Organic Japanese Koucha Black Tea – Single Origin Japan (100g)
Original price was: $39.99.$26.99Current price is: $26.99. — or subscribe to save up to 15%
100 gram bag of organic koucha (black tea) from Yame, Japan.
Japan may not be known for black fermented tea, but this one might be one to change that. Fragrant, floral, aromatic, with a very smooth finish. The sakura leaves add a layer of flavor and complexity unlike any other tea. This is surely one to impress any black tea lover.
Makes 50 servings
Comes in an aluminum lined washi (traditional japanese paper) bag to protect the tea from heat, light and oxidation.
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Description
Last updated: April 2026
- ✅Imagine the sweet, captivating scent of cherry blossoms greeting you as soon as you open the tea bag, whisking you away to a serene Japanese garden in spring.
- ✅ Picture the rich orange hue of the tea, like a stunning sunset, promising a visual feast before the first sip even touches your lips.
- ✅ Envision the soothing taste of clover honey, a gentle sweetness that caresses your palate, mingling with the luscious depth of black cherry.
- ✅ Feel the earthy undertones of barley syrup grounding you, connecting you to the peaceful, verdant mountainsides where the tea leaves are tenderly harvested.
- ✅ Imagine starting your day basking in the energizing embrace of this tea, a refreshing nectar that awakens your senses and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
- ✅ Enjoy a moment of solitude in your busy day, where each sip transports you to a tranquil afternoon under the blooming cherry blossoms, a personal retreat in a cup.
- ✅ Know that with each cup, you're partaking in a sustainable practice, savoring tea that's organic, vegan, and free from any harmful additives—a guilt-free indulgence.
- Koucha (紅茶) is Japan's term for fully oxidized black tea — made from the same Camellia sinensis plant as green, oolong, white, and yellow teas, but with a bolder flavor and longer shelf life.
- Tasting notes include cherry blossom, clover honey, black cherry, cranberry, strawberry, and blackberry — a lighter, more floral profile than typical Assam or Darjeeling teas.
- According to the USDA FoodData Central (2024), brewed black tea contains approximately 47mg of caffeine per 237ml cup — compared to ~29mg in green tea.
- One 100g bag yields roughly 50 servings; brew at 212°F (100°C) for 3–5 minutes, or cold-brew overnight.
- Certified JAS Organic — single-origin Japan, vegan, and free from artificial additives.
What Is Japanese Koucha Black Tea?
Koucha (紅茶, literally “red tea”) is a fully oxidized black tea produced in Japan from leaves of the shrub Camellia sinensis — the same plant that yields green, oolong, white, and yellow teas. Black tea is more oxidized than all of these tea types and is generally stronger in flavor, producing a darker liquor and a more robust, complex aroma. The degree of oxidation is what sets black tea apart: full exposure to oxygen during processing converts the leaf's chemical compounds, deepening color, flavor, and shelf stability (Hara Y, 2001, Marcel Dekker).
This particular Koucha is a single-origin Japanese tea grown on verdant mountainsides, harvested by hand, and certified under Japan's JAS Organic standard — the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) organic certification program. Best for: tea lovers who appreciate the body of black tea but want the terroir refinement of single-origin Japanese cultivation.
If you enjoy a good cup of black tea, this tea will help you continue that experience each and every time.
How Does Japanese Koucha Compare to Other Teas?
Japanese Koucha sits at the fully oxidized end of the tea spectrum, making it distinctly different from green, white, and oolong teas in flavor, brew temperature, caffeine content, and shelf life. According to USDA FoodData Central (2024), brewed black tea contains approximately 47mg of caffeine per 237ml serving, compared to roughly 29mg in brewed green tea — making Koucha a stronger daily option for those who rely on their morning cup.
| Tea Type | Oxidation | Caffeine / 237ml | Brew Temp | Typical Shelf Life | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese Koucha (Black) | Full (100%) | ~47mg ¹ | 212°F / 100°C | Several years | Bold flavor; everyday drinkers; cold brew |
| Green Tea (e.g., Sencha) | None (0%) | ~29mg ¹ | 70–80°C ² | ~1 year | Delicate flavor; lower caffeine preference |
| Oolong Tea | Partial (15–85%) | Varies | 85–95°C | 1–2 years | Between green and black tea profiles |
| White Tea | Minimal | Varies | 75–85°C | 1–2 years | Subtle, naturally sweet; lightest processing |
| Yellow Tea | Very Light | Varies | 70–80°C | ~1 year | Rare; mellow; between white and green |
¹ USDA FoodData Central (2024). ² Komes et al. (2010), Food Research International. Oolong, white, and yellow caffeine values vary widely by variety and processing; no single-source citation applies.
What Does This Japanese Koucha Taste Like?
This single-origin Koucha is slightly fruity with subtle flavors of cranberry, strawberry, and blackberry, delivering a clean flavor with a rich, dark aroma. It recalls some of the finest Assam and Darjeeling teas — which can be very floral — but without the high price tag. The cherry blossom nose on opening, combined with tasting notes of clover honey and black cherry, gives this tea an unusually aromatic, layered character for a black tea. Earthy undertones of barley syrup add depth and a grounding finish. Best for: drinkers who enjoy floral, fruit-forward black teas and want something more nuanced than standard breakfast blends.
How Long Does Japanese Black Tea Stay Fresh?
Black tea retains its flavor for several years — a distinct advantage over green tea, which can begin to lose its character within a year. This long shelf life is a direct result of full oxidation during processing, which stabilizes the leaf compounds and makes the tea far less reactive to air and moisture over time (Hara Y, 2001, Marcel Dekker). Because of this durability, black tea has historically been an article of trade across cultures for hundreds of years, prized as much for its longevity as its flavor.
How Do I Brew Japanese Koucha Black Tea?
Brew this Koucha in water brought to a full rolling boil — 212°F (100°C) — and steep for 3–5 minutes. Unlike green teas, which turn bitter when brewed at higher temperatures, black tea is specifically suited to fully boiled water; lower temperatures will underextract the flavor (Komes et al., 2010, Food Research International). For best results, use 2g of leaf per 237ml of water. This tea also excels as a cold brew: add leaves to cold water and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for a naturally smooth, low-bitterness iced tea. Best for hot brewing: mornings and focused afternoon sessions. Best for cold brew: summer, iced, or milk tea preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Koucha” (紅茶) mean?
Koucha (紅茶) is the Japanese word for black tea, literally meaning “red tea” — a reference to the reddish-amber color of the brewed liquor. It refers specifically to fully oxidized tea made from Camellia sinensis leaves. While Japan is far better known internationally for its green teas (sencha, matcha, gyokuro), domestic Koucha production represents a distinct and growing segment of Japanese tea culture, prized for its lighter, more aromatic character compared to Indian or Chinese black teas.
How is this Japanese black tea different from Assam or Darjeeling?
Japanese Koucha tends to be lighter-bodied and more floral or fruity than Assam (which is malty and bold) or Darjeeling (which is muscatel and astringent). This single-origin Koucha features notes of cherry blossom, cranberry, strawberry, and clover honey — a delicate profile that reflects Japan's specific growing conditions and varietals — generally at a more accessible price point than premium Darjeeling.
How many cups does 100g make?
One 100g bag yields approximately 50 servings when using a standard 2g-per-cup ratio. This makes it a practical, economical everyday tea for daily drinkers.
Can I make this tea as a cold brew?
Yes — this Koucha cold-brews exceptionally well. Simply add loose leaf tea to cold or room-temperature water and refrigerate overnight (approximately 8–12 hours). The result is a smooth, naturally sweet iced tea with none of the bitterness that can come from hot-brewing and chilling.
What does JAS Organic certification mean?
JAS Organic (Japanese Agricultural Standard) is Japan's government-administered organic certification, overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). It certifies that the tea was grown without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers, following strict standards verified by an accredited certification body. This product carries full JAS Organic certification and is also vegan and free from artificial additives.
19 reviews for Organic Japanese Koucha Black Tea – Single Origin Japan (100g)
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
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Amazon Customer –
Enjoyed the tea
michele –
This Organic Japanese Black tea with Cherry Blossom leaves comes in a convenient resealable pouch. While the dried flower petals have lost their pink color, they still add a unique visual element. I brewed the tea using a diffuser for about 3 minutes. The flavor is delightful, with a subtle sweetness and floral fragrance from the cherry blossom leaves. While the price is on the higher side, the unique flavor profile makes it a special treat. I’m glad I had the opportunity to try this tea.
Kenji –
This Japanese black tea is surprisingly smooth and free of bitterness. It has a subtle floral fragrance from the cherry blossom leaves. While the brewing instructions could be more clearly printed on the packaging, they are available on the product listing. Overall, this is a good quality cup of tea with a reasonable price point
kelly –
This tea has a naturally sweet flavor, making it enjoyable without the addition of much sweetness. It’s a very pleasant and refreshing cup of tea.
Jack –
This tea boasts a delightful floral aroma and a smooth, unique finish thanks to the addition of sakura leaves. The flavor is truly distinctive. The travel-sized, aluminum-lined washi bag ensures the tea remains fresh and is perfect for enjoying high-quality tea on the go.
Jack Chan –
Smooth, non-bitter, subtle floral notes. We love the tea.
Tales From Our Pocket –
This tea boasts a smooth and delicate flavor profile, reminiscent of Taiwanese or Japanese oolong teas. The subtle floral notes are a delightful addition. While the travel-sized bag offers a convenient way to sample the tea, the 100g option provides significantly better value. The brewing instructions, found under the full-size listing, recommend 4 grams of tea per 160-200ml of water for a 2-minute steep. I found that this method produced a delicious cup of tea. However, considering the price per gram, the larger 100g bag offers a more cost-effective option for enjoying this exceptional tea.
Opal CL –
Mr. Tokuyama deserves high praise for creating this exceptional Organic Japanese Black tea with Cherry Blossom leaves. It’s a tea I’m eager to share with fellow tea enthusiasts. This tea unfolds beautifully. The initial aroma is warm and floral, followed by a smooth, buttery black tea flavor. But the true magic lies in the subtle fruit flavors that emerge after swallowing – a truly delightful surprise! While I’ve enjoyed many teas from ‘All Day I Eat Like A Shark’ tea shop, this one stands out. Mr. Tokuyama’s passion for tea is evident not only in the quality of his teas but also in his informative website and blog.
Alex C. King –
This tea offers a pleasant blend of mild black tea flavors with subtle floral notes from the sakura leaves. The fermentation process adds a unique dimension to the taste. I find it enjoyable to sip, with no bitter aftertaste. I’m looking forward to exploring other teas from this brand.
Carry Me Up –
I never had cherry blossom leaves mixed with black tea before until now. No instructions included on how to brew a cup, but I seemed to remember having to heat water up to 185Fº and steep the tea leaves for 5 minutes for black tea, so that was what I did. It was a very pleasant cup of tea.
corebyte –
This black tea blend infused with sakura leaves offers a unique and invigorating flavor profile. It provides a gentle caffeine boost, similar to coffee, making it a perfect morning beverage. The subtle floral notes from the sakura leaves add a delightful complexity to the tea. The convenient travel-size bag allows you to sample this exceptional tea before committing to a larger purchase.
Morgan6 –
This Organic Japanese Black tea with Cherry Blossom leaves features high-quality ingredients, containing only black tea and cherry blossom leaves. As it’s loose leaf tea, a tea bag or infuser is necessary for brewing. Using about one teaspoon of tea leaves and steeping for at least two minutes yields a flavorful cup. Considering the quality and unique flavor profile, this tea offers excellent value for the price. I would recommend giving it a try.
Customer –
I brewed a pot of this tea in a French press and subsequently made iced tea, as this is a sample-sized package. The flavor is exceptional, with a delightful floral fragrance from the cherry blossoms. Despite a longer steeping time, the tea remained smooth and free of bitterness. I highly recommend this tea!
Jennifer –
I really am enjoying this tea. It has a rich flavor with a hint of cherry. It is quite a nice tea to sip and enjoy. Can certainly recommend.
Matt –
This tea offers a delicate blend of floral and fruity notes with a slight astringency. The tea leaves unfurl beautifully during brewing, creating a visually appealing experience. Despite the astringency, the tea remains smooth and enjoyable.
Techie Geek –
This is a truly exceptional tea. It boasts a refined taste with subtle floral notes, hints of honey and lychee, creating a truly delightful drinking experience.
PlantLover –
This tea boasts a delightful flavor profile. It’s smooth and refreshing, with a bright floral undertone. I enjoyed brewing it in my infuser cup without any added sweeteners. It’s a truly enjoyable cup of tea
WISHFUL THINKING –
I truly enjoy this Organic Japanese black tea with Cherry Blossom leaves. It has a smooth, delicate flavor that doesn’t require any added sweeteners. The travel-size bag is convenient and provides enough tea for several cups, making it perfect for enjoying on the go.
Danice –
This tea is made with high-quality leaves and brews easily. It has a pleasant flavor that I enjoyed very much. I consumed it more quickly than I anticipated, so I’ll be ordering more soon.