Tea Culture | September 09, 2025 | Lillian Yu

What is Japanese Black Tea? A Beginner’s Guide to Wakoucha

When most people think of Japanese tea, they picture the vibrant greens of matcha or the fresh, grassy taste of sencha. Yet, the same tea plant, Camellia sinensis, can take many forms, its character shaped entirely by how the leaves are processed. While steaming preserves the bright, vegetal notes of green tea, a slower, full oxidation transforms the leaves into something deeper and richer. This is the craft behind Wakoucha (和紅茶), or Japanese black tea, a rare style that reveals a softer side of Japan’s tea tradition.

What is Wakoucha?

The name Wakoucha translates directly to “Japanese black tea” (wa meaning “Japanese” and koucha meaning “black tea”). Like green tea, it comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, but black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a warm, amber hue and deep, rounded flavor. Unlike stronger, more astringent black teas from regions like India or China, Wakoucha is known for its mellow sweetness, smooth body, and gentle astringency. This delicate balance makes Wakoucha an approachable choice for beginners and a refined pleasure for seasoned tea drinkers.

Wakoucha Honoka: A Faint Glow in Every Cup

At Senbird Tea, our Japanese Black Tea, Wakooucha Honoka, is grown in the misty hills of Shizuoka. Honoka is a rare first-flush Japanese black tea crafted from the traditional Benifuuki cultivar. Its name, Honoka (ほのか), meaning “faint glow,” reflects the tea’s comforting, serene character.

The aroma is deep and inviting, with warm notes of cacao and toasted grain rising from the cup. On the palate, Honoka offers a gentle umami that creates a round, satisfying depth. Its balanced sweetness carries soft malt and honey-like tones, while a moderate astringency adds structure without overshadowing the tea’s natural smoothness.

Each sip feels like a gentle blanket for the senses, deep, grounding, and quietly uplifting. Naturally rich in antioxidants, Wakoucha Honoka offers a moderate caffeine lift, making it a perfect choice for calm focus during reading, journaling, or unwinding at the end of the day.

pouring water in kyusu teapot

How to Brew Wakoucha Black Tea

Brewing Wakoucha Japanese black tea is a soothing ritual, simple enough for beginners, yet rewarding for seasoned tea drinkers who enjoy exploring subtle flavors. Whether served warm or chilled, the brewing process brings out the tea’s natural sweetness and comforting depth.

Hot Brew:

Heat the water – Bring fresh, filtered water to a boil (203°F / 95°C).
Measure the tea leaves – Add 1 tablespoon (3g) of Wakoucha to your teapot or infuser.
Pour and steep – Gently pour the hot water over the leaves and steep for 1–2 minutes.
Enjoy and re-steep – Pour into your cup and savor.

Pro-tip: Wakoucha can be enjoyed up to 3 infusions; adjust the steeping time to suit your taste.

A traditional Japanese teapot, like a kyusu works beautifully. But if you don’t have one, here are 4 ways to brew loose-leaf tea without an infuser for more ideas.

Cold Brew:

For a refreshing summer drink, Wakoucha can also be enjoyed as a cold brew. This slow-steeping method draws out the tea’s natural sweetness and delicate floral notes, creating a smooth cup with no bitterness. To get the best cold brew, read about 6 Tips for Cold Brewing Japanese Teas.

Prepare the tea – Add 1 tablespoon (3g) of Wakoucha leaves to a large pitcher.
Add the water – Pour 1 liter (1 quart) of room temperature or cold water over the leaves.
Steep slowly – Place in the fridge for 3–6 hours.
Strain and serve – Pour over ice for a light, clean, and floral cup of chilled black tea from Japan.

Health Benefits of Japanese Black Tea

Beyond its comforting flavor, Wakoucha Japanese black tea offers a variety of wellness benefits:

Rich in theaflavins – Supports heart health by promoting healthy circulation and reducing inflammation.
High in antioxidants – Protects cells from oxidative stress, supporting overall vitality and healthy aging.
Gentle caffeine boost – Provides steady energy without the jitters, ideal for focused work or mindful activities.
Contains L-theanine – Promotes calm alertness and mental clarity by balancing the effects of caffeine.
Aids digestion – Traditionally enjoyed after meals in Japan to support digestion and refresh the palate.

Learn more about the health benefits of Japanese black tea in our detailed guide.

hojicha-wakoucha-brewed-tea-in-glass-teapot

Why Try Wakoucha?

Every cup of Wakoucha tells the story of Japanese craftsmanship and a softer approach to black tea. For those who already love Japanese green teas, Wakoucha offers a familiar smoothness in a completely different flavor landscape. For black tea drinkers, it’s a chance to experience the elegance and subtlety unique to Japan. In Honoka, the “faint glow” is more than just a name, it’s the feeling that lingers long after your last sip.

Browse our Wakoucha Japanese Black Tea →