ShiZen Tea
Super Premium Hand Picked KYOTO HON-GYOKURO from Japan 10g
Super Premium Hand Picked KYOTO HON-GYOKURO from Japan 10g
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A deep Kyoto hon-gyokuro for a concentrated umami cup.
A small hand-picked gyokuro to brew slowly, with a concentrated first cup and a clear comparison to our organic Kagoshima gyokuro.
What the cup is like
Dense umami and soft sweetness come forward when brewed cool and concentrated. This is the small-cup gyokuro option for slow tasting, not a daily mug.
First cup
This matches the concentrated first round in the brewing notes below.
YAMASHITA: The Transparent Impact
Kyoto Kyotanabe Heritage Gyokuro (10g)
A paradox in a cup. Visually close to transparent, yet possessing an umami density that rivals a rich soup. It enters the body silently, leaving a powerful, lingering resonance. This is the pinnacle of Japanese Gyokuro craftsmanship.
The Beauty of Contradiction
When brewed at low temperatures, the liquid is light green yellow color. Yet, the moment it touches your tongue, the experience betrays its appearance.
An overwhelming wave of Umami spreads smoothly but powerfully through your body. It is viscous, rich, and profound. The finish is a "soft landing," leaving a clean, beautiful echo in your mouth. This Gyokuro challenges the very definition of green tea.
"Humans Grow Gyokuro"
The Yamashita family in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, holds a philosophy: "Nature grows Sencha, but humans grow Gyokuro."
With a history of winning the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award seven times, their technique is uncompromising. They use the "Shigoki-tsumi" hand-picking method, harvesting only once a year to concentrate all nutrients into a single bud. This 10g package is not just tea; it is the crystallization of a year's worth of dedication and mastery.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE
This tea requires no accompaniment. No sweets, no distractions. We recommend enjoying it in solitude or with a close confidant. Prepare a small cup, lower the water temperature, and let the silence of the room merge with the aroma of the tea. After drinking, the tea leaves themselves are tender enough to be eaten with a drop of ponzu sauce—the final delight of this journey.
The Origin & Producer +
Region: Kyotanabe, Kyoto, Japan.
Cultivar: Samidori
Producer: The Yamashita Family
Context: Kyotanabe is renowned as the cradle of high-grade Gyokuro. The Yamashita family has led this tradition for three generations. Toshikazu Yamashita is a designated "Modern Master Craftsman," and their field is often referred to as a "Grand Cru" of the gyokuro tea world.
Taste Notes +
- Appearance: Very light green color.
- Aroma: Distinct "Ooika" (shaded aroma)—a savory scent reminiscent of fresh seaweed and young greens, perceivable even at low temperatures.
- Palate: Viscous and thick, like a soup. An explosion of savory Umami without bitterness.
- Finish: A "soft landing." The flavor doesn't vanish but leaves a long, clean, and sweet resonance.
How to Brew: The 5-Round Ritual +
Gyokuro is grown in the shade to suppress bitterness and maximize Umami. Unlike standard Sencha, it is best enjoyed in small, concentrated drops, evolving through five distinct infusions.
Standard Ratio:
1g of leaves : 10ml of water
(e.g., For a standard brew, use 5g leaves with 50ml water)
| Round | Temp. | Time | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 40°C (104°F) | 2:15 min | Pure Umami |
| 2nd | 42°C (108°F) | 1:00 min | Richness |
| 3rd | 44°C (111°F) | 15 sec | Balance |
| 4th | 46°C (115°F) | Instant | Lightness |
| 5th | 50°C (122°F) | Instant | Final Drop |
The Final Delight: Zero Waste
After the 5th round, the tea leaves are still tender and rich in nutrients. In Japan, we do not discard them. Add a pinch of salt or a drop of Ponzu (citrus soy sauce) and enjoy them as a salad. It completes the cycle of appreciation.
FAQ
Q. How soon will my order be shipped?
A. We typically ship orders within 1-3 business days. In the rare event that an item is out of stock, it may take longer. If that happens, we will contact you directly to discuss the options.
Q. What is your return policy?
A. If there is a quality issue, damage, defect, or wrong item, please contact us within 30 days so we can arrange a refund or replacement. Unopened tea in its original factory-sealed package and unused tea ware can be returned within 14 days. Opened tea cannot be returned for food-safety reasons. Orders can be cancelled before shipment. Please see our Refund Policy for the full terms.
Q. Is this tea organic?
A. This tea is not certified organic. It is produced in Japan under Japanese agricultural standards. If you are looking specifically for certified organic tea, we recommend our Organic Sencha or Organic Matcha.
Q. Will I have to pay customs and import taxes?
A. For U.S. orders, import duties and related charges are currently handled by ShiZen Tea when applicable, so you should not normally be asked to pay customs charges on delivery. For other countries, customs duties, import taxes, or local fees may vary depending on your country's regulations and may be charged to the buyer. Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure.
Q. Can I track my order?
A. Yes, tracking is available for all orders. Once your order has been shipped, you will receive a confirmation email containing your tracking number and a link to track your package.
Q. How much caffeine does this tea contain?
A. Yes. Like other Japanese green teas, this tea contains caffeine. The exact amount can vary depending on the tea amount, water temperature, and steeping time. If you are sensitive to caffeine, we recommend enjoying it earlier in the day.
Q. How should I store the tea?
A. Please store the tea in a cool, dark place, away from heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. After opening, seal the package tightly and enjoy it as soon as possible, while the aroma is still fresh.
Q. What payment methods do you accept?
A. We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) as well as PayPal.