What is a Kyusu? The Secret to Authentic Loose Leaf Tea
If you love green tea, taking the jump from tea bags to loose leaf tea is the ultimate game-changer. But to brew Japanese loose leaf tea properly, you need the right tool: a Kyusu (急須). A Kyusu is an authentic Japanese teapot, widely recognizable by its unique side-handle design.
Trivia: Why do traditional Japanese teapots have a handle on the side rather than the back? It actually originates from traditional tatami mat rooms! When serving tea to guests seated on the floor, the host pours the tea sitting down. The side handle allows you to pour smoothly in small, elegant increments with just a flick of the wrist, without straining your elbow.
What to Look for When Buying a Kyusu
For beginners looking to buy their first Japanese teapot, there are three main factors to consider to ensure you get the perfect brew every time.
- The Built-in Strainer: Japanese green tea leaves (like Sencha) are often very fine. A good Kyusu comes with a built-in mesh strainer (often made of stainless steel) right against the spout. This allows the leaves to swim and unfurl freely inside the pot, maximizing flavor extraction while keeping your cup leaf-free.
- Material Matters: Traditional ceramic and clay pots (like Tokoname or Mino ware) are porous, meaning they absorb the tea's oils over time, enriching the flavor. Cast iron teapots (Nambu Tekki style) retain heat beautifully and are incredibly durable for everyday use.
- The Size: Serving just yourself? A smaller Kyusu (under 300ml) is ideal, because green tea is meant to be poured out completely until the last drop to prevent bitterness. If you leave water sitting with the leaves, your second cup will be ruined!
Our Top Beginner Teapots
Ready to steep like a master? Here are our highly recommended teapots for beginners, featuring easy-to-use rust-proof strainers.
Nambu-style White Teapot (with Tea Strainer)
Inspired by traditional cast iron but made with modern aesthetics, this beautiful white teapot retains heat exceptionally well and features a heavy-duty interior strainer.
Nambu-style Black Teapot (with Tea Strainer)
A masculine, classic take on the Nambu-style pot. It's incredibly durable and built to last a lifetime of morning tea rituals.
Colorful Blossom Teapot & Yunomi Teacup Set
The perfect starter kit or gift! This set includes a beautiful blossom-themed ceramic teapot alongside matching Yunomi cups.
Staff Lifehack: Wait For The Last Drop!
Here is an insider secret from the COTOWAKU team: the very last drop of Japanese green tea poured from a Kyusu is called the "Golden Drop" (ゴールデンドロップ). This drop contains the most concentrated umami flavor and sweetness. When you pour tea for guests, always make sure to shake the teapot gently to extract every last drop into their cups. It shows hospitality and ensures the remaining leaves don't steep and become bitter!
