With so many different bottled teas in Japan, finding the one that ticks all the boxes; healthy, affordable and most importantly delicious, can be a somewhat tedious task.
During my time in Japan, I have tried many different bottles of tea, searching for the one. Some are too weak in flavour, some too bitter, not all teas are created equal, but i did eventually discover one bottle that reigns supreme, Kirin’s Namacha Rich Green Tea.
Kirin’s Namacha has a uniquely deep and rich green tea umami flavour, somewhat similar to home brewed sencha tea. Unlike some of the other varieties of bottled teas, Kirin manages to minimise the bitterness, and provide a natural savoury flavour extracted from the domestically grown and finely chopped Kabuse tea leaves.
The nutritional value of the tea is not to be overlooked. Green tea is known as a great source of antioxidants, and polyphenols, which is believed to help reduce inflammation and fight cancer. As is in common in Japan, no sugar or artificial sweeteners are added to the tea, as a result this beverage has 0 calories, making it a much healthier alternative to many of the other bottled drinks currently on the market.
Kirin’s Namacha can be found in all convenience stores, and many vending machines. But if you are after value, supermarkets are your best bet, selling 2 litre bottles for an average price of 130 yen, so save up your coins and enjoy Japan’s most delicious bottled green tea next time you’re in Japan!
