Starting April 7, 2026, the popular “Ice Hojicha Latte” will make its return to “MACHI café,” the café brand of the Japanese convenience store (Konbini) “Lawson.”
Hojicha is Japanese green tea that has been roasted, characterized by its savory aroma and low caffeine content. While tea-based latte menus are extremely popular in Japanese Konbini, Lawson’s Hojicha Latte is particularly well-regarded for its perfect balance of quality ingredients and sweetness. For travelers visiting Japan, it is an excellent drink to easily enjoy authentic Japanese flavors.
Last Year’s Big Hit Returns to Lawson Stores Across Japan
Lawson’s “MACHI café” is an authentic coffee brand that serves each cup individually using in-store machines. They are especially committed to their milk menu, which uses 100% fresh raw milk.
The “Ice Hojicha Latte,” back by popular demand, became a major sensation on social media during its release last year due to its high quality. It maximizes the unique toastiness of hojicha and the richness of the milk. It is the perfect drink for refreshing yourself during your travels or between sightseeing stops in Japan.
Deep Aroma and Richness Created by Two Roasting Methods
The most significant feature of this drink lies in the “roasting” of the hojicha used. Rather than a single roast, the tea leaves are intentionally roasted using two different methods to bring out the tea’s full potential from multiple angles.
When you take a sip of this latte made from specially selected leaves, a rich, toasted aroma fills your mouth. Because it balances a powerful hojicha fragrance with a clean aftertaste, you can enjoy it to the very last drop without getting tired of the flavor.
Ice Hojicha Latte Product Details
- Release Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
- Price: 270 yen (tax included) (Approx. $1.78 USD / ₩2,376 KRW) *Lawson standard price
- Availability: Lawson stores nationwide (stores with MACHI café)
- Features: Uses two types of roasted tea leaves; natural sweetness from “Sudakitou” sugar.
At 270 yen (Approx. $1.78 USD), the price offers excellent value compared to general café chains. Being able to enjoy an authentic Japanese-style latte at this price is one of the unique charms of Japanese Konbini culture.
The Secret to Mellow Sweetness: What is “Sudakitou”?
Lawson’s Ice Hojicha Latte is designed with a “moderately sweet” concept rather than an intense, artificial sweetness. The key to this is a type of sugar called “Sudakitou.”
Sudakitou is produced while carefully preserving the natural flavor and mineral content of the sugarcane, resulting in a mellow and gentle sweetness. By using this sugar, Lawson has succeeded in naturally enhancing the inherent sweetness of the milk without overpowering the toasted aroma of the hojicha. This is why it is highly supported by health-conscious consumers and those who prefer natural flavors.
Perfect Harmony with MACHI café’s Signature “100% Raw Milk”
The hallmark of MACHI café is, above all, its “100% raw milk.” Lawson’s latte menu is dedicated to using fresh milk sourced from various regions across Japan.
When this fresh milk meets the fragrant hojicha, a luxurious “Japanese Tea Latte” is born. The way the milk and hojicha swirl together in the cup is visually beautiful and builds anticipation even before the first sip. The richness of the fresh milk and the depth of the tea are in perfect harmony.
Recommended Pairing with Konbini Sweets
While this Ice Hojicha Latte is delicious on its own, we also recommend enjoying it with items from Lawson’s dessert brand, “Uchi Café.”
For example, try ordering it with the popular “Premium Roll Cake” or traditional Japanese wagashi (sweets). The toastiness of the hojicha complements the sweetness of the desserts, creating a luxurious tea time. Especially in the upcoming warmer seasons, the refreshing feel of a cold latte filled with ice is exceptional.
A “Just Right” Luxury for Your Daily Life
Lawson’s Ice Hojicha Latte is crafted by layering carefully selected elements: premium tea leaves, specialty sugar, and fresh milk.
You don’t have to go out of your way to a distant café; you can find this level of quality at your local Lawson anywhere in Japan. Whether you are working or sightseeing, please give it a try. While it may not be available at some locations, it is carried by most stores. Whether you missed it last year or are a dedicated hojicha fan, this is a drink worth checking out.
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