Tales of Uji - Ceremonial Uji Matcha "Tenarai" - Single origin Okumidori

Exquisite Flavors

Okumidori, a renowned matcha cultivar from Uji, Kyoto, is prized for its vibrant jade-green color and fine texture. Harvested in spring during the first flush, this ceremonial-grade matcha delivers a rich, well-balanced flavor with delicate umami notes and a subtle sweetness, while maintaining minimal bitterness.

Tenarai matcha captivates with its vibrant aroma and subtle astringency, gracefully transitioning into a deep, lingering umami.

Versatile in preparation, this finely stone-ground matcha from Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, can be enjoyed as Koicha** (thick and rich), Usucha** (thin and light), or as a creamy latte. For a refreshing summer indulgence, savor it chilled.

**Please be careful with the term "ceremonial" as it doesn't have any clear definition and is not used here in Japan. We prefer to talk in terms of Usucha (thin tea) and Koicha (thick tea), which refer to method of preparation used during tea ceremonies.

Sourced from Generations of Expertise

Each product in the Tales of Uji series has been carefully crafted in partnership with our renowned tea master.

As the next-generation owner of a small family-run tea plantation in Uji, he has been recognized through numerous awards in national tea competitions in Japan. His expertise ensures unparalleled quality in every cup.

A Tribute to Uji's Rich Heritage

With over 800 years of tea-related history, Uji is one of Japan’s most esteemed tea-producing regions, especially celebrated for its exceptional matcha and gyokuro.

However, Uji is more than just the home of exquisite tea—it is also a place rich in cultural heritage. The city serves as the setting for The Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s most iconic literary masterpieces, adding timeless depth to its legacy.

In the final chapters of this classic, we encounter Ukifune, a character embodying mystery and allure. As the illegitimate daughter of the Eighth Prince, she is torn between two loves and ultimately chooses a path of renunciation and serenity by becoming a Buddhist nun.

Inspired by Japanese woodblock prints, we honor this ephemeral and dreamlike essence by depicting Ukifune in all her grace. Her silhouette, draped in a Heian-era kimono, fades into the flowing movement of her hair, symbolizing both the fleeting nature of dreams and the impermanence central to The Tale of Genji. This transient beauty mirrors the suspended moment offered by each sip of matcha—a brief escape into a world of flavor and tradition.