD pricing for international market

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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Hoshino Seichaen founded?

Hoshino Seichaen was established in 1946 in Hoshino, Yame, Fukuoka. It is a pre-war era matcha producer with 80 years of history.

Where is Hoshino Seichaen matcha grown?

Hoshino Seichaen sources its matcha from Yame in Fukuoka prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

How many matcha products does Hoshino Seichaen offer?

Hoshino Seichaen currently offers 14 matcha blends across 6 grade levels (Koicha, Ceremonial, Usucha, Culinary, Ceremonial Organic, Ceremonial Premium). The lineup ranges from Hoshiju to Yame no Tsuyu, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Hoshino Seichaen matcha more expensive?

Hoshino Seichaen matcha ranges from ¥15 to ¥162 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 Hoshino Seichaen's 80-year heritage.

Where does Hoshino Seichaen ship to?

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

Where can I buy Hoshino Seichaen matcha in Japan?

Hoshino Seichaen has 1 retail location in Japan, including 株式会社星野製茶園 in Yame.