Hosen (宝泉) is Ippodo's welcoming everyday sencha, selected for balance, freshness and versatility. The company recommends this blend the starting point for anyone exploring their sencha collection. Traditionally served to guests at the Ippodo flagship in Kyoto, it represents the house style: approachable, refined and quietly expressive without excessive bitterness or astringency.
The dry leaf carries a fresh fragrance reminiscent of spring greens and young shoots, lifted by delicate sweet hay and steamed vegetables. In the cup, Hosen is medium-bodied with a clean, rounded mouthfeel. Gentle sweetness arrives first before giving way to fresh vegetal notes, subtle umami and a crisp finish that refreshes rather than lingers heavily.
Unlike deeper, more concentrated sencha or gyokuro, Hosen is designed for effortless daily drinking. Its balance makes it equally suited as a morning tea, an afternoon refreshment or alongside a meal, where its clean finish complements rather than competes with food.
Weight | 150g
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Best Suited For
- Daily drinking
- First-time Japanese green tea drinkers
- Morning and afternoon tea
- Pairing with meals
- Those seeking a balanced, refreshing sencha
- cold brewed (optional fresh fruit infusion of mango, lychee, nectarines or peaches)
Enjoyed With
- Grilled fish, sushi
- Steamed dumplings
- Rice bowls
- Simple noodle dishes
- Avocado toast
- Light salads
- Cake and biscuits
Brewing Recommendations
Amount of Leaves Per Pot: 10g
Water: 210ml brewed at 80ºC
Allow the leaves to steep for 60 seconds. Makes 3 cups of tea. Each pot can be brewed up to 3 times. 150g tin
averages: 15-45 pots of tea
About the Producer
Founded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo Tea has spent more than three centuries dedicated to Japanese tea. Originally established as Omiya by Rihei Watanabe, the business later received the name Ippodo from Prince Yamashina in recognition of its commitment to preserving a singular standard of quality.
Today, Ippodo remains family owned and is overseen by the sixth and seventh generations. Whilst internationally recognised for matcha, the producer's expertise extends across the full spectrum of Japanese tea, from sencha and gyokuro through to everyday household favourites such as Mugicha.
For more than 300 years, Ippodo has focused on sourcing, blending and evaluating teas that are approachable, enjoyable and capable of enriching daily life. This philosophy continues to guide the producer today, whether crafting exceptional ceremonial matcha or some of Japan's most respected leaf teas.
