How long has Kitagawa Hanbee been producing matcha?

Kitagawa Hanbee was founded in 1861, making it over 160 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Uji, Kyoto.

Where is Kitagawa Hanbee matcha grown?

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

How many matcha products does Kitagawa Hanbee offer?

Kitagawa Hanbee currently offers 10 matcha blends. The lineup ranges from Asahi to Zuiho, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Kitagawa Hanbee matcha more expensive?

Kitagawa Hanbee matcha ranges from ¥73 to ¥283 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 Kitagawa Hanbee's 165-year heritage.

Where does Kitagawa Hanbee ship to?

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

Where can I buy Kitagawa Hanbee matcha in Japan?

Kitagawa Hanbee has 3 retail locations in Japan, including Gion Kitagawa Hanbee in Kyoto.

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Kitagawa Hanbee

北川半兵衛商店

Founded in Uji in 1861, Kitagawa Hanbee is a long-established Kyoto tea wholesaler whose official Japanese site emphasizes strict quality control, tea-ceremony matcha, and a current retail footprint under the Gion Kitagawa Hanbee name.

Brand story

The official Japanese about page says Kitagawa Hanbee Shoten has supplied top-class tea for more than 160 years under rigorous quality control. It states the house has won the top prize at the National Tea Competition 11 times, and that its contracted growers together have earned more than 40 top prizes across the competition's history.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 北川半兵衛商店
Founded: 1861
Headquarters: Uji, Kyoto
Origin regions: Uji
Official site: gion-kitagwahanbee.com
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥73–¥283/g
Blends tracked: 10

Origin regionsUji

Blend Lineup

10 blends

Where to Buy Kitagawa Hanbee in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Kitagawa Hanbee been producing matcha?: Kitagawa Hanbee was founded in 1861, making it over 160 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Uji, Kyoto.
Where is Kitagawa Hanbee matcha grown?: Kitagawa Hanbee sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
How many matcha products does Kitagawa Hanbee offer?: Kitagawa Hanbee currently offers 10 matcha blends. The lineup ranges from Asahi to Zuiho, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Kitagawa Hanbee matcha more expensive?: Kitagawa Hanbee matcha ranges from ¥73 to ¥283 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 Kitagawa Hanbee's 165-year heritage.
Where does Kitagawa Hanbee ship to?: Kitagawa Hanbee ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Kitagawa Hanbee matcha in Japan?: Kitagawa Hanbee has 3 retail locations in Japan, including Gion Kitagawa Hanbee in Kyoto.

Sources

Sources (2)

Gion Kitagawa Hanbee about page — 祇園北川半兵衛

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded in 1861 in Uji, Kyoto; long-established tea wholesaler; 11 top National Tea Competition prizes and 40+ including contract growers.

Gion Kitagawa Hanbee company page — 祇園北川半兵衛

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 90%

Supports: Current operator information, Kyoto contact address, and official store locations in Gion, Marunouchi, Namba, and Shibuya.

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Kitagawa Hanbee

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Kitagawa Hanbee in Japan

Kyoto

Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Osaka

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (2)

How does Kitagawa Hanbee compare?

Kitagawa Hanbee

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Kitagawa Hanbee in Japan

Kyoto

Chiyoda City, Tokyo

Osaka

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (2)

How does Kitagawa Hanbee compare?