Quick Answer: First flush (ichibancha) April-May commands highest prices. Second flush June-July is 30-50% cheaper. For best value, order January-February for spring delivery. For lowest prices, buy nibancha in August-September.
The Japanese Tea Harvest Calendar
| Period | Harvest | Quality | Price Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late April - May | Ichibancha (1st flush) | Highest — richest umami | Peak (100%) |
| June - July | Nibancha (2nd flush) | Good — slightly astringent | 50-70% |
| August - Sept | Sanbancha (3rd flush) | Lower — more bitter | 30-50% |
| October | Akibancha (autumn) | Industrial grade | 20-40% |
Optimal Purchase Timing
Premium Buyers
- Pre-order: Jan-Feb — lock in allocation
- Delivery: May-June — freshest product
- Top-grade tencha sells out within weeks of harvest
Volume Buyers
- Best price: Aug-Sept — producers discount remaining stock
- Nibancha/sanbancha perfect for lattes, baking, RTD
Price Cycle
- Jan-Mar: Stable — pre-harvest anticipation
- Apr-May: Peak — new crop, shincha premium
- Jun-Jul: Declining — nibancha arrives
- Aug-Oct: Lowest — maximum supply
- Nov-Dec: Rising — year-end demand
Plan Your Matcha Purchases
2026 harvest allocation and pricing available. First flush pre-orders open.
Reserve 2026 Allocation →FAQ
Does matcha go bad?
Unopened at -18°C: 12-18 months. Once opened, use within 2-3 months.
Is first flush always better?
For drinking, yes. For baking/lattes, nibancha offers better value with minimal difference.
Can I buy year-round?
Yes. Producers store tencha frozen and grind to order. Specific grades may be limited later.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen