FAQs

  • MICHI is built on transparency, honesty, and an obsession with quality.

    We carefully select exceptional Japanese teas and work closely with trusted growers, choosing each tea for its freshness, character, and distinctive flavour.

    By buying directly from origin and keeping our supply chain close to the source, we can offer remarkable tea without compromising on quality. Our teas are packed with care to preserve their freshness until they reach you.

    Alongside matcha, green tea, and hojicha, we offer a considered selection of contemporary Japanese teaware, sourced through our network of makers and artisans.

  • Yes. Matcha can be prepared with cold water for a refreshing, smooth drink, perfect for warmer days.

  • Most people can enjoy matcha every day.

    One to two cups a day is a good guideline, offering a smooth, focused lift without too much caffeine.

    As matcha contains more caffeine than steeped green tea, we recommend enjoying it earlier in the day and avoiding it close to bedtime if you are sensitive to caffeine.

  • All green tea contains some level of caffeine, which can postpone or disrupt healthy sleep. Everyone is different so if you are sensitive to caffeine, use caution. If you are sensitive, we recommend our hojicha, which is low in caffeine.

  • Keep matcha and green tea in a cool, dry, dark place, away from heat, moisture, and strong aromas. After opening, seal the package tightly and store matcha in the refrigerator to protect its freshness, colour, and flavour. Let it come to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation.

  • For most healthy adults, 1–2 cups of matcha per day is ideal; up to 3 cups is generally safe if you tolerate caffeine well and don’t consume much other caffeine.

    Each cup (about 2 g of matcha) contains roughly 30–70 mg of caffeine, so staying within this range keeps you comfortably under the typical 400 mg daily caffeine limit while still enjoying matcha’s antioxidant and focus benefits.

  • The ideal water temperature for matcha is 70–80°C , with around 75°C as a great default.

    Simple rule:
    Boil your water, then let it rest 3–5 minutes before pouring over the matcha.

  • Each tea is unique and requires its own approach to brewing. A general rule is: 80°C for Sencha and Matcha, 55°C for Gyokuro, 95°C for Hojicha, 90°C for Oolong, and 99°C for Black Tea.

  • While the majority of our teas are not certified organic, our growers follow responsible farming practices and each tea we carry is produced with consideration for the quality of the teas as well as the sustainability of the land they're grown in.

  • Yes. A typical 240 ml cup of brewed green tea contains around 20–45 mg of caffeine, usually less than coffee. The exact amount depends on the tea type, water temperature, and steeping time.

  • All four are Japanese teas, but they are grown, processed, and enjoyed in different ways:

    • Sencha is Japan’s most common green tea. It has a fresh, lively flavour with grassy, vegetal notes and a gentle sweetness.

    • Gyokuro is shaded before harvest, which gives it a deeper umami flavour, a silky texture, and a naturally sweeter profile.

    • Hojicha is roasted green tea. It has a warm, nutty, toasted flavour and naturally lower caffeine, making it a comforting choice later in the day.

    • Matcha is finely ground, shade-grown green tea powder. You drink the whole leaf, creating a rich, creamy cup with vibrant colour, umami, and a stronger caffeine boost than steeped green tea.

  • Matcha can taste bitter when the water is too hot, when too much powder is used, or when the matcha is not whisked properly. For a smoother cup, use water around 70–80°C, sift the powder before whisking, and start with about 1–2 g of matcha per serving

  • Yes. Matcha is a type of green tea made from the same plant (Camellia sinensis), but it’s grown and processed in a special way.

    The leaves are shade‑grown, steamed, dried into tencha, then stone‑ground into a fine powder. Instead of steeping and discarding the leaves, you whisk the powder into water and drink the whole leaf, which gives matcha its richer flavor, stronger color, and higher concentration of caffeine and antioxidants compared to regular steeped green tea.

  • Order Processing Times:

    Our team processes orders M-F, except on holidays. Orders are processed generally within 1-2 business days of receipt, from our warehouse. During high volume order periods, orders may take an additional 1–3 days to process.

    Order Tracking:
    Once your order is shipped, you will receive a tracking number via email. You can track your order through the carrier's website.

    Shipping Restrictions:
    We do not ship to P.O. boxes, APO/FO addresses, or certain remote locations. If you are unsure whether we can deliver to your location, please contact us before placing your order.

  • We accept a variety of payment methods including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and other digital wallets for your convenience.

  • Once your order is shipped, we'll send you a tracking number via email.

  • We offer a 14-day return policy for unused and unopened products. Please visit our Returns & Exchanges page for more details.

  • Yes, we do ship internationally. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on the destination.

  • All of our matcha is tested by Eurofins, and we regularly have our batches tested in Japan and the Netherlands to maintain the highest standards of quality and safety.

  • Unfortunately due to the high volume of orders, we are unable to offer express shipping at this time.