Why source from Japan
Honyama's Abe River basin terroir; Shizuoka tea heritage anchored in this region since Edo period; mountainous climate produces clean astringency.
Key spec
Catechin 12-18%; theanine 1.5-2.0%; characteristic clean astringency; minimal grassiness.
Typical end-product
Premium loose-leaf retail, fine-dining tea service, premium tea-bag retail.
At a glance
- Suppliers listed
- Phase 1 onboarding in progress
- Typical MOQ
- 5–25 kg loose leaf; 1–10 kg specialty
- Typical lead time
- 6–10 weeks
- Regions of origin
- Shizuoka (Honyama / Abe River basin)
- Category
- Beverage ingredients
- Harvest season
- Late April – early May (ichibancha)
- Japan regulatory status
- JAS for tea; Shizuoka regional brand
- Japanese name
- 本山茶
- Romaji
- 本山茶
About this ingredient
Premium Shizuoka tea from the Honyama (Abe River basin) region — the historical heartland of Shizuoka tea cultivation since the early Edo period. Honyama's mountainous terroir produces tea with characteristically refreshing aroma and clean astringency, distinct from the warmer-climate Kakegawa. Substantial supply for premium retail tea-bag and bottled-tea programmes. Distinct from existing tea entries (matcha, sencha, hojicha, gyokuro, etc).
Regulatory status
| Japan | JAS for tea; Shizuoka regional brand |
|---|---|
| EU | Food import; tea classification |
| United States | GRAS; cosmetic use under MoCRA |
| China | GACC food facility registration |
Looking for alternatives?
Common reasons buyers swap to a different ingredient — and what we'd suggest based on this ingredient's profile.
Vegan / plant-based alternatives
Honyama Tea (Shizuoka Premium) is animal-derived. If you need a non-animal source with similar functions, consider:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Plant-based· shares 3 categories
Sencha Extract
煎茶エキス
FFC notification(s) on file; MOQ from 20–100 kg.
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)
焙じ茶
MOQ from 20–100 kg (powder); 50–200 kg (loose).
Plant-based· shares 2 categories
Easier China regulatory path
Honyama Tea (Shizuoka Premium) faces a more restrictive regulatory pathway in China. These alternatives have a simpler status in that market:
Sake Extract
日本酒エキス
INCI Sake Extract (cosmetic) — JSCI ingredient; MOQ from 10–30 kg (cosmetic extract) / 50–500 L (bulk for food use).
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Imo-Shōchū (Sweet Potato Shōchū)
薩摩芋焼酎
Alcohol 20-45%; ester profile dominated by ethyl caproate / acetate; lees rich in amino acid + peptides.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
Iki Mugi-Shōchū (Iki Barley Shōchū)
壱岐麦焼酎
Alcohol 25-44%; barley-derived light profile; ethyl-acetate notes; volcanic-island water mineral profile.
Simpler in China· shares 3 categories
When does it make sense to swap an ingredient? Read the swap guide →
Japanese suppliers
Phase 1 manufacturer onboarding is in progress. If you are actively sourcing this ingredient and would like to be introduced to candidate Japanese producers, send an inquiry and our team will return with options.
Disclaimer
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Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
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Last updated: 2026-05-05