OBUKUCHA 2026 Special Blend
This is an auspicious tea, enjoyed during the New Year to celebrate the arrival of a new beginning and to wish for health throughout the year. Its origins trace back to the Heian period, when the monk Kuya spread this tea to calm a plague that had struck the capital. Later, it came to be known as "Royal Tea" as it was served to the Emperor on New Year's Day. Eventually, it gained popularity among the common people as "Daifuku Tea," a tea to celebrate the New Year.
At YUGEN, we have created our 2026 Special Blend with heartfelt wishes for a vibrant and fulfilling year ahead. This special blend combines our usual single-origin Kabuse Sencha with Sencha, to bring you something truly unique.
You may also enjoy this tea with a piece of kombu or a plum added to it for an extra delightful experience.
We sincerely wish you all health and a bright future.
【Characteristics of Wazuka Tea】
Located in the mountains of Kyoto, Wazuka has a history of more than 800 years as a tea-producing region, known for cultivating leaves of exceptional quality.
The area’s large temperature differences between day and night, together with frequent mist, soften direct sunlight and produce tea with a mellow taste and natural sweetness.
【 Tea Leaf Storage Instructions 】
・Store unopened tea in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. For extended storage, keep it sealed, freeze, and let it return to room temperature before opening.
・After opening, place the tea in an airtight, opaque container and keep it in a cool, dark place. For best quality, enjoy as soon as possible, ideally within one month.
・Avoid storing near strongly scented items, as tea easily absorbs odors.
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【KATAKUCHI MATCHA BOWL】MATCHA BREWING KIT
Contents
◆ Katakuchi Matcha Bowl
◆ Takayama Chasen (Black Bamboo Whisk or White Bamboo Whisk)
◆ Chashaku (Smoked Bamboo or White Bamboo)
◆ Matcha #1 YUGEN Original Blend (30g)
How to brew delicious tea
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1 serving : 4-6g tea leaves / 100ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 50°C
Steeping time : 2 minutes
Point : Brewing slowly at a low temperature results in almost no bitterness or astringency, allowing the deep umami flavor to shine through.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 60°C
Steeping time : 30 seconds
Point : Slightly increasing the temperature brings out a new layer of aroma and mild astringency, along with a gentle umami taste distinct from the first brew.
→UJIHIKARI (Gyokuro / Kyoto)
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1-2 servings : 5g tea leaves / 160ml hot water
・For 3-4 servings : 8g tea leaves / 300ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 90 seconds
Point : Enjoy the signature aroma of sencha along with a refreshing bitterness and astringency, balanced by a gentle umami and subtle sweetness.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 20-30 seconds
Point : Slightly increasing the temperature enhances the astringency, offering a lighter, more refreshing taste compared to the first infusion.
◆ Third Brew
Water temperature : 95-100°C
Steeping time : 10 seconds
Point : A short steep with boiling water brings out a soft bitterness and astringency, creating a clean, mellow finish.
→ OKUMIDORI (SENCHA / KYOTO)
【 Basic Measurements 】
・For 1-2 servings : 5-6g tea leaves / 160ml hot water
・For 3-4 servings : 8-10g tea leaves / 300ml hot water
◆ First Brew
Water temperature : 65°C
Steeping time : 90 seconds
Point : Brewing at a lower temperature reduces bitterness and astringency, allowing you to fully enjoy kabusecha’s signature “covered aroma” (ooika) and its rich umami flavor.
◆ Second Brew
Water temperature : 85°C
Steeping time : 20-30 seconds
Point : Using hotter water brings out a slightly more astringent profile, offering a new dimension of flavor compared to the first brew.
◆ Third Brew
Water temperature : 95-100°C
Steeping time : 10 seconds
Point : A quick steep with boiling water draws out a gentle bitterness and clean astringency for a refreshing finish.
→GOKO (Kabuse Sencha / Kyoto)
