Love the roasted, nutty flavor of a Japanese hojicha latte? You might be surprised to learn that you can make one at home with just a little hojicha powder, milk, and your favorite sweetener.
But finding the right powder in Japan can be confusing.
Some products are made from 100% roasted tea leaves, while others are sweetened instant latte mixes. You may also find hojicha powder sold as a baking ingredient rather than a drink ingredient.
So where should you shop in Tokyo, and which type should you buy?
This guide explains what hojicha latte powder actually is, where to look for it in Tokyo’s tea shops and department stores, and how to choose a powder for making a rich, café-style latte.
- What Is Hojicha Powder?
- Hojicha Powder vs. Hojicha Latte Mix: What’s the Difference?
- Where to Buy Hojicha Powder in Tokyo
- Which Hojicha Powder Should You Choose?
- How to Make a Rich Hojicha Latte at Home
- Can You Make Hojicha Latte Without Sugar?
- Is Hojicha Powder Caffeine-Free?
- Useful Japanese Phrases When Shopping
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Is Hojicha Powder?
Hojicha is a Japanese green tea made by roasting tea leaves or stems.
Unlike matcha, which is known for its bright green color and grassy flavor, hojicha has a warm brown color and a distinctive roasted aroma.
Depending on the tea and roasting process, hojicha may have flavors reminiscent of toasted nuts, caramel, or dark chocolate.
Hojicha powder is made by grinding roasted tea leaves into a fine powder.
When you use a powder made from the whole tea leaves, you’re consuming the ground tea rather than simply drinking an infusion.
This makes it particularly useful for lattes, desserts, ice cream, and baking.
However, not every product labeled “hojicha powder” is intended for direct use in drinks.
Hojicha Powder vs. Hojicha Latte Mix: What’s the Difference?
Before buying, it’s important to understand the three main products you might encounter in Japan.
| Product | What It Contains | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pure hojicha powder | Finely ground roasted tea, without added sugar | Custom-made lattes and desserts |
| Hojicha latte mix | Hojicha with sugar and sometimes milk ingredients | Quick, sweet lattes |
| Hojicha tea leaves | Roasted loose-leaf tea | Brewing traditional hojicha |
1. Pure Hojicha Powder (Unsweetened)
This is the type to look for if you want to make your own rich hojicha latte.
The ingredients should ideally list only tea, often shown as 緑茶 (green tea) on Japanese packaging.
Because there is no added sugar, you can adjust the sweetness yourself.
You can also make the roasted tea flavor stronger by using a little more powder.
Look for these Japanese words:
- ほうじ茶パウダー — Hojicha powder
- 粉末ほうじ茶 — Powdered hojicha
- 無糖 — Unsweetened
- 砂糖不使用 — No added sugar
- 原材料：緑茶 — Ingredients: green tea
For the best results, choose a product specifically recommended by its manufacturer for making lattes.
2. Sweetened Hojicha Latte Mix
These products are designed for convenience.
You generally mix the powder with milk or water according to the package instructions.
Some already contain sugar or milk ingredients, so you may not need to add anything else.
They are useful for travelers, beginners, or anyone who wants an easy drink without measuring separate ingredients.
However, if you prefer a strong roasted tea flavor with very little sweetness, a pure hojicha powder may give you more control.
3. Hojicha Powder for Baking
Some baking supply stores sell very finely ground hojicha.
These products may look similar to drinking-grade hojicha powder, but they are not necessarily intended to be prepared as a beverage.
Always check the product description and instructions before using them in a latte.
Where to Buy Hojicha Powder in Tokyo
Tokyo has Japanese tea specialists, department stores, and baking supply shops where you can look for hojicha products.
Here are some useful places to start.
1. Senchado Tokyo — Ginza
Best for: Pure hojicha powder specifically recommended for lattes
Senchado Tokyo is a Japanese tea specialty shop with a physical store in Ginza.
Its official online store sells a 30g hojicha powder made from 100% roasted Japanese tea.
The powder is designed for use in hojicha lattes and desserts, and the company also provides a homemade latte recipe.
Its roasted flavor includes nutty and cocoa-like notes, making it an interesting choice for anyone who enjoys a stronger tea flavor.
Product: Hojicha Powder (30g)
Listed online price: ¥880, including tax (subject to change)
Store information:
- Address: 5-10-10 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 1F
- Nearest station: Ginza Station, Exit A5
- Walking time: Approximately 2 minutes
- Hours: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM, except specified closures
Official links:
Shopping tip: The product is confirmed on the official online store, but availability at the Ginza location should be checked before visiting. Online availability does not guarantee in-store stock.
2. Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store — TOMIZ
Best for: Finding hojicha-related baking ingredients inside a department store
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi is one of Tokyo’s well-known department stores.
You can find TOMIZ, also known as Tomizawa Shoten, in the New Building on basement level B2.
TOMIZ specializes in baking ingredients, confectionery supplies, and other food products.
Its online store lists a 30g hojicha powder made from roasted Japanese tea leaves.
However, there is an important distinction: TOMIZ describes this product as a confectionery ingredient and specifically notes that it is not intended for beverage use.
Therefore, it should not be treated as interchangeable with hojicha powder sold for preparing drinks.
Store information:
- Location: Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Store, New Building B2
- Address: 1-4-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station: Mitsukoshimae Station
Official links:
Check the intended use of each product before purchasing.
3. Keio Department Store Shinjuku — TOMIZ
Best for: Shopping for tea-related ingredients around Shinjuku Station
Keio Department Store Shinjuku has a TOMIZ store on the eighth floor.
This is a convenient place to browse Japanese baking and dessert ingredients if you’re already shopping in Shinjuku.
TOMIZ has a wide range of powders and ingredients, but don’t assume that every tea powder is suitable for making drinks.
If you specifically want a hojicha latte, ask the staff for a powder intended for beverages rather than baking.
Store information:
- Location: Keio Department Store Shinjuku, 8F
- Address: 1-1-4 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station: Shinjuku Station
Official link:
Product selection and stock may vary.
4. Shinjuku Takashimaya — TOMIZ
Best for: Browsing food and baking ingredients near Shinjuku’s New South Exit
Another TOMIZ store is located in the basement of Shinjuku Takashimaya.
It may be convenient if you’re already visiting the department store or nearby shopping areas.
Store information:
- Location: Shinjuku Takashimaya, B1
- Address: 5-24-2 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Nearest station: Shinjuku Station, New South Exit
- Walking time: Approximately 1 minute from the exit
Official link:
Shinjuku Takashimaya TOMIZ Store
As with other TOMIZ stores, confirm whether a particular powder is suitable for making lattes.
5. Queens Isetan — Hojicha Latte Mix
Best for: An easy, ready-to-prepare hojicha latte
If you prefer a convenient latte mix rather than pure hojicha powder, Queens Isetan is another retailer worth checking.
Its official online shop lists a product called “Hojicha Latte Mix” under the ISETAN MITSUKOSHI THE FOOD label.
The product uses first-flush hojicha and is intended to be mixed with milk or soy milk.
It can be used for both hot and iced drinks.
Product: Strongly Aromatic Hojicha Latte Mix (80g)
Listed online price: ¥648, including tax
Official link:
Queens Isetan Hojicha Latte Mix
This is a prepared latte mix, not a verified 100% unsweetened hojicha powder. Check the ingredients to see whether it matches your preferences.
Availability at individual Queens Isetan stores has not been confirmed.
Which Hojicha Powder Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on how you plan to use it.
| Your Preference | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Strong roasted tea flavor | 100% hojicha powder intended for drinks |
| Control over sweetness | Unsweetened hojicha powder |
| Quick and convenient preparation | Hojicha latte mix |
| Making cakes or cookies | Hojicha baking powder |
| Making both lattes and desserts | Pure powder approved for both uses |
If you want the kind of rich hojicha latte commonly served in Japanese cafés, start with a pure, unsweetened hojicha powder that the manufacturer recommends for beverages.
You can then adjust the balance of tea, milk, and sweetness to suit your taste.
How to Make a Rich Hojicha Latte at Home
You don’t need professional café equipment to make a satisfying hojicha latte.
Here’s a simple starting recipe.
Ingredients (1 Serving)
- 3–5g unsweetened hojicha powder intended for drinks
- 25–30ml hot water
- 150–180ml milk or oat milk
- Sugar, honey, or syrup to taste
Instructions
- Add the hojicha powder to a cup or small bowl.
- Pour in a little hot water and whisk until the powder is evenly mixed.
- Add your preferred sweetener.
- Heat the milk separately, or prepare cold milk for an iced latte.
- Pour the hojicha mixture into the milk and stir.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or tea concentration.
For a stronger latte: Start with 3g of powder and increase gradually if the product instructions allow. A stronger drink may also taste more bitter, depending on the tea.
For an iced latte: Mix the powder with a small amount of water first, then add cold milk and ice. This helps reduce clumping.
Pure powdered tea does not always dissolve completely like instant coffee. A small whisk or milk frother can help produce a smoother texture.
Can You Make Hojicha Latte Without Sugar?
Yes.
If you’re using pure unsweetened hojicha powder, you can make a latte without adding any sugar.
The roasted tea flavor may taste pleasantly nutty, slightly bitter, or smoky depending on the product.
Milk can soften the flavor, while oat milk may add a little natural sweetness.
If you prefer a sweeter café-style drink, add your sweetener gradually rather than using a large amount immediately.
Is Hojicha Powder Caffeine-Free?
No.
Hojicha is often described as a lower-caffeine Japanese tea, but it is not caffeine-free.
The amount of caffeine varies depending on the tea leaves, roasting process, preparation method, and amount used.
Because powdered hojicha contains ground tea leaves, its caffeine content should not automatically be treated as identical to a cup of brewed hojicha.
Check the manufacturer’s information if caffeine intake is important to you.
Useful Japanese Phrases When Shopping
If you’re shopping in a department store or tea shop, these Japanese phrases can help.
ほうじ茶ラテ用のパウダーはありますか？
Hojicha rate-yō no paudā wa arimasu ka?
Do you have hojicha powder for making lattes?
砂糖が入っていないものはありますか？
Satō ga haitte inai mono wa arimasu ka?
Do you have one without added sugar?
これは牛乳に混ぜて飲めますか？
Kore wa gyūnyū ni mazete nomemasu ka?
Can I mix this with milk and drink it?
ほうじ茶100％のものを探しています。
Hojicha hyaku-pāsento no mono o sagashite imasu.
I’m looking for 100% hojicha powder.
You can show these sentences to a staff member if you’re not comfortable speaking Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hojicha powder the same as matcha?
No. Both are Japanese green tea products, but hojicha is roasted, giving it a brown color and a distinctive toasted flavor.
Can I use regular hojicha tea bags for a latte?
Yes. You can brew a concentrated cup of hojicha and mix it with milk. However, the result may have a different flavor and texture from a latte made with finely powdered tea.
Can I buy hojicha powder in a Tokyo department store?
Department stores such as Nihombashi Mitsukoshi, Keio Shinjuku, and Shinjuku Takashimaya have food or baking supply retailers where you can look for hojicha products.
However, the presence of a store does not guarantee that it stocks a particular hojicha powder or that the powder is suitable for drinks.
What is the best place to start looking?
For a pure hojicha powder explicitly recommended for lattes, Senchado Tokyo is a useful first choice because its official website provides both product information and a latte recipe.
Check its physical store availability before making a special trip.
Final Thoughts
Finding hojicha powder in Tokyo becomes much easier once you know which type you need.
For a rich homemade latte, look for unsweetened hojicha powder made from finely ground roasted tea and specifically recommended for beverage preparation.
Japanese tea specialty shops are a good starting point. Department stores and baking supply shops can also be useful, but always check the product’s intended use.
And if convenience matters more than controlling every ingredient, a prepared hojicha latte mix may be the easiest option.
Whether you prefer your latte hot, iced, sweet, or unsweetened, choosing the right powder is the first step toward enjoying the roasted flavor of Japanese hojicha at home.
Important Shopping Information and Disclaimer
This article is provided for general shopping and informational purposes only. Product details, ingredients, prices, store locations, business hours, and availability may change without notice.
A retailer’s online listing does not confirm that the same product is available at every physical store. Store listings in this guide do not constitute verification of current product stock.
Always check the product packaging and manufacturer’s instructions before using any tea powder in beverages. Some powders are intended for confectionery use only.
The shops and products mentioned are examples, not endorsements or guarantees of quality, suitability, or availability.
For the most accurate information, consult the official retailer or manufacturer before visiting or purchasing.
