Yunomi Subscription Box

What's in the box: Expect Japanese teas chosen from its catalog of small family producers. The site does not say exactly what goes into each box.

Yunomi.life calls itself a People-to-People marketplace. It sells more than 1000 artisanal Japanese teas, matcha and accessories from over 200 small, family-run tea farms, factories and artisans in Japan, and ships them to tea drinkers worldwide. The range is unusually wide. Beyond everyday sencha and hojicha, you will find gyokuro, kabusecha, asamushicha, fukamushicha, kyobancha, kamairicha, tamaryokucha, tencha and withered green tea. There are also organic and naturally grown teas, a matcha starter kit, and teaware such as Tokoname kyusu and lacquered tea canisters. Product pages name the producer, which helps if you want to follow a particular farm or region. The main drawback for box shoppers is that the site leads with its shop, not its subscription. The front page does not explain how often a box ships, how teas are chosen or how to pause or cancel. Read the subscription terms carefully before you sign up. Much of the teaware is sold in very small quantities, so popular items can sell out fast. If you already enjoy Japanese green tea and want to try styles that rarely leave Japan, Yunomi is a strong source. Newcomers may find the choice overwhelming without more guidance.