How long has Saijoen been producing matcha?

Saijoen was founded in 1888, making it over 130 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nishio, Aichi, Japan.

Where is Saijoen matcha grown?

Saijoen sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

Is Saijoen matcha stone-milled?

Yes, all Saijoen 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.

Which Saijoen matcha is best for lattes?

Saijoen has 3 blends suitable for lattes: Chawa, Kayo no Shiro, Yuzan. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.

How many matcha products does Saijoen offer?

Saijoen currently offers 10 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Usucha A, Koicha A, Usucha B). The lineup ranges from Chawa to Yuzan, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Saijoen matcha more expensive?

Saijoen matcha ranges from ¥77 to ¥232 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 Saijoen's 138-year heritage.

Where does Saijoen ship to?

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

Where can I buy Saijoen matcha in Japan?

Saijoen has 8 retail locations in Japan, including 抹茶ミュージアム西条園和く和く in Nishio.

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Saijoen

西条園

Saijoen is AIYA's consumer-facing matcha brand from Nishio, Aichi, pairing long-standing stone-milled matcha production with modern retail, cafe, and sweets formats.

Brand story

The brand traces its roots to AIYA, founded in 1888 by Sugita Aijiro in Nishio. Saijoen was developed as a modern expression of that heritage, offering Nishio matcha, organic matcha, wagashi, sweets, cafes, and museum experiences while keeping traditional tencha cultivation, stone milling, and quality control at the center of the brand.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 西条園
Founded: 1888
Headquarters: Nishio, Aichi, Japan
Origin regions: Nishio
Official site: saijoen.jp
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥77–¥232/g
Blends tracked: 10

Origin regionsNishio

Blend Lineup

10 blends

Where to Buy Saijoen in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Nishio, Aichi

Nagoya, Aichi

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Saijoen been producing matcha?: Saijoen was founded in 1888, making it over 130 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in Nishio, Aichi, Japan.
Where is Saijoen matcha grown?: Saijoen sources its matcha from Nishio in Aichi prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
Is Saijoen matcha stone-milled?: Yes, all Saijoen 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.
Which Saijoen matcha is best for lattes?: Saijoen has 3 blends suitable for lattes: Chawa, Kayo no Shiro, Yuzan. These are selected for their ability to maintain flavor intensity when mixed with milk.
How many matcha products does Saijoen offer?: Saijoen currently offers 10 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Usucha A, Koicha A, Usucha B). The lineup ranges from Chawa to Yuzan, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Saijoen matcha more expensive?: Saijoen matcha ranges from ¥77 to ¥232 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 Saijoen's 138-year heritage.
Where does Saijoen ship to?: Saijoen ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Saijoen matcha in Japan?: Saijoen has 8 retail locations in Japan, including 抹茶ミュージアム西条園和く和く in Nishio.

Sources

Sources (10)

Saijoen Online Shop Company Profile

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 98%

Supports: Company profile lists AIYA Holdings / Saijoen, headquarters in Nishio, Aichi, and AIYA's founding in May 1888.

Saijoen Online Shop Company Profile

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 98%

Supports: Company profile lists AIYA Holdings / Saijoen, headquarters in Nishio, Aichi, and AIYA's founding in May 1888.

Saijoen Concept

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 97%

Supports: Saijoen is an AIYA brand that proposes new matcha experiences, from Nishio matcha to organic matcha.

Saijoen History

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 97%

Supports: The lineage begins in 1888 under Sugita Shoten / AIYA; West-facing milestones include stone-milled matcha, organic cultivation, and food-safety certifications.

Saijoen Concept

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 97%

Supports: Saijoen is an AIYA brand that proposes new matcha experiences, from Nishio matcha to organic matcha.

Saijoen History

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 97%

Supports: The lineage begins in 1888 under Sugita Shoten / AIYA; West-facing milestones include stone-milled matcha, organic cultivation, and food-safety certifications.

Saijoen Commitment

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 96%

Supports: Saijoen emphasizes Nishio tencha cultivation, shading, refinement, stone milling, and safety / quality management.

Saijoen Commitment

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 96%

Supports: Saijoen emphasizes Nishio tencha cultivation, shading, refinement, stone milling, and safety / quality management.

Saijoen Logo

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: The logo references indigo-dyed noren and a tea-mill motif, expressing both heritage and minimalism.

Saijoen Logo

Accessed Mar 27, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: The logo references indigo-dyed noren and a tea-mill motif, expressing both heritage and minimalism.

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Saijoen

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Saijoen in Japan

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (10)

How does Saijoen compare?

Saijoen

Brand Facts

Blend Lineup

Where to Buy Saijoen in Japan

Nishio, Aichi

Nagoya, Aichi

Toyokawa, Aichi

Kuwana, Mie

Okazaki, Aichi

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

Sources (10)

How does Saijoen compare?