How big is a Japanese teapot?

Choosing the teapot and teacup is one of our favorite things. Japanese teas have recommended standard size of teapot and teacup by tea types. And you can see different sizes by tea types. We will explain the reason to you.

Recommended amount of hot water is different

For example, we use a small amount of hot water for Gyokuro, the premium high quality Japanese tea. Because we enjoy its rich umami. On the other hand, we use more hot water for Bancha and Houjicha. As they are casual teas and we commonly drink in more volume.

 

Therefore, the amount of hot water for each tea type brings different sizes of teapots and teacups. For your reference, the following matrix shows the sizes for 3 to 5 people.

 

Size influence over water temperature

In addition, please note that the size of a teapot and teacup influences the temperature of hot water. We recommend to use water boiled at least for 5 minutes. Then you can use the teapot and teacup to adjust the water temperature best for the tea. This way, you can make the teapot and teacup warm in advance and measure the water amount required. High grade teas take more time to adjust, because recommended brewing water temperature is lower, and teapot and teacup are smaller.

 

If you don’t have kyusu (Japanese teapot), or a Japanese teacup, you can use a pottery cup or other pot and cup.

Gyokuro: 90 ml / 3.04 fl oz

Sencha(Premium): 250 ml / 8.45 fl oz

Sencha(Standard):600 ml /20.29 fl oz

Bancha/Hōjicha: 800 ml / 27.05 fl oz