TOKYO HANDA-EN TEA SHOP

Authentic Japanese Tea Specialist Since 1815
[published June 2026]

In mid-2026, Sydney will be welcoming its very first specialty Japanese tea shop: TOKYO HANDA TEA SYDNEY.
This long-established Japanese tea merchant has operated for many years in the Tokyo neighborhoods of Asagaya and Ogikubo, both located in Suginami City. Inside the shop, visitors are greeted by shelves tightly packed with a wide variety of Japanese teas – a lineup extensive enough to satisfy any tea enthusiast. Depending on the season, visitors can also enjoy authentic tea-flavored treats such as matcha and hojicha (roasted green tea) soft-serve ice cream.

Now, how did this long-established tea merchant come to open its first overseas store? And how do they plan to connect with local Japanese tea lovers in Australia? To find out, we sat down at the Ogikubo store with Ms. Mariko Handa, head of Tokyo Handa-En Australia, who moved to Australia in 2025 to pursue her master’s degree.

A Legacy Born from Innovation
The roots of Tokyo Handaen Chaho can be traced back to 1815, when the 10th-generation head of the Handa family, Handa Buhei-Mangai, established a tea plantation in what is now present-day Iruma City, Saitama Prefecture. Later, in 1875, the 12th-generation head, Handa Buhei-Mitsuyoshi, founded “Sayama Tea Company”—Japan’s very first direct tea export company—helping elevate and promote Sayama Tea into a recognized regional brand.

As green tea from the Sayama region was a latecomer compared to established regions like Kyoto and Shizuoka, the family underwent relentless trial and error to make their tea stand out. They eventually mastered the crucial roasting process known as Sayama hi-ire, pushing the roast to its deepest level while achieving a delicate balance between a refreshingly aromatic roast and a deep, rich sweetness. By ensuring a consistent and reliable supply of this exquisitely crafted tea, they significantly elevated the prestige of the Sayama Tea brand.

Driven by a passion to share their hard work with the world, they partnered with local tea producers to showcase “Sayama Tea” on the global stage. Their efforts paid off brilliantly, winning Grand Prizes at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago (1893) and the Exposition Universelle in Paris (1900).

Historical records from the time show that their hi-ire (drying and aroma-enhancing) technique was praised as exceptional, yielding a beautiful Suishoku (liquor color) and a profound aroma. It is both inspiring and remarkable that their tea was so highly acclaimed overseas more than a century ago.

Overcoming Modern Challenges
The journey, however, was not without its challenges. “From the late 1980s onward, the rise of ready-to-drink green tea sold in cans and plastic bottles gradually reduced demand for traditional sencha brewed in a teapot,” Ms. Handa recalls. “For a period of time, the business faced difficult financial circumstances. The turning point came in 2021, when my cousin, Mr. Minoru Handa, succeeded the business as the third-generation head of Tokyo Handaen Chaho.”

Modern Innovation Meets Tradition
In 2022, the company had once again gained international recognition when they won a Silver Award at the “Japanese Tea Selection Paris” competition. Around the same time, the brand refreshed its packaging with a more modern design while also launching an online store alongside social media platforms. In addition, drawing on the perspectives of women raising children, the shop also expanded its product range to include caffeine-free options such as rooibos tea. In doing so, they have remained true to their guiding philosophy: “Ryohin Tekika”—offering high quality products at fair and accessible prices.

A New Chapter Begins in Sydney
Ahead of the Sydney opening, Ms. Mariko Handa shared her vision for the brand’s expansion into Australia: “Many Australians have traveled to Japan; they genuinely appreciate and have a deep understanding of traditional Japanese culture. While Matcha is currently a major trend here—largely enjoyed casually as lattes or in sweets—we believe now is the perfect time to introduce the beauty of everyday loose-leaf green teas, like sencha and hojicha (roasted green tea). To make them more approachable, we are offering convenient, smaller-sized packages complete with clear, easy-to-follow brewing instructions.”

She also explained that the Sydney flagship store will offer much more than just Japanese tea leaves. “We want to provide a complete cultural experience. We plan to sell beautiful authentic Japanese teaware and ceramics, and we will be hosting interactive workshops so our guests can fully immerse themselves in various aspects of Japanese culture beyond just the tea itself.”

TOKYO HANDA TEA SYDNEY
• Address: 12 Marlborough St, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, Australia
• Tel: +61 494 012 828
• Online Shop for Australia: tokyohandatea.com.au
• English Instagram: @tokyohandatea

For those visiting Tokyo, the Ogikubo and Asagaya stores offer complimentary tastings during business hours. It is highly recommended to drop by, taste authentic teas expertly brewed by their specialists, and discover your own personal favorite.
And for everyone in Australia, a genuinely authentic Japanese tea experience awaits you at Sydney’s very first specialty Japanese tea shop.

ACCESS (Asagaya)

ACCESS (Ogikubo)

Interviewed: May 2026
Writer: Tezuka
Photographer: Kasamine