Sencha
Sencha is the most well-known variety of green tea, and the most popular kind in Japan. To make sencha, tea leaves are steamed within a few hours after harvest, to stop the oxidation process, then rolled into needles, thus making sure that the natural green color of the leaves is preserved. This process also helps the leaves retain their fragrance and components. Our premium collection of sencha comes from all over Kyushu, directly sourced from small single-estate farmers who have spent years pouring their skills and knowledge into their tea. Thanks to a mild climate, sencha from Kyushu region is usually sweeter and richer in umami than in other areas in Japan. Producers can grow rare and delicate cultivars that yield extraordinary and rare tea. The precious “Shincha” (New Tea) that tea lovers await with trepidation refers usually to the first sencha of the year, made exclusively from leaves plucked during the first harvest. The area of Chiran has the earliest first harvest of the country. Indulge in premium sencha, crafted just for youAt IKKYU, we pride ourselves on being the trusted choice of sencha enthusiasts from across the globe.
Our commitment to transparency is paramount. We ensure that every leaf in your cup comes with a clear, traceable history, from the lush fields where it was cultivated to your tea table. This guarantees not only quality but also integrity in every sip.
Savour the unique flavors available solely at IKKYU. Our premium green tea selection is sourced directly from farmers and producers. Each blend is a harmonious tribute to the art of traditional tea making.
Freshness is key to a perfect cup of sencha. We refresh our stock every month, guaranteeing that the tea delivered to your doorstep is as flavorful as possible as it’s been freshly packed by our producers.
Every tea is different. That’s why we provide specific brewing instructions tailored to each type of tea we offer, helping you brew the perfect cup every time. We are happy to share the recommendations of the producers themselves who know their tea best.
Are you in search of a specific sencha or a unique taste? Our Aromatic Profile tool will help you sort our curated collection by flavor profile and body. And if you still hesitate, our friendly team is ready to answer your inquiries and help you make the perfect choice.
IKKYU’s selections are endorsed and reviewed by certified tea instructors and tea sommeliers. Their expert insights into our teas' flavor profiles, origins and optimal brewing methods enrich your tea experience, ensuring you enjoy each blend to its fullest. Our ever-growing Tasting Corner provides you with great insights.
No matter where you are in the world, IKKYU brings the finest sencha right to you.
We offer free shipping on all orders starting at $150(*). Shop your favorite tea online, and let us take care of the rest. (*)Our free shipping threshold may be higher depending on destination due to remote locations, such as Australia or Oceania, or on local security concerns (Ukraine), where freight forwarders apply surcharges.
We're committed to supporting the passionate producers who cultivate our exceptional sencha. Generations of tea farmers and specialists strive to preserve a craft that demands hard work, time, and dedication in a fast-paced world. IKKYU recognizes the immense value of these efforts and aims to help these artisans connect with an international audience.
Many of our producers use organic cultivation, preserve local biodiversity, and avoid chemical additives to protect their crops and the land they cherish. By choosing IKKYU, you enjoy premium green tea, help preserve Japan’s tea-growing heritage and support the future of responsible farming. With our sencha collection, you can taste the care behind every harvest. Discover the transformative benefits of green teaRegular consumption of green tea can provide numerous health benefits. For example, green tea is rich in polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been demonstrated to boost immune health and aid in heart disease. The tea amino acid L-theanine is known for its relaxing effects. It can help enhance focus and concentration, reduce stress and promote overall well-being. Visit our Health and Green Tea section for more information. Elevate your sencha experience with IKKYUExperience the essence of Japan with our exquisite Sencha collection. Indulge in our premium Sencha's sweet, umami-rich flavors and savor the rare "Shincha" from the earliest first harvest of the year. Order now and immerse yourself in the world of exceptional Japanese sencha. |
FAQs
Sencha is green tea, but it refers to a specific type of Japanese green tea that is steamed, rolled into thin needle-like shapes, and dried shortly after harvest to preserve its vibrant green color and nutrients.
In fact, green tea is a broad category that includes various types such as sencha, gyokuro, matcha, bancha, and genmaicha. What makes sencha unique is its balance of brightness, umami, and a touch of astringency, making it Japan’s most popular everyday tea. So while all sencha is green tea, not all green tea is sencha — it’s a specific variety with a unique production method and flavor profile.
Sencha is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which are known for supporting immune health and protecting cells from oxidative stress. Drinking sencha regularly may:
- Support cardiovascular health
- Aid digestion
- Improve alertness and concentration
- Enhance mood and reduce stress
- Contribute to overall well-being
It’s a wonderful addition to daily wellness routines and an excellent alternative to coffee for those seeking sustained energy without the jitters.
Sencha may help reduce bloating, thanks to its gentle diuretic properties and its ability to support healthy digestion. The catechins and polyphenols found in sencha can assist in breaking down fats and easing gastrointestinal discomfort, which may relieve feelings of heaviness after meals.
Its anti-inflammatory effects also contribute to a more settled digestive system. For best results, enjoy sencha between meals or after eating — and avoid oversteeping, which can increase astringency that may irritate sensitive stomachs.
While sencha won’t directly burn belly fat, it may support overall fat metabolism when combined with a balanced diet and active lifestyle. Sencha is high in catechins, especially EGCG, which has been studied for its ability to:
- Boost metabolism
- Increase fat oxidation
- Support thermogenesis (the body’s fat-burning process)
Some research suggests that regular green tea consumption may modestly enhance fat burning, particularly during exercise. So, while sencha alone isn’t a magic solution, it can certainly be helpful in a healthy, mindful approach to weight management.