Major Japanese Tea Manufacturers in 2025 and the Best Sellers

Many companies produce bottled or canned green tea in Japan, which has the highest number of vending machines selling tea in the world.

Here is a list and brief explanations of major Japanese Green Tea Manufacturers in 2025.  

I have also included their popular products and links to buy from Amazon.

How many have you tried? 

Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or just starting to explore Japanese tea culture, discovering these well-loved brands can open up a whole new world of flavors and health benefits. From robust matcha shots to mellow roasted green tea, Japan’s ready-to-drink teas offer something for every taste and lifestyle. Next time you crave a refreshing and authentic tea experience, consider adding one of these bestsellers to your fridge or even your daily routine.

Ito En, the Originator

Ito En is Japan's #1 canned and bottled green tea product manufacturer. In 1985, it debuted its canned sencha green tea, the first green tea drink sold in Japanese vending machines.

Today, Ito En’s signature bottled green tea product is Ooi Ocha-Ryokucha, which translates into English as, “Hey, Tea!” Sold in a clear, plastic bottle with a leaf-green wrapper, Ooi Ocha-Ryokucha is Japan’s best-selling vending machine green tea.

 

 

 

Oi Ocha-Ryokucha

Japan’s best-selling vending machine green tea, and

the holder of The Guinness World Records in the best selling green tea beverage, both in Japan and the World!!

 

The tea is made from tea leaves grown in Japan, using only water and vitamin C as its other ingredients for a natural, fresh taste. Light-tasting beverages without sugar are a popular tea trend in Japan, and these drinks are becoming increasingly consumed worldwide. Ito En's tea products come in two plastic bottles: one designed to be served cold and the other designed to be held at a specific, warm temperature range inside a vending machine.

With its deep commitment to sustainability and tea culture, Ito En has expanded its reach far beyond Japan’s vending machines. Its bottled teas are now a familiar sight in Asian grocery stores and even mainstream supermarkets overseas. By combining traditional tea-making techniques with modern packaging and convenience, Ito En continues to introduce authentic Japanese green tea to millions around the world, one bottle at a time.

Ito En's other bottled green teas include:

• Ooi Ocha-Koicha: This variety has a stronger taste than the Ryokucha variety. 

• Ooi Ocha-Hojicha: While other varieties of bottled tea are light yellowish-green in color, this tea is brown due to light roasting of the tea leaves. 

• Ooi Ocha-Genmaicha: Genmaicha is a mild green tea that pairs well with tempura and other fried foods. Its ingredients include green tea and lightly roasted brown rice, which gives this bottled tea a distinctive yellow color.

• Jasmine Green Tea: This blend combines green tea with jasmine flowers for a very fragrant yet delicate-tasting brew. 
  
  
• Golden Oolong Tea: Oolong tea has less caffeine than Ito En's other green tea offerings so that this iced tea variety can be drunk closer to bedtime.

Ito-en's oolong tea was the first oolong tea sold in Japan in 1979. In 1981, it also introduced a canned version, which surprised the industry as all the canned drinks at that time were only for soda or sweet drinks. They were the first to introduce non-sweet canned drinks to Japan and the world.

• Ito En Golden Oolong Tea Canned Variant

Some prefer canned oolong tea because they want a light, one-time, ready-to-drink oolong tea. This canned version still has no added flavors or colors.

Brewed from carefully selected oolong tea leaves, this drink strikes a balance between mild floral notes and a clean, refreshing finish. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a smooth tea without bitterness and without the hassle of brewing loose leaves. Perfect for busy days or travel, this convenient can lets you enjoy authentic oolong flavor anytime, anywhere.

• Ito En Matcha Milk Tea

This matcha milk tea is exceptionally delicious - it has Matcha, the robust flavor of black and green tea, and a sweet creamy milk taste. It is definitely a sweetened milk tea drink for a sweet tooth.

Its smooth, velvety texture makes it a comforting treat whether enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge or poured over ice on a warm day. Unlike plain matcha, this drink delivers a dessert-like experience that balances the earthy notes of green tea with the richness of creamy milk and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a great option for anyone craving a café-style matcha latte without leaving home.

• Ito En Sencha Shot

Get the health benefits of antioxidants with this organic Sencha in a can. It is brewed from premium Sencha tea leaves and can be brought anywhere. It contains Vitamin C and 40mg of caffeine (way less than coffee). With 5x more tea antioxidants than a regular ready-to-drink green tea, this shot can boost your energy!

Its convenient size makes it easy to slip into your bag or keep at your desk for a quick, refreshing pick-me-up during a busy day. Unlike sugary energy drinks, the Sencha Shot provides a clean, natural source of focus and alertness without the crash later on. It’s an excellent choice for tea lovers who want a healthy boost on the go without compromising on authentic green tea taste.

• Ito En Oi Ocha Unsweetened Roasted Green Tea

 

Japanese food and beverage maker Suntory offers bottled green tea beverages in vending machines all over Japan. Suntory is well known for blending traditional tea craftsmanship with modern health trends, creating drinks that not only taste good but also offer specific wellness benefits. The brand’s dedication to innovation has made its green teas a favorite among health-conscious consumers looking for functional drinks that fit busy lifestyles. From classic brews to teas designed to support weight management, Suntory’s range shows how Japan’s tea industry continues to adapt to changing tastes and health. Its products include:

• Iyemon:  The #2 selling bottled green tea in Japan. Suntory partnered with a traditional Fukujuen tea grower in Kyoto to make this blend a rich flavor.

• Iyemon Tokucha: This functional green tea drink is specifically for losing weight. It contains a type of polyphenol that is said to help break down stored body fat. This drink is part of the FOSHU drink trend (i.e., Food for Specified Health Uses).

• Suntory Oolong Tea is known for its less bitter taste than other types of Oolong tea, and many Japanese people love it.
  
  

• Suntory Black Oolong Tea: Combining oolong green tea with black tea, Suntory produces this bottled cold tea for consumers looking to avoid the bitter aftertaste that green teas can sometimes have.
  
  
  

 Ayataka, the American Upstart

 

 

Ayataka is a Japanese arm of the U.S. based Coca-Cola company. This Kyoto-based company's bottled green tea products are known for their cloudiness – unlike the clear beverages made by Ito En and Suntory – which comes from using specially milled powdered tea leaves of very high quality.

This unique cloudiness mimics the authentic look and taste of freshly brewed tea poured straight from a teapot, which appeals to consumers seeking a more traditional tea-drinking experience in a convenient bottle. By combining modern production with centuries-old Kyoto tea expertise, Ayataka has carved out a loyal following among people who want the depth and richness of loose-leaf tea without the need to brew it themselves.

 

• Ayataka Heaven and Earth Green Tea: Available in vending machines as cans and bottles, this unsweetened green tea blend is noted for its cloudiness and tastes very similar to tea poured from a teapot. 

• Sokenbicha: Available in five flavors. Some of Sokenbicha’s brews are green or oolong teas, and others are barley teas, which contain no actual tea leaves. Each flavor represents one of Japan's traditional five elements.

UCC (Ueshima Coffee Company): Not Just Coffee Anymore

 

 

Ueshima Coffee Company, or UCC, originated the canned coffee beverages available in Japan's vending machines. Although coffee remains the company's most important product, it has recently branched out into tea. UCC makes traditional canned green tea without sugar or calories, as well as canned oolong tea.

By applying its long-standing expertise in canned drinks, UCC has successfully created tea beverages that stay fresh and flavorful on the go. Its tea products appeal to those who enjoy the convenience of ready-to-drink cans but prefer the clean, authentic taste of unsweetened green or oolong tea instead of sugary sodas. This move reflects UCC’s commitment to expanding beyond coffee and meeting Japan’s growing demand for healthier, more natural drink options.

 

 

UCC Green Tea

 

UCC Barista is a canned beverage that is available in many coffee flavors. However, there is also one Uzi Matcha variety. Matcha lattes contain sugar and whole milk powder and are said to be lightly sweet.

The company also makes Paradise Tea, which has a black tea base and incorporates herbal flavors like marigold, rose, and cornflower.

This blend of classic green tea and creative tea-based drinks shows how UCC is diversifying beyond coffee while still delivering the same quality that made its canned coffees famous. Whether you’re craving a bold, pure green tea or something more indulgent like a sweet matcha latte, UCC’s line-up offers a convenient way to enjoy authentic Japanese tea flavors with the trusted convenience of a ready-to-drink can.

 

Beer Companies That Also Brew Tea

Another trend in the Japanese beverage market is that the companies that sell beer and other alcoholic beverages also produce lines of tea products and other soft drinks found in vending machines across the nation. Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo are three of the most prominent.

These well-known brewers have tapped into Japan’s love for healthy, unsweetened drinks by creating tea brands alongside their iconic beer labels. Expanding into tea and functional beverages has proven that even traditional alcohol companies can successfully diversify into everyday soft drinks. This unique crossover allows them to reach a broader audience, from office workers grabbing a quick bottled tea to families looking for refreshing options beyond beer and soda.

Asahi

 

Asahi's soft drinks include bottled 16 Blended tea, a barley-based herbal tea product that–ironically—doesn't actually contain any tea leaves. The Asahi company also makes the extremely popular lactic acid beverage Calpis (a sports drink). Additionally, under the Calpis name, Asahi makes a FOSHU green tea called Calpis Kenchao.

By offering innovative drinks like 16 Blended tea and functional green teas, Asahi has broadened its appeal far beyond beer. These tea-based beverages highlight the company’s knack for creating unique flavors that cater to Japan’s health-conscious consumers. Whether you’re looking for a light herbal blend, a refreshing probiotic drink, or a green tea designed to support wellness goals, Asahi’s diverse drink portfolio proves it knows how to meet the changing tastes of modern tea lovers.

 

 

Kirin

 

 

Kirin`s green tea product is Nama-cha. Due to the popularity of Ayataka`s cloudy products, Nama-cha recently underwent a makeover to make the tea cloudier. Japanese consumers approve of the change, even though (by Japanese standards) Nama-cha is one of the sweetest bottled green tea beverages.

This subtle sweetness, combined with the tea’s fresh, just-brewed look, makes Nama-cha especially appealing to people who prefer a softer, easy-to-drink flavor. Kirin’s focus on creating a familiar, homemade taste has helped Nama-cha maintain a loyal fan base for years. By adapting to trends like cloudier teas while keeping its signature mellow profile, Kirin shows how well it balances tradition with modern preferences in Japan’s competitive tea market.

 

Kirin Namacha Rich Green Tea

One of the best-selling teas in Japan, this green tea is rich in umami—vegetable grassy with a natural sweet taste. The sophisticated-looking label attracts buyers to drink the tea. It tastes best when served cold or chilled.

This tea stands out for its smooth, full-bodied flavor that feels refreshing yet satisfying, making it a favorite choice for lunch breaks or on-the-go sipping. Many tea lovers appreciate how Namacha Rich captures the essence of fresh, hand-brewed green tea in a convenient bottle. With its balance of subtle sweetness and deep umami, it’s an easy way to enjoy a more premium tea experience without needing to brew loose leaves at home.

 

Gogo-no-kocha - This Afternoon Tea - Plain

 

Gogo-no-kocha - This Afternoon Tea - Milk tea version

This popular tea drink in Japan is made from tea leaves with a sweet taste. The rich flavor of the tea leaves and the creaminess of the milk make an excellent combination for authentic iced tea milk.

Served cold, it’s a refreshing pick-me-up during hot afternoons or as a light, sweet treat alongside pastries and snacks. Its smooth texture and gentle sweetness have made it a favorite among students, office workers, and anyone who wants a café-style milk tea without needing to brew or mix it themselves. This ready-to-drink blend shows how Kirin keeps classic black tea flavors fresh and fun for modern tea fans.

 

Gogo-no-kocha - This Afternoon Tea - Peach flavored version

 

Pokka Sapporo

 

Pokka is Singapore’s top food and beverage company and the #1 seller of green tea in Singapore. In partnering with the Sapporo Brewery, the oldest beer brewery in Japan, Pokka sells Japanese consumers bottled green, white, and oolong tea beverages along with iced fruit teas and Afternoon Tea (black tea) in unsweetened and sweetened/milk varieties. One of its specialties is roasted green tea.(Hojicha)

Pokka’s lineup stands out for its clean, balanced flavors and emphasis on using natural ingredients without unnecessary additives. Its roasted green tea, or Hojicha, is especially popular for its comforting aroma and mellow taste, which pairs well with both meals and light snacks. By combining Sapporo’s trusted brewing heritage with Pokka’s expertise in ready-to-drink teas, the brand has carved out a loyal following in Japan’s competitive tea market, offering both refreshing classics and unique blends for every taste.

 

• Pokka Green Tea - This one has gyokuro in a can!

Its smooth yet robust taste makes it a favorite pick-me-up for busy mornings or a refreshing choice during an afternoon break. Because it’s brewed without any artificial flavors or sweeteners, this canned oolong offers a clean, authentic tea experience that’s easy to enjoy on the go. Many tea lovers appreciate how Pokka’s oolong balances floral notes with a gentle roasted depth, delivering a satisfying sip every time.

 

 

• Pokka Roasted Green Tea (Kaga Hojicha)

Conclusion

Japanese tea makers like Ito En, Suntory, Ayataka, UCC, Asahi, Kirin, and Pokka Sapporo have perfected the art of bottling authentic tea flavors in convenient ready-to-drink formats loved by millions. Whether you prefer a crisp sencha, a robust oolong, or a creamy milk tea, these brands continue to innovate while staying true to Japan’s deep tea traditions. With so many varieties to explore, it’s never been easier to enjoy a taste of Japan’s tea culture wherever you are. So next time you see one of these teas on the shelf — why not give it a try and see which one becomes your new favorite?

• Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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- Kei and Team at Japanese Green Tea Co.