Ippodo Tea

Ippodo Tea stands as one of Kyoto’s most venerated tea institutions, with roots stretching back over three centuries. The company’s remarkable journey began in 1717 when Rihei Watanabe established a modest shop called Omiya, initially focusing on both tea and ceramics in the heart of Japan’s ancient capital.

The Evolution of a Tea Dynasty

As Japan’s tea culture flourished throughout the 18th century, Omiya’s focus gradually shifted. While ceramics had been an important part of the business, tea began to capture the founder’s passion and expertise. The shop’s dedication to quality tea became increasingly apparent, attracting discerning customers who appreciated the careful selection and preparation methods.

The defining moment in the company’s history came in 1846, when the shop received its iconic name from an unexpected source. Prince Yamashina, a devoted patron who had developed a deep appreciation for the shop’s exceptional tea, bestowed the name Ippodo upon the establishment. The name, meaning preserve one,” reflected the Prince’s wish for the shop to forever uphold the tradition of providing exceptional tea to its customers.

Navigating Historical Challenges

Throughout its illustrious history, Ippodo has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of Japan’s dramatic social and economic transformations. During the Meiji Restoration, when Japan opened its doors to Western influence and modernization, the company skillfully navigated the influx of new ideas and technologies while steadfastly preserving its traditional tea-making methods.

This balance between tradition and adaptation has remained a cornerstone of Ippodo’s philosophy. More recently, the company has tackled modern challenges including matcha supply shortages and the proliferation of unauthorized sellers on online platforms, demonstrating its continued commitment to protecting brand integrity and maintaining quality standards.

Generational Continuity

Today, Masakazu Watanabe, a direct descendant of founder Rihei Watanabe, helms Ippodo as president and master blender. This generational continuity ensures that the company’s legacy of quality and tradition endures, while the accumulated wisdom of over 300 years of tea craftsmanship continues to guide every aspect of production.

The Watanabe family’s dedication spans centuries, with each generation adding their own expertise while preserving the fundamental principles that Prince Yamashina recognized in 1846. This unbroken chain of knowledge and commitment has made Ippodo not just a tea company, but a living repository of Japanese tea culture and tradition.

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