TO CONTENTS

Focus on Tea Leaves Focus on Water Focus on Manufacturing Fukujuen - Esteemed Tea Company Our Products
Fukujuen - Esteemed Tea Company / Since its establishment in 1790, Fukujuen, an authentic tea company in Kyoto, has been dealing with Japanese tea with passion and sincerity, observing the art and tradition of tea. Only tea leaves grown in Japan and carefully selected by Fukujuen's
Kyoto, the Birthplace of Japanese green Tea
The history of Japanese tea started in Uji, Kyoto. Fukujuen is an authentic tea company observing the long tradition of Japanese tea.
Japanese tea gained popularity after Eisai Zenshi, founder of the Rinzaishu Sect, brought back tea seeds from Sung in China and presented them to Myoe Shonin, founder of Kozanji Temple in Toganoo, Kyoto, who started growing tea plants. In 1738, Soen Nagatani from Ujitawara Yuyadani in Kyoto developed the current production process of Japanese tea. Kyoto is nothing less than the Mecca of Japanese tea.

Thanks to the rich natural environment, as well as its proximity to the cities of Kyoto and Nara ideal for tea distribution and sales, the Yamashiro region of Kyoto has developed as a tea growing district and the center of the Japanese tea industry. Tea from Yamashiro has contributed largely to the famous "Uji-cha" (Uji tea). The tea was protected by the Ashikaga and Tokugawa Governments, and the tea master of Yamashiro was entrusted with a mission to deliver the "official tea" to these governments.
Established in the Yamashiro region of Kyoto in 1790, Fukujuen is an authentic tea company with a long and honorable history. Honoring its history and tradition, Iyemon (Iyemon Tea) was named after the founder of Fukujuen, Iyemon Fukui.
Rules of Fukujuen
True to a self-imposed and strict quality standard, Fukujuen produces products with pride and dignity.
The Nine rules of Fukujuen
"Authenticity," "Safety," "Quality," "Taste," "Health," "Natural," "Tradition," "Dignity," and "Craftsmanship." Based on the 9 rules, Fukujuen inherits the traditional "spirit of Japanese tea" and delivers a rich experience to customers through tea.
"Musei Kojin" - Attracting people without calling
This proverb, which means that a man of virtue attracts people without calling, has been used as Fukujuen's motto since the beginning. In hopes to create green tea loved by everyone just like the founder of Fukujuen, Iyemon was named after him.
Fukujuen's History over 2 centuries
Fukujuen continued to grow with the popularization of Uji-cha (Uji tea).Its history spanning over 200 years reflects the history of Japanese tea itself.
Foundation of Fukujuen
Fukujuen was founded as a tea dealer in 1790 by Iyemon Fukui, in Kamikoma of Yamashiro (present Yamashiro town, Kyoto), which was connected with Osaka and Kobe by river transportation on the Kizu river and functioned as a distribution point where the Yamato and Iga main roads crossed.
1790 - the year of foundation
Japan was in the shogunate of Ienari Tokugawa, who became the eleventh shogun at the tender age of fifteen. While assisting Ienari, Sadanobu Matsudaira, grandson of the eighth shogun Yoshimune, went ahead with the Kansei Reform, one of the Big Three Reforms of the Edo Period, to clean up the corruption left behind by Okitsugu Tanuma, who had brought about bribes, moral decay and cultural degeneration. During this period, under Sadanobu's orders, Heizo Hasegawa, known as "the ogre," played the role of Public Security Officer. While Sadanobu forced civilians to lead a frugal life, many masterpieces were produced by famous artists such as Hokusai Katsushika, Sharaku Toshusai, Bakin Takizawa and Ikku Jippensha. It was an important preparation period for the era of Kasei Bunka, where the culture of the Edo Period fully matured. Fukujuen has carried on the history of Japanese tea since its foundation.
The Historical Relationship with Tea Farmers
Fukujuen recognizes and appreciates the love and care poured into tea leaves by tea farmers. The production of quality tea leaves is supported by the relationship of mutual trust.
Fukujuen historically sourced tea leaves from Yamato, Kawachi, Iga and Ise. Quality tea leaves were sought through trusted brokers or people who were familiar with local areas. The relationship between local tea farmers and a tea company is built on trust. Fukujuen has always understood the essential qualities of tea, and dealt with tea with an uncompromising eye. The history of Fukujuen was established with this solid and mutual relationship. Tea farmers grow quality tea with loving care, while the tea company fully appreciates and rewards their hard work. Faith and sincerity of the historic tea company have contributed to the trust-based relationship with tea farmers today.
Back to Top
To Iyemon Brand Home