You don’t have to go to Japan to enjoy an authentic tea ceremony—with the right tea set, you can recreate the zen-inducing ritual right at home. But between kyusu, houhin, matcha bowls and more, it can be tricky to find the perfect set for your taste and budget. For a wide selection, consider checking out Teasetbox. Read on to discover the different types of Japanese tea sets, key brands to know, price ranges, and our top picks for 2024. Whether you’re a seasoned tea master or just looking to dip your toe in the tea pond, we’ll walk you through everything you need to host an oh-so-soothing tea party that would make any geisha proud. So brew a cup and let’s dive in—your journey to tea serenity starts now!
Popular Types of Japanese Tea Sets
Kyusu Teapots
The kyusu is a traditional Japanese teapot used to brew loose leaf green tea. It comes in a variety of sizes, from single serving to multiple cups. Kyusus are made of clay, usually red or black, which helps maintain the proper brewing temperature. For matcha, a houhin kyusu, which has a wider spout, is ideal. Prices range from $20 to $200 or more for high-quality, handcrafted teapots.
Yunomi Teacups
Yunomi teacups are used to drink the tea brewed in the kyusu. They are usually made of ceramic and come in different sizes based on how the tea is traditionally served. For casual tea drinking, larger yunomis that hold 200-300ml are popular. For more formal tea ceremonies, smaller yunomis around 70-100ml are preferred. Yunomis start around $5 each but high-quality handmade cups can cost $30 or more.
Natsume Tea Caddies
Natsume are wooden caddies used to store matcha powder. They help keep the powder fresh and come in different wood types like cypress, cedar or paulownia. Simple natsume may cost between $20 to $50 while high-quality lacquered or inlaid caddies can cost $200 or more. For the freshest matcha, buy only what you need for a month or two at a time.
Chasen Bamboo Whisks
A chasen whisk is essential for preparing matcha. The tines are made of split bamboo and help whisk the powder into a frothy liquid. Chasens typically cost between $15 to $30. Look for a whisk with around 80-100 tines for home use. With proper care, a chasen can last 6-12 months before needing replacement.
Best Brands for Authentic Japanese Tea Sets
Some of the top brands for high-quality Japanese tea sets include Iwachu, Juicy Couture, and Tokoname. Let’s explore each in more detail:
Iwachu
Iwachu is one of the most well-known and respected brands for traditional Japanese iron teapots and tea sets. They’ve been handcrafting their products for over 100 years using time-honored techniques. Their sets are on the higher end, ranging from $50 to $500, but are built to last generations. Their kyusu teapots are especially popular for steeping sencha and gyokuro green teas.
Juicy Couture
While not a traditional Japanese brand, Juicy Couture offers some charming tea sets inspired by Japanese designs. They use quality stoneware and porcelain to craft their sets which include a teapot, cups, and other accessories. Price-wise, they’re on the affordable end, around $30 to $100. Their sets work well for casual tea drinking and the style-conscious.
Tokoname
Tokoname is a region in Japan renowned for their ceramic arts, including teapots and tea sets. Many small family studios in Tokoname have been making teaware for centuries. Their sets are handcrafted using local clay and glazes, with simple but elegant designs. You can find Tokoname sets ranging from $50 up to $500 or more for rare, artisanal pieces. These are perfect for tea connoisseurs interested in traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
In the end, you can’t go wrong with any of these brands. But keep in mind your specific needs, budget, and the types of tea you want to steep. A high-quality set from a traditional brand like Iwachu or Tokoname will provide the ultimate experience for enjoying green tea or matcha. More affordable but stylish options from brands like Juicy Couture are great for casual tea drinking with friends. The choice is yours!
Price Range for Quality Japanese Tea Sets
When it comes to Japanese tea sets, you can find options at various price points. For a high-quality starter set that will last you for years, expect to pay between $50 to $200.
Budget-Friendly Sets ($50-$100)
If you’re on a budget, you can find simple but elegant tea sets in this range. Look for brands like Iwachu or Happy Sales. Their sets include a basic teapot, cups, and maybe a bamboo whisk or scoop. The materials will likely be stoneware or porcelain. These are perfectly suitable for casual tea drinking at home.
Mid-Range Sets ($100-$200)
In this range, you’ll start seeing sets with more decorative designs and higher quality materials like clay or cast iron. Brands like Iwachu, Happy Sales, and Juicy Couture offer lovely porcelain sets with cherry blossom or bonsai motifs. Cast iron tetsubin teapots are also popular and keep tea hot for a long time. For matcha, look for a set with a chasen (bamboo whisk), chashaku (tea scoop), and houhin (bamboo whisk holder).
High-End Sets ($200 and up)
For the ultimate Japanese tea experience, invest in a high-end set from brands like Tokoname, Koyomaen, or Konatsu. These sets feature artisanal clay kyusu teapots, handmade teacups, and accessories of the highest quality. Some also offer specially designed trays and waste water containers. While quite pricey, these sets are meant to be cherished for a lifetime and passed down through generations.
In the end, choose a Japanese tea set in your budget that fits your needs. Whether you’re sipping sencha, matcha, or gyokuro, having the proper tools will make your experience feel truly authentic. Take time to appreciate the craftsmanship in your set, and your Japanese tea ritual will become a daily moment of mindfulness and calm.
Differences Between Kyusu and Houhin Kyusu Teapots
Kyusu teapots are the most common type of Japanese teapots used for brewing and serving loose leaf green teas like sencha, gyokuro, and matcha. The kyusu has a side handle and a wide spout for easy pouring. Within the kyusu category, there are two main types: the regular kyusu and the houhin kyusu.
Houhin kyusu teapots feature a built-in filter to separate the tea leaves from the brewed tea when pouring. The filter allows the leaves to expand fully while steeping but then traps them when pouring, resulting in a sediment-free cup of tea. The houhin kyusu is ideal for brewing gyokuro, kabusecha and other high-quality green teas with delicate leaves.
On the other hand, a regular kyusu lacks an internal filter. The tea leaves remain in the pot when pouring and some leaf sediment will end up in your cup. The regular kyusu works well for sencha, bancha, and other hardier green tea leaves that won’t break apart easily when pouring. Given the lack of a filter, the regular kyusu tends to be slightly larger in size to give the tea leaves more room to expand during steeping.
In terms of price, houhin kyusu teapots are typically more expensive, ranging from $60 to $200 USD or more for high-quality pots made of clay, porcelain or cast iron. Regular kyusu teapots vary widely in price, starting around $30 to $40 USD for a basic pot. For the best green tea experience, choose a kyusu teapot made of clay, porcelain or cast iron, which retain heat well and produce a smooth pour.
Overall, the choice between a houhin kyusu and a regular kyusu comes down to personal preference and the types of green teas you want to brew. For the highest quality gyokuro and matcha, a houhin kyusu is ideal. But for daily sencha or an easy teatime, a regular kyusu works great and is a bit more budget-friendly. Both make a wonderful addition to any Japanese tea set and will provide many steepings of delicious green tea.
Choosing the Best Japanese Tea Set for Matcha
When it comes to preparing matcha, the traditional Japanese green tea, having the proper tea set is essential. The two main types of tea sets for matcha are the kyusu, a teapot, and the houhin, a whisk. For matcha, the houhin is necessary to whisk the powdered green tea into a frothy consistency.
Kyusu Teapots
A kyusu is a traditional Japanese teapot used for steeping loose leaf green tea. For matcha, look for a kyusu specifically designed for powdered green tea. It will have a wider spout and larger capacity, around 400-500ml. The most popular styles are made of ceramic, enamelware or clay. Ceramic kyusu are affordable and durable. Enamelware kyusu have an enamel coating over metal and keep tea hot for a long time. Clay kyusu are considered the highest quality but most expensive. They keep tea at the perfect temperature and add a natural sweetness. Expect to pay $20-$200 for a quality kyusu.
Houhin Tea Whisks
The houhin is essential for whisking matcha into a frothy foam. Houhin are made of bamboo and come in different sizes based on the number of tines, typically 60-100 tines for matcha. More tines mean faster whisking. Look for a houhin specifically for matcha to get the right size. Houhin typically cost between $5 to $30. For the best matcha experience, choose an authentic Japanese houhin.
Additional Accessories
To complete your matcha set, you’ll also want a bamboo scoop or matcha scoop (chashaku) for scooping powdered tea, a whisk stand (chasen tate) for storing your houhin, and matcha bowls (chawan) for serving the tea. Choose a traditional Japanese chawan or a modern style. With the proper tools and technique, you’ll be enjoying a perfect bowl of matcha in no time!
In summary, for the most authentic matcha experience choose a traditional Japanese kyusu teapot, houhin whisk, chashaku scoop and chawan bowl. With a full set of quality tools, you’ll have everything needed to prepare and enjoy the perfect bowl of frothy matcha.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about finding the perfect Japanese tea set for your home or tea party. Whether you’re looking for an elegant kyusu and yunomi set for sipping matcha, a traditional houhin kyusu for brewing sencha, or a colorful and modern design, you now have the inside scoop on the top brands, prices, and styles. With this guide under your belt, you’re ready to shop for that dream tea set to elevate your tea rituals. Just don’t forget the most important part – enjoying wonderful tea with good company! Now go forth and sip in style.
