About this tea

The Okawa region of Shizuoka, Japan lies in the upper stream of the Warashina River. The Zen monk Shoichi Kokushi was born here and introduced tea seeds to the Okawa region in 1244. Okawa is one of the most revered and oldest Hon Yama Sencha producing villages. It is also one of the highest elevation tea farming areas in all of Japan and is famous for its elegant, deep tasting and aromatic sencha. The high mountain region of Okawa is surrounded by dense forests, clear air and pure river streams. The tea gardens are fed by sweeping clouds and mists from the Japanese Alps.

Our friend and producer in Okawa is Mr. Rikio San. He lives in a remote area of Okawa at a higher elevation, above most of the region’s tea farms, making it the perfect place for organic tea. His home and several tea gardens are situated within natural forest buffer zones that shroud the area from industrial pollution. Rikio San mainly produces classic Hon Yama Sencha. Based on Rikio San’s artisan farming skills and unique tea terroir, we commissioned this special batch of high mountain Hon Yama Gyokuro, which is absolutely a rare treat for gyokuro lovers.

It is unusual to produce gyokuro in the high mountain. This batch is rich and umami while balanced with bittersweet and brisk notes. The special aromatic mountain character of this gyokuro is a rare treasure for Japanese tea aficionados.