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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

INFORMATION ON TRANSACTIONS

Orders and Deliveries[Customers in Japan]

How to place an order?

Orders can be placed by email or fax.

Do you accept small and large orders?

Please feel free to contact us as we accept small to large orders.

What is your payment method?

Please pay by bank transfer.

Do you provide a delivery note?

Delivery note will be sent along with the product.

How many days does are required for delivery after an order is placed?

We will strive to ship standard items within approximately 3 business days. Additional time may be required for first order and large quantity orders. Please enquire in advance.

Can I specify the delivery date and time?

You can specify the date and time.

Do you offer free delivery depending on the amount or quantity of purchase?

Delivery is free for orders of value 30,000 yen.

Orders and Deliveries[Overseas]

Do you export products overseas?

We offer overseas export services from small to large shipments. Since FOB is used for trade transactions, customers can arrange transportation according to their convenience.

Do you export organically grown tea?

Our organically grown tea has acquired organic JAS certification. Organic JAS certification is recognized as equivalent to organic certification in the following countries
United States, Canada, Member States of the European Union, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Taiwan
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How many days does it take for products to be shipped after an order has been placed?

We will strive to ship standard items within approximately 21 business days. Additional time may be required for first order and large quantity orders. Please enquire in advance.

What are the payment terms?

The currency for transactions is Japanese yen, and payment should be made by wire transfer prior to shipments.
Please contact us for more details.

Product Information

Do you deal with teas other than those produced in Kyoto Prefecture?

We deal in a wide range of teas from Kagoshima and other prefectures.
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I want information on the grade of matcha.

We have a wide lineup of products ranging from high-end products used in tea ceremonies to products for processing and cooking.
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Product Planning and OEM

I want to plan a product using tea. Can you suggest a product, based on just an idea or conditions?

Yes, we can take care of everything related to tea, from proposing a concept that fits your idea, procuring the right ingredients (matcha and green tea) for your products, blending them, manufacturing samples, to cost planning.
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Do you charge for trial production?

Trial production is free of charge to check the taste, but we may charge if the sample is required multiple times or in larger quantities. Please contact our sales representative for details.

Can you package (or create packages) in original packaging?

We may be able to accommodate your request depending on the details of your request, please contact our sales representative for details.

Can you handle small lot orders?

For small-lot orders, we will propose a processing method and provide a quotation according to the quantity. We are flexible to accommodate your requests, so please contact us first.

What is the schedule from product planning to delivery?

The schedule broadly as given below. Meeting --> Product planning --> Matcha/leaf suggestions --> Trial manufacturing (several times) --> Formal quotation and order placement --> Manufacturing --> Delivery Click here for more information
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Information on Samples

Can you provide samples?

We will select and blend tea leaves according to the customer's requirements and promptly provide the necessary quantities depending on the transaction.

Can you provide proposals according to the product and budget?

We will suggest the appropriate product according to your budget and application.

Can I get a quote or specifications?

Quotes will be sent from our Sales and Marketing division, and specifications will be sent from our Quality Control division.

Other questions

Do you retail?

Sorry, we do not retail as we specialize in wholesale for commercial use.

What are your business hours?

Weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., sometimes open on Saturdays and closed on Sundays and holidays.

Can I take a tour of your factory?

Yes, you can. Although we are looking forward to doing business, you are welcome to visit us. For more information, please contact us by phone or e-mail.

How can I reach to Hotta Katsutaro Shoten's headquarters?

Our headquarters is a 10-minute drive from the nearest station, Uji Station on the JR Nara Line. Board the Kyoto Keihan bus, Tachiba Line 180 (bound for Ichu-mae) from JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station, and get off at the "Shirakawa Toge" stop.

INFORMATION ON TEA

What kind of tea is Uji tea?

Chamber Of Kyoto Prefecture Tea Public Interest Incorporated Association has defined Uji tea as "the tea produced in the 4 prefectures of Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, and Mie prefectures, which have developed together as Uji tea from a comprehensive perspective of history, culture, geography, and weather, and is finished and processed in the prefecture by Kyoto-based tea producers, while the priority shall be given to tea produced in Kyoto Prefecture."
Reference:Kyoto Prefecture Tea Industry Chamber Website

Can the phrase "made with Uji green tea" be used?

Please specify that matcha produced in the 4 prefectures of Kyoto, Nara, Shiga and Mie is used, which fits the definition of Uji tea. Uji matcha series produced in Kyoto Prefecture is available for those who wish to use the phrase ""made with Uji matcha produced in Kyoto Prefecture"".

What is the difference in the price of tea?

The characteristics of tea varies depending on the cultivation environment, fertilizer management methods used and experience of the grower. Tea that is vibrant, aromatic and rich in taste is highly valued and reflected in the price.

What is the difference between a matcha millstone grinding and a pulverizer?

The traditional method of millstone grinding has the advantage that excessive heat is not generated because the process is carried out slowly with a heavy millstone, and the quality of the product does not deteriorate easily. Millstone grinding is employed for higher grades of matcha that are generally used for drinking. Since the volume that can be produced with millstone grinding is limited, the use of a pulverizer enables tea to be mass produced. Since pulverizer evenly distributes the grains, the tea will have a smooth feeling on the tongue and can be used for latte and processing. We will support customers according to the application and grade.

Do you deal in organically grown tea?

We deal in organically grown teas that has acquired organic JAS certification. We have a network of organic tea growers throughout Japan and have established a system to ensure a stable supply.
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How should tea be stored? And how long does tea stay good to drink after opening?