---
title: "Tsuen Tea: Japan’s Oldest Teashop, Uji Since 1160"
description: "Tsuen Tea offers stone-milled ceremonial, premium, and culinary matcha, continuing a Uji tea tradition maintained by 24 family generations."
image: "https://best-matcha.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/logo.png"
---
# Tsuen Tea: Japan’s Oldest Teashop, Uji Since 1160

> Tsuen Tea offers stone-milled ceremonial, premium, and culinary matcha, continuing a Uji tea tradition maintained by 24 family generations.

Source: https://best-matcha.com/shop/tsuen
Created: 2025-08-16T04:24:39+00:00
Modified: 2026-08-05T13:45:24+00:00
Author: Emilie Schol

**Tsuen Tea** represents an unbroken thread of matcha mastery stretching back to 1160, when samurai Furukawa Unai established Japan’s first tea shop along the Uji Bridge. For 24 consecutive generations, this family has safeguarded the art of tea cultivation in Uji, the birthplace of premium Japanese green tea. Their commitment to *traditional craftsmanship* has earned them recognition as the oldest tea house in Japan and a living cultural treasure.

### Eight Centuries of Imperial Heritage

Few brands can claim authenticity like Tsuen Tea. The current shop building, constructed in 1672, stands at the original location where samurai and nobility once gathered for ceremonial tea. This *historic continuity* isn’t just symbolic—it represents centuries of accumulated knowledge about soil conditions, harvest timing, and processing techniques that cannot be replicated.

The Uji region produces some of the world’s most sought-after matcha, and **Tsuen Tea** has been at the center of this tradition since before matcha ceremonies became formalized. Their teas have served imperial courts and tea masters who shaped Japanese culture.

### Sustainability Rooted in Tradition

Long before sustainability became a buzzword, Tsuen Tea practiced it as necessity. Their approach to **tea cultivation** emphasizes balance with nature rather than maximizing yields. Each generation learns directly from the previous one, preserving methods that maintain soil health and flavor complexity.

This philosophy extends to every aspect of their operation. The family views themselves as *caretakers of tradition* rather than mere producers, ensuring that techniques refined over 860 years remain intact for future generations.

### What Sets Their Matcha Apart

Tsuen Tea’s matcha reflects the unique terroir of Uji—mineral-rich soil, morning mists from the Uji River, and optimal shade conditions. Their processing methods follow protocols established centuries ago, resulting in matcha with distinctive umami depth and natural sweetness.

When you choose **Tsuen Tea**, you’re accessing:

- Matcha from Japan’s most historic tea lineage

- Traditional stone-grinding techniques that preserve delicate flavors

- Direct connection to Uji’s renowned tea-growing region

- Quality standards refined across 24 generations

For matcha enthusiasts seeking authenticity beyond marketing claims, Tsuen Tea offers something increasingly rare: genuine heritage backed by nearly nine centuries of proven excellence. Their teas connect modern drinkers to the same traditions that defined Japanese tea culture from its earliest days.

---

## 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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