When was Shirakawa Chaen founded?

Shirakawa Chaen was established in 1971 in Yakushima, Kagoshima. It is a late 20th century matcha producer with 55 years of history.

Where is Shirakawa Chaen matcha grown?

Shirakawa Chaen sources its matcha from Kagoshima in Kagoshima prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

Why is Shirakawa Chaen matcha more expensive?

Shirakawa Chaen matcha ranges from ¥43 to ¥43 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods.

Where does Shirakawa Chaen ship to?

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

Where can I buy Shirakawa Chaen matcha in Japan?

Shirakawa Chaen has 9 retail locations in Japan, including Nitta Seicha Co. Ltd. in Shirakawa.

Is Shirakawa Chaen matcha organic?

Yes, Shirakawa Chaen matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

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Shirakawa Chaen

屋久島白川茶園

Shirakawa Chaen (株式会社屋久島白川茶園) is a family-run organic tea farm on Yakushima Island (屋久島), Kagoshima Prefecture, founded in March 1971 by Shirakawa Mitsuhide (白川満秀) and first planting tea fields in 1985. Located in Shito, Yakushima (〒891-4201 鹿児島県熊毛郡屋久島町白谷858-13), the farm operates approximately 6 hectares of tea fields and its own on-site processing factory. Yakushima's unique climate — where subtropical and temperate zones meet, with abundant rainfall and cool mountain air — gives their teas a naturally mellow umami without harsh astringency. All cultivation is fully organic and JAS-certified, relying entirely on the power of nature without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Their product range spans organic gyokuro (including a rare matcha-gyokuro hybrid), matcha, benifuuki (known for anti-allergy methylated catechins), black tea, pu-erh, oolong, and hojicha — all sourced from the island's exceptional terroir. Shirakawa Chaen also maintains a Tokyo office in Katsushika Ward for distribution. Their matcha (屋久の抹茶, 30g) is a rare Yakushima-origin stone-ground powder at ¥1,280.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 屋久島白川茶園
Founded: 1971
Headquarters: Yakushima, Kagoshima
Origin regions: Kagoshima
Certifications: JAS Organic
Official site: www5c.biglobe.ne.jp/~sirakawa
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥43/g
Blends tracked: 1

Origin regionsKagoshima

CertificationsJAS Organic

Blend Lineup

1 blend

Yaku
OrganicKagoshima
¥43/g
¥1,280 / 30g

Where to Buy Shirakawa Chaen in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Shirakawa, Gifu

Higashishirakawa, Gifu

美濃白川茶製造直売
Official Store
1061 Oppara, Higashishirakawa, Kamo District, Gifu 509-1301, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Shirakawa Chaen founded?: Shirakawa Chaen was established in 1971 in Yakushima, Kagoshima. It is a late 20th century matcha producer with 55 years of history.
Where is Shirakawa Chaen matcha grown?: Shirakawa Chaen sources its matcha from Kagoshima in Kagoshima prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
Why is Shirakawa Chaen matcha more expensive?: Shirakawa Chaen matcha ranges from ¥43 to ¥43 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods.
Where does Shirakawa Chaen ship to?: Shirakawa Chaen ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Shirakawa Chaen matcha in Japan?: Shirakawa Chaen has 9 retail locations in Japan, including Nitta Seicha Co. Ltd. in Shirakawa.
Is Shirakawa Chaen matcha organic?: Yes, Shirakawa Chaen matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Sources

Sources (1)

Shirakawa Chaen Company Page

Accessed Mar 22, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Founded March 1971; rep Shirakawa Mitsuhide; address Yakushima-machi Shito 858-13; capital ¥3M; JAS Organic

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