Sip the Flavors of Japan’s Autumn: Starbucks’ Hōjicha Roasted Sweet Potato Mousse Tea Latte
A Flavor You’ll Only Find in Japan
If you’re traveling to Japan this fall, there’s one seasonal treat you won’t want to miss: Starbucks’ Hōjicha Roasted Sweet Potato Mousse Tea Latte.
Launched nationwide on September 3, 2025, this limited-time drink captures the essence of Japanese autumn in a single cup.
What Are Hōjicha and Yaki-imo?
“Hōjicha and yaki-imo? What are those?”—that’s probably what many of you are thinking.
But for Japanese people, both are nostalgic flavors that feel like home.
• Hōjicha (ほうじ茶): This is a classic Japanese tea made by roasting green tea leaves. The roasting brings out a warm, toasty, slightly smoky fragrance. It’s smoother and less bitter than regular green tea, which makes it an everyday favorite for many people in Japan.
When you think of Japan, chances are “matcha sweets” come to mind. But here’s a little secret—hōjicha treats pop up just as often in cafés and wagashi shops. Next time, don’t miss the chance to try one!
• Yaki-imo (焼き芋): Nothing says autumn in Japan like this! Sweet potatoes are roasted slowly over hot stones or charcoal, turning the skin wonderfully fragrant while the inside becomes fluffy, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth sweet. As the weather gets chilly, you’ll spot yaki-imo being sold everywhere—from little street stalls to supermarket corners.
Sweet potato sweets are all the rage in Japan right now! You’ll find them in all sorts of forms—cakes, mont blanc, tarts, you name it. In fact, just walking around town, you might stumble upon entire shops that specialize only in sweet potato desserts.
Put the two together, and you get this drink—a cup that feels like sipping the taste of Japanese autumn itself.
What Makes This Drink Special
• Hōjicha Caramel Milk → Toasty hōjicha mixed with just the right touch of caramel sweetness.
• Sweet Potato Chunk Sauce → Thick, sweet sauce with real bits of roasted sweet potato waiting at the bottom—pure natural sweetness!
• Fluffy Sweet Potato Mousse → A cloud-like mousse on top, sprinkled with a powder that mimics roasted sweet potato skin for an extra autumn vibe.
Each sip is a little adventure—sweet, toasty, and full of fun texture changes.
Price and size
• Available in Tall size only
– Take-out：628 yen (tax included)
– Dine-in：640 yen (tax included)
Make It Your Own with Customizations!
• Free: Sweeten things up with extra caramel or chocolate drizzle.
• +¥55: Go richer with white mocha syrup, or add a shot of blonde espresso for even more toasty depth.
Best Times to Sip It on Your Trip
• A cozy pick-me-up between shrine and temple visits
• Perfect for sipping while wandering through autumn parks or enjoying the fall colors
• A sweet little break during a shopping spree
A cup that blends hōjicha and yaki-imo—could there be a better way to taste Japan’s autumn? Don’t miss it on your next fall adventure in Japan!