The Origin: Yame, Japan’s Napa Valley of Tea

Yame, nestled in Fukuoka Prefecture, is a region synonymous with exquisite Japanese tea cultivation. Known for its misty climate and rich soil, Yame has long been a hub for master tea artisans who preserve traditional tea-making techniques while embracing innovation. The Lemongrass x Hojicha blend is a true testament to this craftsmanship, offering a unique contrast of roasted, nutty Hojicha with bright, citrusy lemongrass.

The History and Cultural Significance of Hojicha and Lemongrass in Japan

The Birth of Hojicha in Kyoto

Hojicha was first created in the 1920s in Kyoto by a tea merchant looking for ways to utilize tea leaves, stems, and twigs that were less favored for traditional green teas. By roasting them over charcoal, he discovered a way to transform their flavor into something entirely new—toasty, smooth, and naturally sweet, with reduced bitterness and a lower caffeine content. This made Hojicha popular among children, the elderly, and those sensitive to caffeine, and it remains a staple in Japanese households today.

Hojicha’s comforting aroma and warm, nutty taste have made it a preferred after-meal tea, believed to aid digestion and provide a grounding effect. Unlike matcha or sencha, which are often associated with high energy, Hojicha embodies calm and balance, making it a tea deeply connected to Japan’s philosophy of mindful living.

Lemongrass in Japanese Herbal Traditions

While lemongrass is not native to Japan, its adoption into herbal medicine and wellness culture reflects Japan’s openness to incorporating global influences into its health practices. In Japanese Kampo medicine (a traditional herbal medicine system adapted from Chinese medicine), lemongrass is known for its digestive benefits, anti-inflammatory properties, and ability to relieve muscle tension.

Lemongrass has also been integrated into Japanese onsen (hot spring) culture, where it is used in steam baths and herbal infusions to promote relaxation, detoxification, and mental clarity.

A Unique Blend of Lemongrass and Hojicha

We at Shikohin x Shikohin Selection curate and personally handpick the best Japanese treasures straight to your home– and herbal teas are one of them. The herbal teas and matcha found at Nakamura-en are locally-sourced from Yame, Fukuoka, Japan. Nakamura-en intentionally blended Hojicha with lemongrass, capturing both grounding warmth and uplifting brightness, creating a tea that harmonizes tradition with modern wellness practices.

The Lemongrass x Hojicha blend is a true testament to this craftsmanship, offering a unique contrast of roasted, nutty Hojicha with bright, citrusy lemongrass.

This blend embodies Japan’s appreciation for balance—pairing deep, toasted warmth with invigorating freshness, creating a low-caffeine yet deeply satisfying experience.

The Origins and Benefits of Lemongrass and Hojicha

Each ingredient in this blend contributes both flavor complexity and health benefits, making it a perfect tea for relaxation, digestion, and overall well-being.

Hojicha (Roasted Green Tea)

Unlike traditional green tea, Hojicha is roasted over charcoal, giving it a deep, toasty aroma with nutty and caramel-like undertones. First crafted in Kyoto nearly a century ago, Hojicha is naturally low in caffeine, making it an excellent choice for evening relaxation or a gentle daytime pick-me-up. Its key benefits include:

• Supports Digestion: The roasting process reduces bitterness, making it gentle on the stomach.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Contains catechins and theanine, supporting immune function and relaxation.
• Promotes Relaxation: Naturally lower in caffeine than other green teas, Hojicha provides a calm, grounding effect.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)

Widely used in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine, lemongrass is known for its vibrant citrusy flavor and powerful wellness properties:

• Calms the Nervous System: Helps reduce stress and anxiety.
• Aids Digestion: Known for soothing bloating and digestive discomfort.
• Boosts Circulation: Supports blood flow and detoxification.

The Health Benefits of Lemongrass x Hojicha Tea Blend

This tea is designed to offer warmth, relaxation, and gentle invigoration, making it a perfect balance for body and mind.

For the Body

• Soothes the Stomach: Hojicha’s smooth, roasted notes and lemongrass’s digestive properties make this blend ideal for after meals.
• Supports Immunity: Rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
• Hydrating and Caffeine-Friendly: Unlike stronger teas or coffee, this blend provides a gentle, hydrating alternative.

For the Mind

• Enhances Calm Focus: The presence of L-theanine in Hojicha helps promote relaxation without drowsiness.
• Reduces Stress: Lemongrass is known for its naturally calming compounds that soothe the nervous system.
• A Perfect Evening Ritual: Since Hojicha is low in caffeine, it can be enjoyed later in the day without affecting sleep.

Understanding the Caffeine Content

Hojicha is unique among green teas due to its low caffeine levels, which result from the roasting process. This makes it an excellent choice for:

• Those sensitive to caffeine but still wanting a warm, flavorful tea.
• An afternoon or evening tea that won’t disrupt sleep.
• A gentle energy boost without overstimulation.

How to Brew the Perfect Lemongrass x Hojicha Cup

To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of Lemongrass x Hojicha, follow these steps:

1. Place one tea bag in a teapot or cup.
2. Pour 300ml of hot water (around 90°C) over the tea bag.
3. Steep for 3 minutes for a lighter, refreshing taste, or longer for a deeper, toastier infusion.
4. Enjoy warm for a cozy, grounding experience or iced for a refreshing twist.

A Tea That Embodies Japanese Balance and Wellness

The Lemongrass x Hojicha blend represents the harmony of contrast—earthy meets citrus, warmth meets refreshment, and tradition meets innovation. Whether sipped in the morning for a gentle awakening or in the evening to unwind, this tea provides a moment of tranquility in every cup.

Let yourself be transported to the tea fields of Yame, where generations of artisans continue to craft teas that nurture the body, calm the mind, and uplift the soul.

Discover the warmth and depth of Japanese tea culture with every sip.