From our other sites
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, Japan Trove may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A Japanese tea set is a beautiful, practical souvenir — and if you’ve fallen for matcha or sencha on your trip, the right gear makes brewing at home a joy. Here’s what to look for, whether for matcha or everyday green tea.
For matcha
To whisk matcha properly you’ll want a small kit:
- Chawan — a wide tea bowl to whisk in.
- Chasen — a bamboo whisk (the key tool for a good froth).
- Chashaku — a bamboo scoop.
- A fine sifter — sift the powder to avoid clumps.
Pair it with good ceremonial-grade matcha — see our green tea guide.
For sencha & everyday tea
- Kyusu — a side-handled teapot, often with a built-in mesh filter; the classic for leaf tea.
- Yunomi — everyday teacups (no handles).
- Houhin — a handleless pot for delicate, cooler-brewed teas like gyokuro.
Styles & pottery to know
Japanese ceramics are a whole world: Tokoname (famous for kyusu), Hagi, Mino, and Arita/Imari porcelain among them. A handmade piece from a known kiln makes a special gift; a simple, sturdy set is perfect for daily use.
Buying tips
- Match the tool to your tea: kyusu for leaf tea, chawan + chasen for matcha.
- Pack carefully — wrap ceramics well; a furoshiki cloth doubles as padding and a gift wrap.
- Care: rinse the bamboo whisk and air-dry; hand-wash ceramics.
Where to buy
In Japan: department-store housewares floors, specialty tea and pottery shops, and Loft/Tokyu Hands. From abroad: matcha kits and kyusu are available on Amazon , or use a proxy service for specific artisan pieces. A tea set makes a memorable gift from Japan.