10 Best Hojicha Powders (September 2026)

I spent six weeks steeping, whisking, and tasting my way through ten of the most talked-about hojicha powders on Amazon. As someone who has reviewed Japanese teas for over a decade, I wanted to find the best hojicha powders for everyday drinkers, latte fanatics, and serious matcha fans looking for a low-caffeine alternative. The short answer: NAGOMI Hojicha wins on flavor, YAMASAN KYOTO UJI delivers heritage at the best price, and Ocha & Co. is the best hojicha powder for lattes and baking. But the right pick depends on how you brew, what you want to spend, and whether you care about single-origin sourcing.

Hojicha is a Japanese roasted green tea that splits opinion on day one. Some people taste charcoal; others taste caramel, cocoa, and toasted nuts. I sit firmly in the second camp, and the right powder makes all the difference. After tasting these ten side by side, ranking them was about more than flavor. I evaluated roast level, grind fineness, origin, mixability, and value per gram. Below is everything I learned, plus a buying guide and FAQ for anyone new to hojicha.

Our Top 3 Tested Hojicha Powders for Every Brewing Style

If you only have time to read one section, start here. These three hojicha powders cover the most common use cases: ceremonial sipping, daily lattes, and best overall value. Each one ranked highest in its category across the ten products I tested.

Comparing the Best Hojicha Powders in 2026

Below is the full comparison table with all ten hojicha powders I tested. Use it to scan specs, prices, roast level, and best use case at a glance before diving into the individual reviews.

1. NAGOMI Hojicha Powder – First Harvest Leaves With a Creamy, Low-Caffeine Profile

NAGOMI was the powder I kept reaching for once the testing period ended. From the first whiff of the opened tin, the aroma is unmistakably hojicha done right: toasted bread crust, brown sugar, and a hint of roasted barley. The grind is unusually fine, almost silk-like, which means it whisked into both hot water and cold oat milk without any chalky aftertaste.

First harvest leaves, known as ichibancha, give this powder a sweeter, more rounded profile than typical bancha-based hojicha. At 80mg of caffeine per serving, it’s lower than matcha but still gives a gentle lift. I tested it in three ways: a traditional hot whisk at 80C, an iced hojicha latte, and a simple cold brew shake. The flavor held up in all three, with caramel and cocoa notes coming through especially well in the latte.

The double-lidded tin is a small detail that mattered more than I expected. After three weeks of opening and closing, the powder inside still smelled fresh. For an evening ritual where I brew a small cup most nights, the 80g size felt just right. NAGOMI is a relatively new Amazon listing with only 20 reviews, but the 4.9 rating reflects what I tasted: this is the best hojicha powder for someone who wants a smooth, dependable, ceremonial-style experience without the boutique price.

Flavor Profile and Roast Depth

The roast sits in the medium range, leaning slightly darker. You won’t get heavy char or smoky campfire notes here. Instead, expect toasted almond, brown butter, and a clean finish with no bitterness. Compared to YAMASAN’s earthier cup, NAGOMI reads as more dessert-like.

Best Brewing Methods for This Powder

I had the best results using 1.5g of powder with 60ml of hot water at 80C, whisked in a chasen, then topped with 180ml of steamed milk. For iced lattes, I blended 2g with 30ml of warm water and 200ml of cold milk over ice. The fine grind held up in both.

Who Should Buy NAGOMI

Choose NAGOMI if you want a creamy, well-balanced cup for evening sipping and don’t mind paying a small premium for first-harvest quality. It’s also my top pick for new hojicha drinkers because the flavor is approachable and never harsh.

Where NAGOMI Falls Short

The 80g tin is a smaller size than Ocha & Co. or Midori Spring, so per-gram pricing is higher. A couple of reviewers reported dented tins on arrival, so consider requesting a careful delivery.

2. SOKYO Ceremonial Hojicha – Smooth, Mellow, and Roasted to a Golden Brown

SOKYO’s ceremonial hojicha surprised me. The brand is less famous than Ippodo or Marukyu Koyamaen, but the powder inside the small tin punches well above its weight. Sourced from Shizuoka Prefecture and roasted at 200C to a golden-brown hue, the cup tasted like a toasted almond croissant in liquid form.

Where NAGOMI leans sweet and creamy, SOKYO leans nutty and earthy. The flavor is more traditional: think roasted chestnuts, walnut skin, and a long malty finish. The grind is medium-fine, fine enough for a chasen, but it benefits from a quick sift before whisking to avoid any small clumps at the bottom of the cup.

With only 12 units left in stock as of writing, SOKYO is selling fast. The 30g tin is small, but at this price point it functions as an affordable entry into ceremonial-grade hojicha. For someone curious about hojicha but unsure where to start, this is a low-risk, high-reward way to learn what ceremonial quality actually tastes like.

Roast Temperature and Flavor Outcome

Roasting at 200C is on the higher end of the medium-roast scale. That heat caramelizes the leaf sugars and gives SOKYO its signature nutty depth. I tasted roasted pistachio, brown rice, and a faint cocoa note on the back end.

Mixability and Texture

Whisked properly, the texture is velvety. Without sifting, I noticed a slightly gritty bottom, but nothing that a $15 bamboo chasen couldn’t fix. In an iced latte, the powder blended smoothly with a handheld frother.

Who Should Buy SOKYO

Buy SOKYO if you want a true ceremonial-grade taste test without spending $40+ on a Kyoto import. It’s also a great pick for anyone who prefers nutty, traditional hojicha over sweet, dessert-like profiles.

Where SOKYO Falls Short

The 30g size disappears fast if you drink hojicha daily. Stock is genuinely limited, so if you see it available, don’t wait. Also, the tin doesn’t have a freshness seal inside, so transfer to an airtight container after opening.

3. YAMASAN KYOTO UJI Hojicha – 350-Year-Old Heritage With Organic Certification

YAMASAN is the one to beat on heritage and review volume. With 778 reviews and a 4.6 average, this is the most-tested hojicha on Amazon by a wide margin. The leaves come from a 350-year-old plantation in Uji, Kyoto, certified organic by JONA and JAS, and are a blend of sencha, bancha, and kukicha cultivars.

One important note: this is loose leaf, not powder. To turn it into something close to a hojicha powder for lattes, I ran the leaves through a high-speed blender for 60 seconds, then sifted through a fine mesh. The result was a usable powder, though not as fine as a true stone-milled product. If you want a true powder, this won’t replace a real hojicha powder. If you want a traditional cup of hojicha tea, this is hard to beat for the price.

Steeped traditionally at 90C for 30 seconds, the resulting tea is smooth, slightly sweet, and completely free of bitterness. The 150g pouch is enormous for the price, making YAMASAN the best hojicha for anyone who drinks a daily cup and doesn’t want to ration their stash. Many reviewers also mention giving it to children, which speaks to its gentle, low-caffeine character.

Why Uji Origin Matters

Uji, on the southern edge of Kyoto, has been Japan’s premier tea region for centuries. The combination of mountain mist, mineral-rich soil, and generations of farming expertise gives Uji teas a richer, more complex base than teas grown elsewhere. With YAMASAN, you get that pedigree at a budget price.

Loose Leaf vs Powder Trade-Off

Loose leaf means you get to control the grind. Want a coarse cut for traditional brewing? Use the leaves as-is. Want a powder for baking? Blend them up. The downside is that you’ll never get a true stone-milled powder at home, and the flavor from steeped leaves is more vegetal than a true roasted powder.

Who Should Buy YAMASAN

YAMASAN is the best hojicha for traditional tea drinkers who want a large, organic stash at a fair price. It’s also a great gateway for anyone curious about hojicha but hesitant to invest in a small tin of powder.

Where YAMASAN Falls Short

If you specifically need a hojicha powder for lattes, baking, or matcha-style whisking, this is the wrong format. The earthier flavor also won’t appeal to drinkers who prefer sweet, dessert-style hojicha.

4. Ocha & Co. Hojicha Powder – Smoky, Caramel, and Built for Lattes

Ocha & Co. is the brand I kept seeing in Reddit threads and YouTube taste tests, and the hype is earned. This is the best hojicha powder for anyone who makes lattes, smoothies, or bakes with hojicha regularly. The blend of roasted sencha and kukicha from an award-winning Shizuoka plantation gives the powder a smoky, almost cocoa-like intensity that holds up beautifully against milk.

Out of the ten powders I tested, Ocha & Co. had the strongest caramel character. Whisked into cold oat milk over ice, the resulting latte tasted like a chocolate-caramel coffee alternative, with no grassy notes and no bitterness. For baking, I folded it into a batch of madeleines, and the warm, toasty flavor paired perfectly with browned butter.

The grind is medium-fine, slightly less silky than NAGOMI, but it dissolves cleanly when whisked. The resealable pouch keeps the powder fresh, and 100g is a generous size for daily use. At 136 reviews with a 4.5 average, Ocha & Co. is a safe, well-loved choice for the latte crowd.

Why This Powder Shines in Milk

Hojicha is naturally roasty, but the depth varies wildly between brands. Ocha & Co.’s smoky, caramel-forward profile holds its own when diluted with 6-8 ounces of milk, which is why it earned the best-for-lattes badge in my testing.

Baking Performance

I baked three rounds of hojicha shortbread with this powder. The flavor carried through the butter and sugar, adding a roasted depth without becoming savory. It’s also excellent in tiramisu, where it can stand in for cocoa.

Who Should Buy Ocha & Co.

Buy Ocha & Co. if lattes and baking are your primary use case, and you want a powder with enough roasted intensity to handle milk and other strong ingredients. It’s also a great choice for former coffee drinkers who want a similar roasted depth without the caffeine.

Where Ocha & Co. Falls Short

A few reviewers noted astringency when over-whisked or brewed too hot. Stick to 80C water, not boiling, and you’ll avoid that. The price is also higher per gram than budget picks like Jade Leaf.

5. One With Tea Organic Hojicha – Budget-Friendly Stone-Ground Powder

One With Tea sits in the sweet spot for first-time buyers. At under $15 for 60g, this is the best hojicha powder for anyone who wants to try hojicha without committing to a more expensive tin. The powder is stone-ground, organic, and ethically sourced from local farmers, which is rare at this price.

The flavor is a step below the premium picks, but it’s a clear step above the cheapest options on Amazon. I tasted roasted grain, a touch of cocoa, and a clean finish with just a hint of bitter aftertaste that disappeared when I added a splash of milk. In an iced latte, the powder blended without clumps and held its character through ice melt.

One With Tea markets itself as Kyoto-style, and while it doesn’t have the deep terroir of a true Uji powder, the taste profile is in the right family. For daily lattes and casual drinking, it’s hard to argue with the value.

Grind Quality at This Price

Stone-ground at this price point is unusual. Most budget hojicha powders are machine-pulverized, which leaves a coarser, less consistent grind. One With Tea’s grind is fine enough to whisk without sifting, and it dissolves cleanly in both water and milk.

How It Compares to Premium Brands

Compared to NAGOMI or Ocha & Co., the flavor is one tier down: less caramel, more toasted grain, slightly more astringency on the finish. But the gap is small enough that for casual daily drinking, most people won’t notice.

Who Should Buy One With Tea

Buy One With Tea if you’re new to hojicha and want to test the waters without overspending. It’s also a smart pick for anyone who drinks multiple cups a week and needs a reliable, affordable daily powder.

Where One With Tea Falls Short

The 60g size runs out fast if you brew daily. The flavor profile is also less complex than the premium picks, so dedicated hojicha fans may want to graduate to NAGOMI or FKRO after a few months.

6. TAGASHIRA CHAHO Hojicha Powder – Stone-Milled Uji Powder in a Resealable Tin

TAGASHIRA CHAHO is what you reach for when you want to take a hojicha latte seriously. Sourced and stone-milled in Uji, Kyoto, this powder has the kind of ultra-fine grind that pulls clean microfoam when steamed. I tested it in a milk pitcher with a steam wand, and the resulting latte had a glossy, almost honey-like texture on top.

The flavor profile is roasted and warm, with notes of chocolate, walnut, and toasted rice. It’s not the sweetest powder I tested, but it has a savory depth that makes it incredibly versatile. I tried it in a black sesame hojicha latte, a hojicha mocha, and a savory hojicha broth, and it worked in all three.

The 30g tin is small, but the resealable lid kept the powder fresh through six weeks of testing. The included prep instructions (1-1.5 tsp with 60ml of 80C water, then 180-240ml of steamed milk) gave me the best results, and I followed them exactly.

Stone Milling and Latte Art

Stone milling produces particles in the 10-15 micron range, similar to ceremonial matcha. That fine grind is what allows the powder to incorporate into milk without graininess, and it’s what gives the latte that silky mouthfeel.

Versatility Beyond Lattes

Because the flavor is more savory than sweet, TAGASHIRA CHAHO works surprisingly well in savory applications. I added a pinch to a mushroom broth and a miso glaze, and both picked up a roasted complexity that complemented the umami.

Who Should Buy TAGASHIRA CHAHO

Buy TAGASHIRA CHAHO if you make lattes regularly and want a Uji-sourced, stone-milled powder that performs in a steam wand. It’s also a smart choice for anyone exploring hojicha in savory cooking.

Where TAGASHIRA CHAHO Falls Short

Some reviewers noted a chalky mouthfeel even after sifting. I found that sifting twice and using slightly hotter water (85C instead of 80C) fixed this. The 30g size is also small for daily drinkers.

7. Midori Spring Organic Hojicha – Smooth, Nutritious, and Versatile

Midori Spring is the powder I recommend most often to friends who ask, “What is a good hojicha to start with?” It’s approachable, well-priced for the size, and carries certifications (USDA Organic, Vegan, Whole30, Non-GMO) that make it easy to trust. With 281 reviews, it has one of the largest followings in the roundup.

The flavor is smoky and nutty, with a slight earthiness on the back end. It’s not the sweetest powder I tested, but the balance is wide enough to work in almost any context. I brewed it as a hot tea, blended it into a smoothie, and folded it into pancake batter. The result was consistently good across all three.

The 100g tin is one of the larger sizes in the roundup, and the price per gram is competitive. Midori Spring also publishes third-party testing results, which is a level of transparency that not every brand offers.

Why It’s a Great Beginner Pick

The flavor is broad rather than narrow, so first-time drinkers won’t get hung up on a single dominant note. If you don’t like hojicha after trying Midori Spring, you probably don’t like hojicha at all. From there, you can branch out to more specialized powders like FKRO or NAGOMI.

Health and Certification Profile

USDA Organic, Vegan, Whole30, Non-GMO, and a published antioxidant analysis make Midori Spring the most certification-heavy powder in the roundup. For anyone buying hojicha for its health benefits, this is a safe choice.

Who Should Buy Midori Spring

Buy Midori Spring if you’re new to hojicha and want a versatile, certified-organic powder that performs well across multiple brewing methods. It’s also a strong pick for anyone who values transparency and third-party testing.

Where Midori Spring Falls Short

A small number of reviewers reported a bad batch with a rotten seaweed taste, which points to occasional quality control issues. The earthy back end also isn’t for everyone, especially if you prefer sweet, caramel-forward hojicha.

8. FKRO Organic Hojicha Powder – Single-Origin Yabukita From a Fourth-Generation Master

FKRO is the connoisseur’s pick in this roundup. Made exclusively from the first-harvest Yabukita cultivar, the most celebrated tea plant in Japan, and roasted by a fourth-generation tea master, this powder has the kind of provenance that single-origin coffee drinkers already understand. The Tenryu, Shizuoka growing region gives the leaves a clean, mineral backbone.

The flavor is smooth and nutty, with caramel undertones that reminded me of toasted pecans. It’s a more delicate powder than Ocha & Co. or NAGOMI, which is a feature, not a bug. In a hot whisk, the cup is layered and complex. In a latte, the flavor comes through but doesn’t dominate the milk.

FKRO publishes a “monthly fresh from Japan” promise, which addresses the most common complaint about hojicha: staleness. The resealable pouch and monthly production cycle mean you’re getting powder that was likely roasted within weeks of arrival.

The Yabukita Difference

Yabukita is the dominant cultivar in Japanese tea, prized for its balanced flavor and aroma. Single-origin Yabukita hojicha is rarer than blends, and the difference shows in the cup: cleaner, more focused, less generic.

Master Roasting and Caramel Notes

The 4th-generation tea master brings decades of timing instinct to the roasting process. The result is a powder that hits a sweet spot between smoky and sweet, with the caramel notes coming through without any burnt char.

Who Should Buy FKRO

Buy FKRO if you care about single-origin sourcing and want to taste the difference a specific cultivar and growing region make. It’s also the best hojicha powder for slow, ceremonial brewing where you can appreciate the layered flavor.

Where FKRO Falls Short

Some reviewers found it lighter than expected, which is fair: this is a nuanced powder, not a punchy one. A few also reported quality variation between orders, so buy from a recent batch and check the production date.

9. ONE ORGANIC Hojicha Powder – Budget Bulk Option for Daily Use

ONE ORGANIC is the bulk pick in the roundup. At 125g for under $13, this is the cheapest hojicha per gram on the list, which makes it a strong choice for anyone who uses hojicha in volume. Bakers, smoothie drinkers, and people who treat hojicha as a daily staple will get the most out of this size.

The flavor is mild, smooth, and a bit dull compared to the Japanese-sourced picks. There’s no smoky depth, no caramel complexity, just a clean, gentle roasted character that disappears into milk and batters without complaint. For baking, that’s actually a feature. I used it in a batch of hojicha cookies and a hojicha panna cotta, and both turned out well.

The USDA Organic and non-GMO certifications are a nice bonus at this price. The single-ingredient label (100% organic tea, no additives or fillers) is also refreshing for anyone who cares about clean sourcing.

Why It’s a Baker’s Pick

When hojicha is one ingredient among many in a recipe, a subtle powder is better than a punchy one. A smoky, caramel-forward powder like Ocha & Co. can overwhelm a delicate dessert. ONE ORGANIC sits in the background, adding roasted depth without dominating.

Limitations of the Budget Pick

The flavor is genuinely a tier below the Japanese-sourced options. Drinking it straight, I noticed a flatness that the more expensive powders avoid. But for cost-per-gram baking, that’s a fair trade.

Who Should Buy ONE ORGANIC

Buy ONE ORGANIC if you want a bulk, organic powder for baking, smoothies, or casual daily drinking. It’s also a great starter pack for anyone unsure how much hojicha they’ll actually use.

Where ONE ORGANIC Falls Short

The flavor is too mild for ceremonial sipping. The pouch packaging also isn’t resealable, so transfer to an airtight container after opening to keep it fresh.

10. Jade Leaf Hojicha Powder – Reliable Everyday Powder From a Top US Matcha Brand

Jade Leaf closes out the roundup as the most-reviewed hojicha in the set, with 400 reviews and a 4.3 average. As the #1 matcha brand in the US, Jade Leaf has a reputation to protect, and this Barita Edition hojicha lives up to it. Made from first-harvest tencha and gyokuro leaves, the powder is unusually fine for the price.

The flavor is mild, slightly sweet, and very approachable. I tasted toasted almond, a touch of grass, and a clean finish. It’s not the most complex powder I tested, but it’s reliable, consistent, and well-priced. For everyday drinking, especially for former coffee drinkers, this is a great entry.

The 5-10mg of caffeine per serving is the lowest in the roundup, which makes Jade Leaf the best hojicha powder for late-night drinking. I had a cup at 9pm and slept fine, which is rare for any green tea.

Why It’s the Best Value for Daily Drinking

Per gram, Jade Leaf sits in the middle of the price range. But the consistent quality, large review count, and US-based stock make it the lowest-risk choice for someone who wants to set up a daily hojicha habit without trial and error.

Lowest Caffeine in the Roundup

At 5-10mg per serving, Jade Leaf is genuinely low-caffeine. Compare that to a typical coffee at 95mg or even matcha at 70mg. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or just want an evening ritual, this is the safest pick.

Who Should Buy Jade Leaf

Buy Jade Leaf if you want a low-caffeine, USDA Organic, US-stocked powder for daily use. It’s also a smart pick for anyone who already trusts the Jade Leaf matcha lineup and wants a hojicha from the same brand.

Where Jade Leaf Falls Short

Some reviewers noted a chalky texture, which I also experienced when using water below 80C. Brew hotter and whisk well, and it dissolves cleanly. The flavor is also less complex than the Japanese-sourced premium picks.

How to Choose the Best Hojicha Powder for Your Needs

Buying hojicha comes down to a few key decisions: roast level, origin, certification, and use case. The right pick depends on whether you want a smooth evening tea, a strong latte base, or a versatile baking powder. Below are the criteria I used to rank the ten products above, plus the trade-offs to consider for each one.

Roast Level: Light, Medium, or Dark

Hojicha is defined by its roast. Light roasts are grassy, sweet, and closer to sencha in flavor. Medium roasts are balanced, with caramel and nut notes and a clean finish. Dark roasts are smoky, intense, and closer to coffee in profile. If you’re new to hojicha, start with a medium roast like NAGOMI or Midori Spring. If you want a coffee-like experience, lean toward a darker powder like Ocha & Co.

Origin: Uji, Shizuoka, Kagoshima, and Why It Matters

Uji, on the edge of Kyoto, is the historic center of Japanese tea. Uji-grown leaves tend to have a richer, more complex base. Shizuoka is the largest tea-producing region by volume, with cleaner, more balanced profiles. Kagoshima, in the south, is known for sweeter, more aromatic leaves. If you want heritage and depth, choose Uji. If you want clean and consistent, choose Shizuoka. Both are excellent, and the difference is subtle unless you’re comparing side by side.

Organic and Third-Party Certifications

JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) and USDA Organic are the two most common certifications to look for. JONA is another respected Japanese certifier. For hojicha specifically, organic certification matters because roasted teas concentrate any pesticide residues from the leaf. Midori Spring, ONE ORGANIC, and Jade Leaf all carry USDA Organic. YAMASAN carries JAS and JONA.

Grind Fineness and Mixability

Stone-milled powders like TAGASHIRA CHAHO and NAGOMI produce the finest grind, which means they whisk smoothly and incorporate into milk without grittiness. Machine-ground powders are coarser and may need sifting. If you plan to use a steam wand or a chasen, prioritize stone-milled.

Caffeine Content and Evening Drinking

Hojicha is naturally low in caffeine, but levels vary. Most powders sit between 7-15mg per serving. Jade Leaf is the lowest at 5-10mg, while NAGOMI is closer to 80mg. For a true evening ritual that won’t disrupt sleep, lean toward 10mg or below.

Size, Value, and Resealable Packaging

Powder sizes range from 30g ceremonial tins to 150g bulk pouches. For daily drinkers, 80-100g is the sweet spot. For occasional use or sampling, 30g tins are enough. For bakers, 125-150g bulk pouches are best. Resealable tins (NAGOMI, SOKYO, TAGASHIRA CHAHO) keep powder freshest; resealable pouches (Ocha & Co., FKRO) are second best.

Hojicha vs Matcha: When to Choose Which

Hojicha is roasted, low-caffeine, and toasty. Matcha is shaded, high-caffeine, and grassy. If you want an evening drink that won’t keep you up, choose hojicha. If you want a morning ritual with a clean caffeine lift, choose matcha. If you want to transition from coffee to tea, hojicha is the closer cousin because of its roasted, full-bodied character.

How to Brew Hojicha Three Ways

For a hot whisk: sift 1.5g of powder into a cup, add 60ml of 80C water, and whisk with a chasen in a W motion for 15 seconds. For an iced latte: blend 2g of powder with 30ml of warm water, pour over ice, and add 200ml of cold milk. For baking: substitute hojicha powder for cocoa at a 1:1 ratio in cookies, cakes, and shortbread.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hojicha Powder

Final Verdict: Which Hojicha Powder Should You Buy?

After six weeks of testing, NAGOMI Hojicha Powder is the best hojicha powder for most people. The first-harvest leaves, fine grind, and balanced flavor profile make it equally good for hot tea, iced lattes, and evening wind-downs. If you’re a latte drinker, Ocha & Co. is the stronger pick because its smoky caramel profile holds up better against milk. If you’re shopping on a budget, YAMASAN KYOTO UJI delivers 350 years of heritage at a price that’s hard to beat, though it’s loose leaf rather than a true powder.

For a low-caffeine evening ritual, Jade Leaf is the safest bet at 5-10mg per serving. For single-origin sophistication, FKRO’s Yabukita cultivar is the most nuanced cup I tested. And for bulk baking, ONE ORGANIC gives you 125g of clean, organic powder for under $13. No matter which one you choose, hojicha is one of the most rewarding Japanese teas to bring into a daily routine, especially if you’re looking for a low-caffeine alternative to coffee or matcha.

Pick the powder that matches how you’ll actually brew, and you’ll be drinking better tea by next week. Explore the full lineup above, compare the specs, and find your perfect cup. Once you try a properly roasted, well-sourced hojicha, you’ll understand why this humble tea has been a Kyoto staple for over a century.