Gyokuro

We are proud to present the prestigious Uji Shirakawa Gyokuro, the highest grade of gyokuro available from Tsuen Tea, Japan’s oldest continuously operating tea shop located in Uji near Kyoto. This limited-edition gyokuro is a testament to our commitment to providing only the finest teas. It is a rare opportunity for us to share such an exceptional product, sourced directly from the Tsuen family who have been serving quality teas by the Uji river since 1160.

Cultivated in the revered Shirakawa region, this gyokuro is a product of meticulous care and traditional methods. Shade-grown before harvesting, it boasts a richer green color and a sweeter flavor, distinct characteristics of top-tier gyokuro. This tea is especially rare, made entirely from hand-picked Gokou cultivar leaves and shaded using traditional straw and reed screens, rather than modern shade cloth.

This "old school" approach to tea cultivation not only enhances its quality but also its authenticity. Uji Shirakawa Gyokuro is not typically recommended for beginners due to its sophisticated brewing requirements. It's a connoisseur’s choice, perfect for those who have mastered the art of brewing gyokuro and appreciate its delicate nuances.

Available in 30-gram packages, this exquisite gyokuro is for those looking to indulge in one of the finest green teas Japan has to offer. Visit our read our, how to brew gyokuro page for detailed brewing instructions and prepare to be captivated by this luxurious tea experience.

We are delighted to offer Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō, a superb first-flush gyokuro sourced from a prestigious, centuries-old firm in Uji, Japan. Celebrated for its meticulous cultivation process, this gyokuro is shade-grown for approximately three weeks before harvest, which enhances its vibrant green color and imparts a distinctly sweet flavor profile.

Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō is a tea connoisseur's delight, known for its depth and complexity. Learning to brew this exquisite green tea properly is an art form, and mastering it can offer a lifetime of enjoyment. We encourage you to follow our detailed step-by-step brewing instructions to fully capture the essence and nuances of this exceptional tea.

Available in 100g packages, Uji Gyokuro Gyokuhō is ready to transform your tea-drinking experience. Embrace the rich traditions and delicate flavors of one of Japan's finest green teas.

Be sure to read our brewing instructions as it is brewed differently than sencha: How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!

We are proud to present Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi," a pinnacle of quality in our gyokuro offerings, available in exclusive 50-gram packages. Sourced from the same esteemed Uji supplier as our beloved Gyokuro "Kamejirushi," "Tsurujirushi" represents the zenith of what we can obtain from this storied, centuries-old tea firm. This premium gyokuro is shade-grown prior to harvesting, enhancing its vibrant green hue and enriching its naturally sweet flavor.

The mastery of brewing Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi" is essential to experiencing its full, luxurious potential. This high-quality green tea demands specific brewing techniques, distinct from those used for sencha, to unlock its exquisite depth and complexity. We encourage you to consult our detailed brewing instructions to ensure the perfect cup.

Available in a 50-gram package, Uji Gyokuro "Tsurujirushi" is not just a tea but an experience, offering a taste of the sublime that, once perfected, will captivate you for a lifetime. Embrace the challenge and reward of this exceptional gyokuro.

Introducing Uji Gyokuro Shōun, an exquisite first flush gyokuro sourced from a renowned, centuries-old tea firm in Uji, Japan. This premium green tea is cultivated with meticulous care, shade-grown before harvesting to enhance its vibrant green color and naturally sweeter taste. Uji Gyokuro Shōun represents the epitome of Japanese tea craftsmanship, offering a depth of flavor that is both refined and intensifying.

Mastering the brewing process of this gyokuro is essential to fully appreciate its unique qualities. Unlike sencha, gyokuro requires a specific brewing technique to unlock its full potential. We encourage you to follow our detailed step-by-step brewing instructions to ensure a perfect cup every time: How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!

Available in 100-gram packages, Uji Gyokuro Shōun is ideal for those who seek to immerse themselves in the rich, luxurious flavors of authentic Japanese gyokuro. Embrace this opportunity to explore one of the highest quality teas available and discover why it captivates tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Introducing Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" from Uji, near Kyoto—a superb blend that combines the first harvest of gyokuro leaves with gyokuro stems. Known for its shade-grown cultivation, gyokuro boasts a greener hue and a naturally sweeter taste compared to more commonly found green teas. This specific blend enriches the classic gyokuro with the addition of stems, introducing a delightful tartness that complements its sweetness.

Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" offers a perfect introduction to brewing gyokuro, especially for those new to this style, at an economical price. The brewing process mirrors that of traditional gyokuro: use more leaf, brew at lower temperatures, and allow a longer steeping time to fully develop its depth and character. We recommend using 10 grams of tea per 300ml or less of water, pre-heating your teapot and teacups, and brewing at 55-60°C (131-140°F) for 1.5 to 2 minutes.

Available in 100gm packages, Uji Karigane Gyokuro "Asagiri" is an excellent choice for anyone eager to explore the refined taste of a premium Japanese green tea.

How to Brew Gyokuro - Step-by-Step Instructions!

New & Improved Gyokuro Tea Bags

We finally came across a gyokuro green tea bag of a high quality that is worthy of our lineup. Unlike the vast majority of green tea tea bags you run across, each of our Gyokuro Green Tea Bags consists of 5 grams of high quality gyokuro leaf (not tea dust).  There are a few gyokuro stems in this tea bag which give the tea a slight astringency but the main flavor is gyokuro all the way.

This tea bag comes in a triangular, biodegradable (not plastic or nylon) mesh infusion bag and will not affect the taste as traditional paper teabags are known to do. A wonderful grassy aroma awaits you when you open the re-sealable package.

As of November 2020, the tea bag material used for our Uji green tea bags is composed of a starch based biomass material derived from plants. In addition to the filter, the laminate on the tag and string of this product also incorporate the same environmentally-friendly material.

One package includes (16) five-gram high quality gyokuro tea bags, try some today!