About Tsujiri Ichi Honten
The Legacy of Tsujiri Ichi Honten
The story of Tsujiri Ichi Honten begins in 1844 with the birth of Riemon Tsuji in Uji, Kyoto, a region already deeply rooted in Japan’s tea culture. From an early age, he witnessed both the beauty of Uji tea and the challenges facing its future.
In 1860, during a time of great uncertainty at the end of the Edo period, Uji’s tea industry began to decline after losing long-standing support from the Tokugawa shogunate. At just 17 years old, Riemon Tsuji took an extraordinary step. He invested in tea fields and dedicated himself fully to reviving Uji’s tea culture, laying the foundation for what would become the Tsuji brand.
Driven by a deep respect for tea and a desire to improve its quality, he focused on refining gyokuro using carefully selected young tea buds. Through continuous experimentation and dedication, he helped elevate its aroma, color, and flavor, transforming it into a tea that would come to define Uji’s excellence. One of his creations, named “Daimon” after a local tea garden, gained recognition as he personally promoted its refined quality.
His vision extended beyond cultivation. In 1889, he introduced an innovative tin-lined wooden tea chest designed to better protect tea during storage and transport. This advancement improved preservation and handling, and it was widely adopted across the tea industry in Japan.
By 1897, Riemon Tsuji had built a thriving enterprise, leading a team of around 40 people with distribution reaching across the country, from Tohoku in the north to Kyushu in the south.
His lifelong contributions to Uji tea were formally recognized in 1927, when he was honored with the Green Ribbon Medal.
Today, Tsujiri Ichi Honten continues to carry forward this legacy, preserving the spirit of innovation, craftsmanship, and devotion to Uji tea that began with Riemon Tsuji.
Tsujiri preserves the rich heritage of Uji tea. Known for its deep umami, refined bitterness, and smooth texture, Tsujiri matcha continues to be cherished by tea lovers worldwide. We are glad you can experience the legacy of authentic Kyoto matcha at Nishizawa En.
Quality Assurance
Tsujiri Ichi Honten upholds a strict approach to quality, carefully evaluating each tea based on taste, color, and aroma. This process relies on highly refined sensory skills that require experience and training, passed down through generations since 1860, and now carried forward by the fifth-generation head of the company, Toshihiro Tsuji.
Even today, the head of the company remains closely involved in the process, overseeing everything from raw tea procurement to final blending (gogumi). This hands-on approach ensures that all production is managed in-house with consistent attention to detail and quality.
Alongside these traditional practices, Tsujiri Ichi Honten also maintains a modern quality control system, including microbiological testing and advanced physicochemical analysis. The company has also obtained ISO 22000 certification, reflecting its commitment to food safety and international quality standards.