Hand Roasted Bo Hojicha | 手炒り棒ほうじ茶

Just 2 packs roasted per day — made-to-order artisanal hojicha

This is the most premium hojicha we carry at Kawagiri. It is not something that is easy to come by, especially in Canada. From the very first sip, we knew we had to bring it here.

We already loved our Bo Hojicha. But this was the tea that showed us there was still another level to discover.

Each batch is hand-roasted to order on a traditional hōroku (焙烙), with production limited to just two packs a day. The stems are roasted only lightly and still hold a faint touch of green — a sign of how gently they have been treated.

Made from carefully selected first-flush stems, this hojicha is crafted with remarkable balance. The roast brings warmth and sweetness, while leaving behind something fresh, soft, and still quietly alive. The aroma is captivating: rich and expressive like our Bo Hojicha, yet layered with a hay-like freshness that makes the sweetness feel even more refined.

What truly sets it apart is the taste. There is a deep, savoury richness here that feels almost unexpected for hojicha — umami, fullness, and a lingering depth that brings to mind a high-grade sencha more than a typical roasted tea. Most hojicha is easygoing, light, and casual. This one feels rich, composed, and unmistakably special.

Almost like the gyokuro of the hojicha world.

It is also beautiful to look at. Like hand-rolled tea, it carries the quiet elegance that only handcraft can create. The fluffy, delicately shaped stems have the kind of refinement you might find in wagashi, calligraphy, or handmade pottery.

For something just as aromatic but a little lighter, more casual, and closer to the classic hojicha profile, see our Bo Hojicha. For an even lighter cup with a roasty, coffee-like character, the lowest caffeine, and organic cultivation, try our Aged Bo Hojicha (3yr).