ShiZen Tea
Hoshino Shizuku 2026 First Pick 「星の雫」- Premium sencha green tea from Yame Hoshinomura 50g
Hoshino Shizuku 2026 First Pick 「星の雫」- Premium sencha green tea from Yame Hoshinomura 50g
About 16 cups per pouch
Approx. $1.00 per cup
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A deep, aromatic first-pick Saemidori sencha from Yame Hoshinomura.
A clear first look at Hoshino Shizuku's mountain-grown Yame character: rich umami, fresh aroma, spring harvest, and first brew.
What the cup is like
Hoshino Shizuku is deeper and more aromatic than a light everyday sencha. The Saemidori cultivar brings rich umami and clear sweetness, while the mountain-grown Yame Hoshinomura origin gives the cup a rounded, composed finish.
First cup
Use this as a clear first brew for the 2026 batch, then adjust temperature or time depending on whether you want more aroma or more softness.
2026 First Pick — Just arrived
This year's first harvest from Hoshinomura village in Yame has arrived in our shop. Best enjoyed by April 30, 2027. The previous 2025 batch is still available here while supplies last.
Hoshino Shizuku, meaning "Stardrop." A name inspired by a village famed for its starry skies, and the precious single drop of its exceptional tea.
- Origin: Fukuoka prefecture, Yame region, Hoshinomura village
- Harvest Season: mid-April 2026
- Steam: Medium steam
- Cultivar: Saemidori
- Shading: around 7 days
- Net Weight: 50g
This year's batch: Deeper umami than last year, with a subtle roasted note. A beautifully balanced, rounded cup — quietly composed and refined.
The Story of Our Discovery
We first found this tea at the Yame Tea Market. Its balance of rich umami, clear sweetness, and the fresh aroma of young leaves stood out among the lots we tasted.
Hoshinomura is known for high-grade tea, and this medium-steamed Saemidori shows the region through deep umami, clear sweetness, and a fresh green aroma.
For a quiet cup at the day's end, or a gentle pause to share with someone dear, Hoshino Shizuku offers a deep, composed expression of Yame's spring tea.
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.