Matcha new year's fair
A refined selection of Uji matcha and hojicha powder, crafted for depth, aroma, and a smooth, umami-rich experience.
Matcha new year's fair - Set selection
Featured product: New Year's Sencha
Deep-steamed first-harvest green tea with profound umami and silky body
Kankōbai (寒紅梅), meaning “Crimson Plum in the Cold,” is a poetic expression in Japanese culture. It refers to the first red plum blossoms that bloom while winter is still lingering, symbolizing quiet strength, elegance, and the promise of renewal. This tea reflects that same spirit, offering a cup that feels both comforting and refined, rich yet beautifully balanced.
A Fukamushi Sencha of exceptional depth
Kankōbai is a Fukamushi Sencha, a style of green tea in which the leaves are steamed two to three times longer than in traditional sencha. This deep-steaming process breaks down the leaves more thoroughly, allowing more of their components to dissolve into the cup. As a result, the infusion becomes thicker and more opaque, with enhanced sweetness and umami, while astringency and bitterness are naturally softened. The mouthfeel becomes smoother and more rounded, giving this tea a uniquely luxurious texture.
First harvest, expertly blended
This tea is made from ichibancha, the first harvest of the year, which is prized in Japan for its high concentration of amino acids and its naturally rich, mellow taste. Kankōbai is also a carefully composed blend of teas from Shizuoka and Kagoshima. Shizuoka contributes structure and clarity, while Kagoshima brings softness and depth, creating a harmonious balance that elevates the overall character of the tea.
Tasting profile
In the cup, Kankōbai offers an unusually deep experience for a sencha. Its strong umami recalls the richness of a fine gyokuro, yet it remains smooth and approachable. The liquor feels round and full in the mouth, with a thick, almost velvety texture. There is no bitterness or harsh astringency, only a gentle, slightly dry finish that lingers softly after each sip, inviting you back for another taste.
Kankōbai is ideal for those who appreciate teas with depth, smoothness, and a pronounced umami character. It is especially enjoyable during quiet moments of focus or relaxation, and it pairs beautifully with delicate sweets. For anyone who loves the richness of gyokuro but prefers the freshness and ease of sencha, this tea offers a truly refined and satisfying experience.
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Our History
The brand name Chikiriya has a long history of more than 450 years. Chikiriya tea house itself was founded in 1854 in Kyoto and remains to this day a major actor in the tea industry of Kyoto.
Chikiriya Tea Shop
Chikiriya Tea Shop is located in the Hoko-cho (Takayama) area of the Gion Matsuri. The festival reaches its peak in middle July crowded with locals and tourists. We propose the best tea according to seasons and customer’s needs.
OUR BLOG
Explore our blog and uncover fascinating stories and insights about Japanese tea. From the fresh vibrancy of shincha to the health-boosting benefits of organic blends. Learn about the unique nutrients that make Japanese tea so special.
Let customers speak for us
Green intense colour.
Delicate sweet taste.
Very pleasant matcha.
Excellent quality powder.
The sweetness is more in the background while the umami is more dominant. I didn't taste any bitterness or felt adstringency. Like I said, one of the best tea's I ever had!
Beautiful Tokoname I use this daily since it came
Absolutely delicious and very clean ingredients which is hard to find
Everything went smoothly! I ordered the Uji matcha in October and it arrived in two weeks—really fast (even though I’m only writing the review now, with everything going on). Ordered from Italy and delivered via Poste Italiane. It will definitely be a much-appreciated gift. Thank you!
Delicious chocolate, a great accompaniment to green tea
I bought three packs as this tea cannot be substituted, and like the last time I bought this tea, am trying two new types of green tea as well. (I ate the green tea chocolate at an indecent rate, delicious! Well worth adding to complement this wonderful tea).
Very lovely tokoname very nice definitely taste the difference in the taste of tea
Came in quick and wrapped makes a perfect present to give anyone that loves tea or just even for yourself! I bought mine to give to my parents
Bought this for a present for my mother shes fallen in love with it now we can sit down together drinking this together.
Very tasty would definitely get more
I originally had this tea in Tokyo at a random restaurant by chance. I loved it so much i inquired as to what it was. Never tasted anything like it. But unfortunately, could not find it in our limited time left in the city. Couldn't stop thinking about it so I ordered it from here to the US. I have only had about 10 cups from the package I received, but I will definitely be a repeat buyer of this product. I would give it 10 stars if I could!
