Shincha Season Has Begun in Japan – The Freshest Green Tea of the Year Is Here
- konektj
- 4月13日
- 読了時間: 3分
As spring arrives in Japan, the Shincha (first harvest Japanese green tea) season begins, bringing tea fields back to life. Recently, a Japanese TV program featured the start of tea harvesting in Shizuoka — one of Japan’s most famous tea-producing regions.
This marks the beginning of the Shincha season, the first harvest of the year.
What is Shincha in Japan?
So, what exactly is Shincha?
Shincha refers to the very first harvest of Japanese green tea in a given year. It is often associated with Ichibancha (first flush tea), but Shincha specifically emphasizes the earliest and freshest leaves of the season.
Compared to later harvests, Shincha contains higher levels of nutrients and offers a brighter, more delicate flavor profile.
Shincha is highly valued for its freshness and delicate flavor.After enduring the winter, tea plants store rich nutrients, resulting in a naturally sweet and smooth taste.
This once-a-year harvest is considered a seasonal treasure in Japan.
Why Timing Matters
In reality, high-quality tea is secured quickly.Buyers who make early decisions are the ones who gain access to the best batches.
As the season progresses, availability decreases, making it more difficult to secure top-quality tea.This is why early sourcing is key for serious buyers.
If you are considering sourcing Japanese green tea or matcha, this timing is crucial.
Who Is This For?
Shincha is especially recommended for:
Café owners looking for premium seasonal ingredients
Matcha brands seeking high-quality raw materials
Businesses focused on health-conscious or natural products
Its seasonal and limited nature makes it particularly attractive for differentiation in competitive markets.
Common Uses of Shincha & Matcha
Shincha and matcha powders are widely used in:
Matcha lattes
Desserts and sweets
Beverages and wellness products
High-quality matcha made from first harvest tea leaves is especially valued for its vibrant color and fresh aroma.
If you’d like to explore more about Japanese matcha and its applications:
Samples Available
At Connect Japan, we offer sample products such as matcha powder and hojicha powder (typically 10–20g depending on the supplier).
Samples are generally provided free of charge.We only ask clients to cover the international shipping cost, which is approximately ¥3,000–¥4,000 depending on the destination.
Payment can be made easily through a PayPal link.
Before You Reach Out
We assist with sourcing and export preparation from Japan.
For import-related costs such as duties, taxes, and local delivery, we recommend checking with your local customs broker or logistics partner, as these vary by country.
FAQ
Q: Is Shincha the same as matcha?
A: Not exactly. Shincha refers to fresh tea leaves, while matcha is powdered green tea. However, Shincha leaves can be processed into high-quality matcha.
Q: When is the best time to order?
A: As early as possible during the season, since high-quality batches are limited.
Q: Can I contact tea farmers directly?
A: We work closely with trusted tea producers in Japan who typically do not handle direct international communication. At Connect Japan, we act as a bridge to ensure smooth communication, reliable transactions, and a clear understanding of local business practices. This allows both our clients and producers to work efficiently and with confidence.
For this reason, we do not arrange direct contact with individual producers.
If you are interested in experiencing this year’s fresh harvest, we encourage you to reach out early.
We support our clients with sourcing and export arrangements from Japan. For import-related processes such as duties, taxes, and local delivery, we recommend working with your local customs broker or logistics partner, as these vary by country.
Feel free to contact us early to secure this season’s limited availability.
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