Yes, but we go beyond that. "Ceremonial Grade" is actually a marketing term created outside of Japan. At Maru Take Ebisu, we only carry authentic, master-blended matcha crafted specifically for traditional Japanese Tea Ceremonies (Sado). In Japan, true premium matcha is ranked by its suitability for "Koicha (Thick Tea)" and "Usucha (Thin Tea)."

To be brutally honest, trying to imagine the taste of matcha based solely on its "cultivar" (such as Samidori or Asahi) is a massive misconception.

Just like rice or wine, the true flavor and quality of matcha are not determined by the cultivar itself, but by its "Terroir" (the specific environment, soil, and fertilizer where it was grown) and the traditional art of "Gogumi" (master blending). Even the exact same Samidori cultivar will taste completely different depending on whether it was grown on a fertile riverbank or in a foggy mountain.

At Marutake Ebisu, we don't sell the kind of shallow matcha that can be defined merely by a cultivar name. We proudly sell the profound history of authentic Terroir and Gogumi crafted by historic Uji tea masters.

The Truth: We prioritize "The Umami Experience" and "Verified Safety" over marketing labels.

To a true tea professional, an "Organic" label is meaningless if the taste is bitter and thin. In Japan, we are often surprised that visitors buy lower-quality tea simply because of a label. At Maru Take Ebisu, we choose Safety and Taste over marketing buzzwords.

Why we prioritize Flavor and Safety over Labels:

Nutrients for Umami: To achieve the pinnacle of "Uji Umami," tea leaves require high-quality nutrients to produce Theanine?the amino acid responsible for matcha's natural sweetness and relaxing effects. It is currently impossible to reach this level of flavor and richness using 100% organic methods.

World-Class Safety Standards: Japan's pesticide regulations are among the strictest in the world. Our tea leaves undergo rigorous monitoring and testing by the Kyoto Prefecture and JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives). Residue levels are consistently far below international safety limits.

Family-Trusted Quality: We only sell what we?and our own families?drink every day with total peace of mind. We invite you to experience the profound, authentic taste of Uji tea, backed by science and tradition.

The Secret: Japan's tap water is actually "Soft Water," which is the perfect partner for Matcha. Have you ever wondered why Matcha tastes so incredibly vibrant and smooth in Japan? It's not just the whisking technique?it's the water.

Japan's tap water is naturally soft, making it the ideal partner to unlock the deep "Umami" of Uji tea.

If your local water is hard (common in Europe/US), follow these professional tips:

Ion-Exchange Filter: Use a pitcher filter (like Brita) to reduce water hardness.

The "Long Boil" Trick: If you only have tap water, boil it for 3?5 minutes without the lid. This can slightly reduce temporary hardness and remove chlorine.

Check the Label: If buying bottled water, look for "Soft Water" or a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) below 50mg/L. Avoid "Mineral Water" for the best flavor.

Don't let hard water ruin your premium tea. A small change in your water will bring you closer to the authentic taste of Japan!

The best-before date indicates the period during which the unopened product can be enjoyed at its intended quality when stored according to the instructions. Unlike a use-by date, passing the best-before date does not necessarily mean that the matcha immediately becomes unsafe to consume.

However, matcha is sensitive to light, heat, moisture, and oxygen. Its color, aroma, and flavor may deteriorate depending on how it has been stored. Please check whether the package has been opened and carefully assess the product's condition before use.

Do not consume the matcha if it shows signs of moisture, mold, an unusual odor, or any other visible deterioration.

Once opened, we recommend consuming it as soon as possible, regardless of the best-before date.

To enjoy the full aroma and vibrant color of our stone-ground matcha, follow these professional steps.

Sift (Crucial): Sift 1.5g to 2g (about 2 bamboo scoops) of matcha into a bowl to remove any clumps. This is the secret to a smooth, creamy froth.

Water Temp: Prepare hot water at 80°C (176°F). Never use boiling water (100°C), as it will burn the delicate tea leaves and create unwanted bitterness.

Whisk: Pour about 70ml to 80ml of water. Using a bamboo whisk (Chasen), whisk vigorously in a zigzag "M" motion until a fine, creamy foam forms on the surface.

Savor: Inhale the fresh aroma first, then experience the deep "umami" flavor that only our "Grind-to-Order" matcha can provide.

Not at all! High-quality stone-ground matcha naturally forms small clumps due to static electricity. This is actually a sign of its fineness and purity. Please be sure to sift your matcha before whisking to ensure a smooth, creamy foam.

The truth: Modern summers are too hot for "room temperature." Matcha is as delicate as fresh greens. Its greatest enemies are heat, light, and humidity. Leaving it on a kitchen counter over 30°C (86°F) is a recipe for disaster.

Our Commitment: We never use third-party heated warehouses. Unlike mass-market retailers, we fulfill every order directly from our own temperature-controlled facility. We treat matcha like a "living" product to ensure its vibrant color and aroma.

The Golden Rule: Use the Fridge.
Always Fridge: Store it in the refrigerator (or vegetable drawer).

The "Wait" (Crucial): After taking it out, wait 20?30 mins before opening. Opening a cold tin in a warm room causes "condensation," which can ruin the tea.

Matcha provides "Zen-like Focus" without the crash. While caffeine levels are similar (64mg in 2g Matcha vs. 80mg in 140ml Coffee), Matcha contains L-Theanine, which may contribute to a smoother experience.

The secret to café-quality sweets: Don't settle for "Cheap Baking Grade." In the market, many products labeled "Matcha" are actually just powdered green tea grown without proper shading. These lack aroma and are only bitter.

Our Pro Tip: For the best flavor and color in your cakes or lattes, we recommend our "Practice Rank" (Entry-level Ceremonial) matcha. While high-end tea for ceremony is too delicate for baking, low-quality baking grade is too bitter. Our practice-rank matcha (around JPY 1,500?2,000 per 40g) retains its profound umami and vibrant aroma even when mixed with cream or milk.

Why "Cheap Baking Matcha" is a risky choice. Read the honest truth:

No. Matcha is a traditional Japanese tea and food product.

While matcha naturally contains components such as catechins and caffeine, our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

We recommend enjoying matcha as part of a balanced lifestyle and traditional tea culture.

No, you can complete your purchase without creating an account. Simply select "Guest Checkout" at the time of purchase. However, registering an account allows you to log in easily for future orders. You will also earn Shop Points and receive exclusive coupons. Additionally, you can subscribe to our newsletter for insights on how to enjoy our premium matcha and early access to special collections.

NO. We do not accept any delivery date or time requests. To prioritize product quality and the fastest possible shipping, we cannot accommodate specific delivery schedules.

As you agreed by checking the box "No delivery date/time specifications available" during checkout, any requests entered in the "Notes" section will be completely disregarded.

Please be advised: If a shipment is refused due to the lack of delivery scheduling, the customer will be held liable for the full cost of the products and all associated shipping fees (both ways).

We process all orders as promptly as possible. However, for larger quantities, it may take between 2 weeks to 1 month to prepare your matcha. This is because we use a traditional "Grind-to-Order" method, where the tea leaves are slowly ground using a stone mill only after your order is placed. This ensures we deliver the freshest possible matcha to your doorstep.

As a general rule, we include a physical delivery slip (with prices) inside every package. If your order is a gift and you do not want the price to be shown, please write "GIFT - NO PRICE" in the notes section (remarks) at checkout. We will ensure that no price-bearing documents are included inside the package.

However, please note that for all international shipments, an invoice (showing the price) is legally required by customs authorities and must be attached to the outside of the box. Aside from this legal requirement, it is perfectly safe for gifting!

We treat our authentic Uji matcha as a delicate, fresh product to preserve its profound "Umami" and vibrant Terroir. Unopened matcha typically has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months.

[Our Freshness Guarantee]
For your peace of mind, we guarantee that all matcha shipped will have a minimum of 2 months (60 days) remaining until its best-before date at the time of dispatch.

[Important Note on International Shipping]
Please be aware that international delivery can sometimes take 2 to 3 weeks depending on the destination (e.g., remote areas, customs clearance delays, or global logistical disruptions). We appreciate your understanding.

Once opened, please store it in the refrigerator and consume it within 3?4 weeks for the ultimate tasting experience.

We do not accept package refusals. If a package is returned to Japan due to the customer's refusal to receive it (including refusal to pay customs duties) or failure to claim it, all original shipping fees and return shipping costs will be deducted from your refund. If the return shipping cost exceeds the value of the items, no refund will be issued under any circumstances.

Yes, all displayed prices include Japan's consumption tax (8% for food, 10% for accessories). We do not offer tax-free shopping for online orders.

Since international shipping involves complex documentation and handling, these taxes are allocated toward the international shipping and handling costs. We appreciate your understanding that the price at checkout is final.

8% (Reduced Tax Rate): Applied to food items, such as our matcha and Japanese tea.

10% (Standard Tax Rate): Applied to non-food items, such as tea whisks (Chasen), tea bowls (Chawan), and other accessories.

All prices shown are the final gross prices including these respective taxes.

Yes. We can deliver to hotels and other accommodation facilities in Japan, provided that the facility agrees to accept parcels on your behalf.

Before placing your order, please confirm with your accommodation that they can receive and hold the parcel for you.

Please provide all of the following information:

• Postal code: 7-digit Japanese postal code
• Prefecture: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, etc.
• City / Ward: City, ward or municipality
• Street address: District, block and building number
• Building / Hotel name: Full official name
• Room number: If already assigned
• Recipient name: The same full name used for your reservation
• Check-in date: Your scheduled arrival date
• Telephone number: The accommodation’s Japanese telephone number

Correct address format

Examples we cannot accept

The hotel name alone, an incomplete address, a map link, or an address without the guest’s reservation name is not sufficient for delivery.

We will ship your order to the address exactly as entered at checkout. We do not verify whether the address, hotel information or reservation details are correct.

The customer is responsible for any delays, failed delivery, returns or additional shipping costs caused by incomplete or incorrect information, refusal by the accommodation, or delivery outside the period of stay.

Depending on your country, customs duties and taxes may be applied when your package enters the country. These charges are outside of our control and must be paid by the customer to your local customs office (unless you have selected a DDP/Delivered Duty Paid service).

For information regarding current regulations and customs, please contact the local office of your chosen delivery service. Please note that these regulations are subject to change at any time.

Please understand that Shipping Fees and Customs Duties are completely separate. International shipments must go through customs clearance in your country, where local taxes and duties may be applied by your government.

These charges are legally mandated by your local authorities, and we have absolutely no control over them.

We do not receive a single cent of profit from these taxes. These payments go directly to your government. It is your responsibility as a citizen/resident to settle these fees to receive your package.

Once your order is finalized, an order confirmation email will be sent to the address you provided. If you do not see it in your inbox, please check your spam or junk folder.

Yes. Please email info@maru-take-ebisu.jp immediately with your name and order number. We will assist you with any adjustments needed to your order details.

Please note that adjustments can only be made before the order has been shipped.

Yes. Once your order is dispatched from our warehouse, we will send you a shipping confirmation email containing a tracking number and a direct link to track your package.

Additionally, registered users can view their tracking information anytime by logging into their account and checking their Order History.

Unfortunately, we do not support multiple shipping addresses within a single transaction. To ship to different recipients, please complete each purchase individually.

As a general rule, we do not accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations once the order has been shipped. Due to the nature of our food products (Matcha) and international shipping constraints, all sales are final.

However, in the case of defective items or incorrect orders, we will provide support if contacted within 5 days of delivery. Please email us at info@maru-take-ebisu.jp with photos of the issue. After this period, we may not be able to assist.

No. We strictly do not accept any cancellations, returns, or refunds due to shipping delays once the order has been dispatched.

While we ship all orders promptly, international logistics can be severely affected by factors entirely outside of our control. These include geopolitical conflicts, global logistical disruptions, extreme weather, and strict customs inspections in your country.

Deliveries to certain regions (such as the Middle East or remote areas) may experience significant delays of several weeks. By placing an order, you acknowledge and accept these potential transit times and the risks associated with international shipping. We appreciate your patience and understanding.