#Japan #convenience store #Wakayama #Seven Cafe Tea

7-Eleven Brings Authentic Brewed Tea Experience to Wakayama

On June 23, 2026, 7-Eleven Japan will begin selling its premium brewed tea series, "Seven Cafe Tea," at select locations in Wakayama Prefecture. This new offering follows the tea's initial release in January 2023 at a few stores, and it has since gained popularity, now available in approximately 3,000 stores as of May 2026.

The company, headquartered in Chiyoda, Tokyo, aims to provide its customers with a high-quality tea they can enjoy conveniently from a local convenience store. Following the success in Osaka, Wakayama becomes the second-prefecture in the Kansai region to feature this authentic tea experience.

What is ‘Seven Cafe Tea’?

"Seven Cafe Tea" allows customers to enjoy expertly brewed tea, akin to that served in specialized tea shops, thanks to a dedicated extraction process using a specialized machine. Customers will need to purchase a specific cup at the register, which they then fill with hot water to steep selected tea leaves at the ideal timing. This meticulous brewing technique ensures that the rich aroma and taste of the tea leaves are revealed, delivering a freshly brewed experience.

In select stores, the tea will be available in the following varieties:

• - Darjeeling Blend
• - Assam Blend
• - Earl Grey

For milk tea lovers, customers can enjoy delicious mixes of Assam and Earl Grey.

Store Locations for Launch

Several stores in Wakayama Prefecture will see this premium tea on offer from the launch date:

• - Wakayama Kusumi Nakanishi Store
• - Wakayama Kuroda Store
• - Wakayama Izumizaki Store
• - Wakayama Fuyuno Store
• - 7-Eleven JR Wakayama Station East Exit Store
• - 7-Eleven Wakaura Naka Store
• - 7-Eleven Iwade Negoro Store
• - 7-Eleven Iwade Shimizu Store
• - 7-Eleven Iwade Nakakuro Store
• - 7-Eleven Kinokawa Kitaseida Store

This launch will initially feature 10 locations, with future expansion plans to broaden availability.

The Art of Tea Extraction

The process of extraction for “Seven Cafe Tea” embodies what is known as the "Golden Rules" of brewing premium tea:
1. Selection of optimal tea leaves for each tea type.
2. Pouring hot water to steep the leaves.
3. Steeping for the perfect amount of time to extract the upper and lower movement (jumping) of leaves, enhancing the aroma.
4. Completing the extraction to reveal the tea's true flavor profile.

The tea leaves are meticulously sourced from qualified plantations, ensuring only high-quality tea is offered.

Pairing with Food and Sweets

The unique flavor profiles of the different tea blends make them ideal for pairing with various meals and snacks.

• - Darjeeling Blend: Characterized by a floral scent and a refreshing bitterness that complements rice balls, sandwiches, and soba noodles.
• - Assam Blend: Known for its rich, sweet aroma, it's an excellent match for milky desserts and cheese.
• - Earl Grey: With its fruity fragrance from bergamot, this tea pairs wonderfully with chocolates and custards.

Prices vary slightly by store, and all prices include a reduced tax rate of 8% where applicable. Availability may change based on demand and other factors, so it’s advisable to check with individual stores for the latest offerings.

In summary, the launch of "Seven Cafe Tea" is an exciting addition for tea enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike, as it promises a delightful experience that showcases the richness of authentic tea brought right to your local convenience store.