Kyobancha (京番茶) is a traditional roasted green tea from Kyoto.
Unlike most Japanese green teas, Kyobancha is made from mature, larger tea leaves and stems that are roasted at high temperatures.
This process gives the tea its distinctive smoky aroma and mild, earthy flavor.
It brews to a light brown color and has a smooth, mellow taste with very little astringency.
Naturally low in caffeine, Kyobancha is often introduced to children as one of their first Japanese teas.
It is also commonly enjoyed after meals and in the evening.
At Nakai Farm, we use a traditional, enclosed roaster to produce our Kyobancha, preserving the time-honored roasting technique that gives this tea its signature smokiness.
The roasting process also preserves the leaves’ distinctive, open shapes, reminiscent of autumn leaves.
Delicious served hot or cold, Kyobancha pairs beautifully with Japanese cuisine and offers a comforting taste of Kyoto’s tea tradition.