Tales of Uji - Ceremonial Uji Matcha "Yume no Ukihashi" - Single origin Okumidori

A Symphony of Freshness and Umami

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.

Yume no Ukihashi matcha captivates with its fresh aroma, velvety texture, and refined, well-balanced flavor highlighted by gentle umami notes.

This finely stone-ground matcha from Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, offers versatility, allowing you to enjoy it as Koicha**(thick/rich) or Usucha**(thin/light), catering to your personal preference.
For an authentic experience, pair it with your favorite treat or a traditional Japanese sweet (wagashi).

**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

Supervised by Masayuki Yamashita, Tea Master of Kojimachaen plantation.

The matcha in our Tales of Uji series has been curated and supervised by Masayuki Yamashita, the 6th-generation tea master of Kojimachaen plantation, a renowned tea producer with nearly 200 years of heritage in Shirakawa, Uji, Kyoto.

A recipient of 1st place at the 66th National Tea Appraisal Skills Competition and four-time winner of the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award at the National Tea Competitions, Yamashita-san brings an exceptional sensory expertise and an unwavering dedication to crafting the finest tea, every single day.

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.