Japanese tea sets make a terrific gift for any tea lover. Or you may want a set for yourself. Whether you love cast iron or porcelain, these sets are gorgeous and functional.
Top Picks
You can scroll on for more detailed reviews or check these out.
- Best Cast Iron Set: Japanese Cast Iron Tea Cup Set
- Best Porcelain Set: Dujust Japanese Tea Set, Black Porcelain Tea Set
- Best for Minmalists and Traditionalists: Japanese Coarse Pottery Green Tea Set or ZENS Ceramic Teapot with Infuser
- Best for Travelers: Japanese Tea Set for Picnic and Travel
- Most Beautiful: Red Koi Cast Iron Tea Pot or 6 Piece Set Gold Japanese Cast Iron Teapot
- Best for Housewarming Gift: Japanese Style Ceramic Teapot Red Fuku Lucky Fortune Design
- Best for Nature Lovers: Blue Butterfly Cast Iron Tea Pot
- Most Fun: Lucky Cat Ceramic Tea Set
What to Look for In a Japanese Tea Set
If you’re new to ceremonial Japanese tea sets, there are a few things to be aware of.
- Many of these tea pots are not designed to boil water. Traditionally, you would boil the water in a separate pan and then transfer it to the teapot.
- They are made of either cast iron (with or without enamel coating) or ceramic porcelain. Cast-iron can be heavy. Porcelain is lighter and more portable, but it can also contain trace amounts of lead and cadmium. Some manufacturers claim theirs are tested for purity.
- All of these come with stainless steel infusers for loose tea. I wouldn’t personally trust any material other than stainless steel for this.
- Most of these are not dishwasher or microwave safe. Again, that’s due to the use of traditional materials and craftsmanship.
Japanese Tea Sets
All of these sets include one Japanese teapot and 2-4 cups, and sometimes other accessories. And because they're all from Amazon, free shipping is available at the time of writing.
- Comes with a gorgeous tray that looks like a leaf.
- The handle of the teapot is off to the side rather than up above the pot, making for a different pouring experience.
- Easy to clean
- Large top opening makes it easy to pour water into
- Side handle makes for easier pouring
- Has a traditional hemp rope handle to protect your hands from the heat.
- Includes 1 teapot with stainless steel filter, 6 teacups and 1 detachable
tea tray. - Made of natural high grade ore kaolin, a durable clay.
- Manufacturer claims it has passed testing and is cadmium-free and lead-free.
- Easy to clean
- Classic floral pink cast iron teapot serves tea for two
- Comes with a loose leaf strainer for unbagged teas
- Easy cleaning by rinsing with warm water - no soap
- Cast iron provides superior heat retention and durability for years of use
- Capacity of 1000ml (34oz)
- Not for stovetop use. Boil water in another vessel first and then transfer to this pot
- Very compact set that's perfect for picnics and traveling.
- Teapot and cups are both fairly small capacity, but all you need for use at the office or in a hotel.
- Each set unique due to reactive glaze causing color variations in every kiln firing
- Comes with protective outer bag to keep the set from cracking or breaking
- Includes built-in tea strainer
- 40 ounce Teapot is made of heavy cast iron to retain heat better than many materials.
- 4 2-ounce cups, one trivet and one lid holder.
- Enamel coated interior designed to prevent rust.
- Easy to clean.
- Removable stainless steel mesh tea infuser for use with loose leaf teas
- Stovetop Safe: can be used over a flame, glass or electric burner to heat water. Cast iron also works on induction stovetops.
- 27.05oz cast iron teapot (weighs 3.2lbs) with tough interior enamel and hand-painted ceramic glazed exterior
- Easy to clean
- 2 4oz teacups
- 2 leaf shaped saucers
- 1 trivet
- 1 removable stainless steel infuser
- Cast iron 30 ounce teapot keeps tea warmer longer.
- Comes with 4 2-ounce teacups and 1 trivet
- Removable basket-style infuser for loose leaf teas
- The interior of both lid and body is embossed with enamel to prevent rusting
- Teapot is designed for use on electric and gas stoves or over an open fire.
- Not microwave safe
- 42 oz teapot, 4 teacups and tea strainer.
- Note that the two red cups are a slightly darker color than the teapot
- Durable rattan handle doesn't transfer heat to your hand, which makes pouring more comfortable
- Decorated with a symbol that represents fortune and luck
- The cups are microwaveable, freezer and dishwasher safe. But handwashing is still recommended.
- Stunning blue butterfly design, perfect for nature lovers
- Solid cast iron teapot holds about 25 ounces of liquid and weighs 3.2lbs
- 2 teacups, 1 matching trivet, 2 leaf shaped saucers
- Stainless steel tea infuser
- Coated inside with enamel to prevent rusting
- Note that it's designed for brewing, not boiling. You're supposed to pour the boiling water in from another pot
- This set boasts a beautiful contemporary minmalist design
- Natural wood handle makes it more comfortable for pouring
- Easy to clean, pour and fill
- Made of thick ceramic which manufacturer claims is lead free.
- Comes with 4 teacups
- Dishwasher safe if you remove wooden handle
- Comes with stainless steel fine mesh tea infuser
- This set is all about the cuteness. It features the traditional Japanese Lucky Cat Maneki Neko style design
- Believed to bring good luck, fortune and prosperity.
- Comes with 1 10 ounce teapot and 2 4 ounce cat-shaped cups
- Made of a high grade premium LEAD-FREE ceramic porcelain.
- Includes removable stainless steel infuser for brewing loose tea leaves easily.
- Dishwasher and microwave safe.