A simple breakdown of the main types of Japanese Green Teas:
Like fine wines, many subtleties and variations exist...
Growing conditions (climate and soil), the timing of when the leaves are picked, which leaves are actually picked, and how they're steamed and dried. All these factors contribute to the rich tradition of Japanese tea making and tea drinking.
Gyokuro
The highest grade of japanese green tea. During the production process, entire tree are sheltered from sunlight for the last 3-4 weeks (right before the sprout of leaf is picked). This shading process keep a lot of amino acids in the tea leaves. That's why GYOKURO has a bit of sweetness to its taste, as well as a rich fragrance.
Sencha
SENCHA is the most common tea in Japan. There are many grades and a variety of tastes. Usually made from soft young tea leaves that are picked May/June, it's a high quality tea. The color is light green.
Bancha
BANCHA is a more common tea made from larger tea leaves. It's favored for its taste, as well as its relatively low cost. It also has low caffeine, so it can be enjoyed with any meal, or late into the evening.
Hojicha
Houjicha is roasted green tea (BANCHA). The green leaf color changes into brown while the leaves are roasted. This tea has a distinctive fragrance, and is a favorite of many.
Genmaicha
GENMAICHA is made from 'Bancha' mixed with roasted brown rice. This tea has a very unique aroma and taste, with a hint of popcorn. The color is golden green. It's also low in caffeine.
Macha
This fine powder tea is well known. It's used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony around the world. It's a special tea, not meant for daily use. The slightly bitter taste was made to go well with Japanese cakes.
Kukicha
Kuki means twig(s) in Japanese. This tea is made from the twigs of a tea plant after the pure leaves have been picked. A fresh and enjoyable taste. Twigs from gyokuro leaves (called Karigane) are especially well liked. Low caffeine.
Mugicha
Mugicha is made from toasted barley, so it is not technically a green tea. However, it is an amazingly popular summer drink in Japan. It's often drunk cold, just like American ice tea. Very refreshing taste and no caffeine.