---
title: "Sazen Tea: Kyoto Curator of Uji Matcha Since 2014"
description: "Sazen Tea curates Japanese-made Uji matcha for koicha, usucha, daily tea, and culinary use, bridging Kyoto tea culture with modern needs."
image: "https://best-matcha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/sazentea_logo.webp"
---
# Sazen Tea: Kyoto Curator of Uji Matcha Since 2014

> Sazen Tea curates Japanese-made Uji matcha for koicha, usucha, daily tea, and culinary use, bridging Kyoto tea culture with modern needs.

Source: https://best-matcha.com/shop/sazen
Created: 2025-07-26T03:07:44+00:00
Modified: 2026-08-05T13:44:55+00:00
Author: Emilie Schol

**Sazen Tea** emerged from Kyoto in 2014 with a clear purpose: to bridge centuries-old tea ceremony traditions with the practical needs of today’s matcha enthusiasts. Founded by historian and Japanese tea instructor Motonari Jotatsu alongside graphic artist Agnes Balogh, the company combines deep cultural knowledge with modern design sensibilities to serve tea lovers worldwide.

### Where Heritage Meets Modern Standards

As a member of the Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry, **Sazen Tea** maintains rigorous ethical business practices while honoring local traditions. The founders’ backgrounds—Jotatsu’s expertise as a historian and Chinese tea advisor, paired with Balogh’s artistic vision—create an approach that respects tea’s cultural significance without treating it as museum artifact. This philosophy shapes every aspect of their operation, from product selection to customer education.

### Sourcing Philosophy: Uji First

**Sazen Tea** exclusively offers premium *Uji matcha* produced in Japan. They partner with trusted suppliers who follow traditional shading techniques, covering tea plants for approximately three weeks before harvest to boost chlorophyll and L-theanine levels. This process delivers the vibrant green color and smooth, sweet flavor that defines quality matcha.

The company emphasizes *Shincha*—first harvest leaves that are young, tender, and nutrient-rich. For ceremonial grades, suppliers employ hand-picking methods followed by careful steaming, drying, and stone-grinding. These traditional techniques preserve delicate flavors and aromas that machine processing cannot replicate.

### Curated Selection for Every Purpose

**Sazen Tea’s** range spans from **Koicha Hatsumukashi**, their top-tier ceremonial grade designed for thick tea preparation, to versatile options like **Usucha Biwa no Shiro** that work equally well in traditional ceremonies and modern lattes. Their **food-grade matcha** maintains robust flavor and vibrant color even at high cooking temperatures, making it reliable for culinary applications.

#### What Sets Them Apart

- Direct relationships with Uji region producers using traditional cultivation methods

- Transparent sourcing focused on first harvest, shade-grown leaves

- Products spanning ceremonial to culinary applications without compromising quality standards

- Educational approach that helps customers understand cultivars, processing, and preparation techniques

**Sazen Tea** serves as more than a retailer. They function as cultural ambassadors, helping a global community appreciate *matcha’s art and heritage* while meeting contemporary lifestyle needs. Their commitment to quality, transparency, and education makes them a trusted source for anyone seeking authentic Japanese tea experiences.

---

## Site identity

- Organization: Best Matcha (Emilie Schol)
- Description: Best Matcha is a specialized marketplace and educational platform for comparing Japanese matcha brands, products, grades, prices, and preparation guidance. It connects tea enthusiasts with producers and provides source-conscious guides for making informed choices.
- Website: https://best-matcha.com


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