Washi Fuji Kotobuki Box
Mount Fuji, golden sun and cherry blossoms, 100g format
French house since 2016
2,000+ reviews verified customers
Fast delivery
A question? +33 (0)4 22 91 35 75
Japanese Washi Paper Tea Caddy
A Japanese tea caddy is a tin canister wrapped in washi paper, the handmade Japanese paper adorned with cherry blossom, seigaiha wave, or crane motifs, sealed with a double lid that keeps tea safe from air and light. In Japan, it is known as a chazutsu. Browse our full collection of washi caddies from Japan, available in 100 g and 200 g sizes, perfect for storing loose-leaf tea or giving as a gift.
33 products
Our Japanese Washi Boxes
Each washi box is one of a kind, defined by its paper; all share the same construction: a tin body and an inner lid that keeps your tea perfectly sealed. Here is a guide to finding your way through our patterns.
Cherry Blossoms and Floral Patterns
Sakura is our most sought-after pattern: the Sakura washi box brings it to life in pink on a light background, the Green and Gold Sakura offers a more precious take, and the Pastel washi box features multicoloured cherry blossoms on a grey ground. For other florals, discover the Golden Garden, the White Flower, and the bright, cheerful Yellow Kaiyo.
Waves, Moon and Mount Fuji
The seigaiha pattern, with its overlapping wave scales, graces the Nami washi box, our best-seller, as well as the Aonami and the orange-and-black Yunami. Landscapes have their place too: the snow-capped Mount Fuji of the Fuji Kotobuki, the great golden moon of the Tsukihi Midnight Blue, and the rising sun of the Tsukihi Cream.
Traditional and Graphic Patterns
Fans, shibori, red-and-black weaving, dragonflies, tea leaves: the Fans washi box, the Shibori, and the Uji Tea Leaves will appeal to those who prefer understated designs. The full selection is available below, and our solid metal tea caddies round out the collection for larger formats.
How to Choose a Japanese Tea Caddy
What size do you need?
Our washi caddies come in two sizes. The 100 g caddy holds a standard 100 g pouch of tea, roughly a month's worth of daily brewing. The 200 g caddy suits heavier drinkers, bulkier herbal infusions, and loose-leaf teas bought by weight. For a rare tea in a smaller quantity, the smaller caddy is the better choice: less air, better preservation.
Washi, metal, or wood: which material?
The traditional Japanese tea caddy, the chazutsu, comes in several materials: tinplate wrapped in washi paper, the most common and most colourful; plain metal, more understated, found in our metal tea caddies; and wood, cherry bark or lacquered timber, rarer and more costly, which we do not currently carry. All share the same airtight double-lid closure. Washi remains the best balance of beauty, tea preservation, and value.
What exactly is washi paper?
Washi is a traditional Japanese paper made from long plant fibres, which makes it both delicate and remarkably durable. The patterns are printed or hand-painted, often highlighted with gold. Bonded to the tinplate, it holds up to daily handling and the passage of years; the one thing to avoid is water. This paper, rooted in Japanese culture and its art of fine detail, is what makes each caddy something special: modern or traditional depending on the pattern, and a gift as welcome as the tea itself.
Which teas does it suit?
A washi caddy protects all loose-leaf teas: green, black, oolong, Rooibos, and herbal infusions. It is especially valuable for Japanese teas such as Sencha or Matcha, which are sensitive to light and moisture, and for flavoured teas whose aromas can fade quickly. One caddy per tea, and the flavour stays true for months.
Keeping tea in a Japanese box
The principle is simple: tea is sensitive to air, light, moisture, heat and strong odours. The washi box addresses the first three with its double lid system, an inner flat lid that rests directly against the tea and a decorative outer lid. For the rest, store the box in a cool cupboard, away from the cooker and spices, and avoid washing it with water: a dry cloth is all the outside needs, and a little time open to the air between two different teas will refresh the inside. Jot down the name of the tea and the date you opened it on a small label underneath the box, and fill it without pressing the leaves down. Browse all our boxes, plain or decorated, in the tea caddy category.
Frequently asked questions about Japanese washi tea caddies
Is a washi caddy airtight?
Yes. Beneath the paper, the body is made of tinplate and a flat inner lid seals the tea away from the air. This is the classic construction of Japanese tea caddies, the same used by the tea houses of Kyoto.
How much tea does a washi caddy hold?
Our caddies come in 100 g and 200 g loose-leaf sizes. The exact capacity is shown on each product page; a bulkier herbal infusion will fill the caddy with slightly fewer grams than a rolled tea.
Can a washi caddy be washed?
Not with water: washi paper and moisture don't mix. Wipe the inside with a dry cloth and leave the caddy open for a few hours to let any lingering aromas from the previous tea dissipate.
Where do these caddies come from?
Our washi caddies are made in Japan, where the paper is crafted and applied to the tin by hand in the traditional way. Each pattern carries its own name and meaning: sakura for renewal, seigaiha waves for serenity, the crane for longevity.
Which Japanese caddy makes the best gift with tea?
A 100 g washi caddy paired with a Japanese tea or a scented blend makes a beautiful, complete gift. To go further, our tea gift sets and Japanese teaware round out the experience perfectly.
what our customers say
You say it better than we ever could.
9,9/10
14 verified reviews
Loading reviews…
French House
Independent since 2016.
Fast delivery
Home delivery or click & collect.
Made with heart
In the south of France.
Customer service
A real voice at the end of the line,
Monday to Friday: 04 22 91 35 75.
letter from the house
Don't miss
Don't miss
a single drop.
Sharing, passing it on: our teas, our tips, the occasional unexpected idea, and little attentions just for you. Pure pleasure, ready to steep.