Shincha

Shincha FAQ's

What's The Difference Between Shincha and Sencha?


Understanding the difference between shincha and sencha can be confusing. To clarify, all shincha is a type of sencha, but not all sencha is shincha. Here's the key distinction:

Sencha green tea is typically harvested multiple times each year, with the first harvest generally recognized as the highest quality. Most of this initial harvest is stored in a cold environment, allowing it to be distributed fresh throughout the year as it is taken out of storage and repackaged.

However, a specific portion of this first harvest is immediately sold and not stored—this is what is known as shincha. Shincha is prized for its freshness and is available only once a year, directly after harvest.


Is shincha better than first harvest sencha?


The question of whether shincha is better than first harvest sencha doesn't have a straightforward answer. While shincha is undoubtedly the freshest form of green tea available, since it is sold immediately after harvesting without undergoing cold storage, this doesn't necessarily make it superior. The cold storage process can alter the characteristics of the tea, sometimes enhancing and sometimes diminishing its qualities depending on personal taste preferences.

Shincha tends to have a bolder flavor compared to regular first harvest sencha, which often becomes milder after the storage period. While we cannot definitively say that one is better than the other, it is clear that many customers eagerly await shincha arrival each year, seeking the unparalleled freshness it offers.

(FAQs continued at bottom of page below the products)


 2024 Shincha Releases:

Note: Every green tea located under this category is considered shincha at this time even if it doesn't specifically say the word shincha, or only has the word sencha in its title.  This will remain the case until around the middle or end of June. The following teas have been released this year so far in the shincha form.

If you would like to be notified when a shincha comes into stock, navigate to the product and enter your email address into the "notify me when back in stock" area.

April 26, 2024 - Sae Midori Shincha

May 2, 2024 - Shizuoka Shincha Mio

May 6, 2024 - Shizuoka Shincha Haruna

May 8, 2024 - Shizuoka Yutaka Midori Shincha Madoka



    • Expected on May 14, 2024
    • A Tsuen Tea!
    • Shincha!

        Uji Shincha Kirameki

        Experience the rare delight of Uji Shincha Kirameki, exclusively offered by the historic Tsuen Tea Shop, Japan's oldest tea merchant residing along the picturesque Uji River for over 860 years. This exceptional tea is a once-a-year phenomenon during the shincha season, and once depleted, it won't be available until the next harvest. While Tsuen Tea does offer the Ujibashi San no Ma blend after shincha season, the Kirameki holds a distinctive charm that makes it uniquely sought-after.

        Meticulously crafted from the finest 100% Uji-grown Yabukita leaves harvested during the first flush, this asamushi (lightly steamed) sencha enchants with its vibrant, grassy aroma and refined flavor. Kirameki represents the epitome of Japanese green tea, offering a fleeting taste of spring's fresh vitality.

        Do not miss the opportunity to indulge in this limited-edition brew. Secure your 100-gram package today and immerse yourself in the exquisite pleasures of shincha season with Uji Shincha Kirameki.

        4.6
        Score: 4.6 (votes: 7)
        Reviews: 4
        • ¥3,700 JPY
        • 37   – Reward points
        En rupture de stock
        • Expected on May 10, 2024
        • A Tsuen Tea!
        • Shincha!

            Uji Shincha Aoi

            We are proud to present the distinguished Uji Shincha "Aoi" from Tsuen Tea, Japan's oldest teashop. This superb sencha, crafted from the first-harvest yabukita leaves, holds the prestigious position as Tsuen’s second top sencha, only surpassed by the celebrated San no Ma. Lightly steamed to draw out its vibrant, grassy aroma, "Aoi" encapsulates the refreshing essence of spring.

            Brewed directly from the scenic banks of the Uji River, this tea represents the pinnacle of Japanese green tea craftsmanship. Each sip of "Aoi" promises a taste of tradition and excellence, making it a must-have for any tea lover.

            Available in convenient 100-gram packages, seize the opportunity to experience one of the finest brews Japan has to offer with Uji Shincha "Aoi." Don't let this exceptional tea pass you by!

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            • ¥2,900 JPY
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            En rupture de stock
            • Expected on May 10, 2024
            • Shincha!

                Yutaka Midori Shincha

                We take pride in being pioneers, as we were among the first online tea shops to introduce the exquisite Yutaka Midori sencha to tea enthusiasts globally. This cherished shincha, sourced from the verdant expanses of Kagoshima prefecture at Japan's southernmost point, has captivated tea lovers and remained a top favorite.

                Yutaka Midori is celebrated for its exceptional green tea characteristics. We encourage you to experience this sencha and see how it stands out against others available online. You'll be struck by its deep emerald hue, enchanting aroma, and superior flavor. This tea is not just a beverage; it's a journey into the heart of Japanese tea culture.

                Don't miss the chance to savor one of our most adored green teas. Order your 100-gram package today and discover why Yutaka Midori continues to impress and delight tea lovers worldwide.

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                • ¥2,600 JPY
                • 26   – Reward points
                En rupture de stock
                • Nouveau
                • Popular!
                • Shincha!

                    Sae Midori Sencha

                    4.8
                    Score: 4.8 (votes: 29)
                    Reviews: 26
                    • ¥2,600 JPY
                    • 26   – Reward points
                    Sorry, we only have 39 of that item available
                    • Nouveau
                    • Shincha!

                        Kaoru Fukamushi Sencha

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                        • ¥2,500 JPY
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                        • Nouveau
                        • Shincha!
                        • Coming Soon!

                            Kaoru Fukamushi Sencha

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                            • ¥2,300 JPY
                            • 23   – Reward points
                            Sorry, we only have 39 of that item available
                            • Nouveau
                            • Unique!

                                Yutaka Midori Sencha Madoka

                                Experience the exquisite taste of Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori "Madoka," a premium green tea crafted from the first harvest in the lush fields of Kagoshima prefecture, at Japan's southern tip. This distinct sencha variety offers a unique twist on our classic Yutaka Midori, featuring a smoother, less grassy flavor with a subtle astringency that enhances its rich profile. Rich in catechins, Madoka not only delights your palate but also offers a potent dose of antioxidants.

                                For the perfect cup, take care to monitor the water temperature and steeping time closely, ensuring every sip delivers the optimal balance of flavors. Available in convenient 100-gram packages, Madoka is an ideal choice for both green tea enthusiasts and newcomers looking to explore the subtleties of authentic Japanese sencha.

                                Discover the vibrant taste of Kagoshima with every steep. Order your Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori "Madoka" today and elevate your tea experience!

                                4.8
                                Score: 4.8 (votes: 8)
                                Reviews: 3
                                • ¥2,300 JPY
                                • 23   – Reward points
                                Sorry, we only have 40 of that item available
                                • Expected on May 15, 2024
                                • Shincha!

                                    Deep Steamed Shincha Kaoru

                                    Introducing Fukamushi Shincha "Kaoru" – an exceptional first flush green tea from the lush Makinohara district of Shizuoka Prefecture. This 100% Yabukita tea captivates with its vibrant green color and thicker consistency, enhanced by a strikingly grassy aroma that surpasses ordinary deep-steamed green teas. Experience a taste that resonates long after each sip, marking a truly memorable tea experience.

                                    Easy to brew, though we recommend using a teapot designed for fukamushi-cha to capture its essence perfectly. For optimal flavor, avoid overly hot or prolonged brewing. Like all our teas, "Kaoru" is sealed in nitrogen-filled bags to guarantee freshness at every opening.

                                    Available in 100-gram packages, "Kaoru" is ready to transform your tea moments into something extraordinary.

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                                    • ¥2,000 JPY
                                    • 20   – Reward points
                                    En rupture de stock
                                    • Expected on May 10, 2024
                                    • Shincha!

                                        Chiran Shincha

                                        Indulge in the exquisite balance and robust flavor of this year's Chiran Sencha, freshly harvested from the historic samurai town of Chiran in Kagoshima, Japan. Crafted from the celebrated Yabukita tea plant, this shincha variant is noted for its superb aroma and delightful mouthfeel, making every sip a luxurious experience. Elevate your tea time with our aromatic and delicious Chiran Sencha—perfect for those who cherish the finer things in life.

                                        Available in 100-gram packages, it's the ideal way to savor a fresh, flavorful cup anytime you desire.

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                                        • ¥1,900 JPY
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                                      Best-sellers

                                        • Popular!
                                        • Shincha!
                                            • Nouveau

                                            Sae Midori Sencha

                                            4.8
                                            Score: 4.8 (votes: 29)
                                            Reviews: 26
                                            • ¥2,600 JPY
                                            • 26   – Reward points
                                            Sorry, we only have 39 of that item available
                                            • Shincha!
                                                • Expected on May 10, 2024

                                                Yutaka Midori Shincha

                                                0.0
                                                Add first review
                                                Not rated yet
                                                • ¥2,600 JPY
                                                • 26   – Reward points
                                                En rupture de stock
                                                • Unique!
                                                    • Nouveau

                                                    Yutaka Midori Sencha Madoka

                                                    4.8
                                                    Score: 4.8 (votes: 8)
                                                    Reviews: 3
                                                    • ¥2,300 JPY
                                                    • 23   – Reward points
                                                    Sorry, we only have 40 of that item available

                                                  When is Shincha available?


                                                  It's available from harvest in late April through usually June, as supplies permit. Quite often the tea we are selling in June is actually shincha though not labelled as such.


                                                  Shincha green teas are released one by one. To be notified by email the moment any of the following shincha come into stock, navigate to the product and click on the "Notify Me When Back in Stock" button. 


                                                   What about "shincha" gyokuro and matcha?


                                                  Shade-grown gyokuro and matcha leaves are typically harvested in May, aligning with the timing for the first harvest of traditional sencha. However, these varieties of tea usually undergo several months of aging to enhance their flavors, which consequently delays their market release until the autumn season. If these teas are consumed prior to this aging process, they exhibit a markedly pronounced "green" taste.

                                                  During the summer months, it is customary for producers to blend the current year's gyokuro with leaves from the previous harvest, particularly in instances where there is a shortage of older stock that must be extended until the fall. Although these teas remain suitable for consumption, they do not represent the peak quality of fresh harvests and thus are not categorized as true "shincha."

                                                  At O-Cha.com, we opt not to market our products as "shincha matcha" or "shincha gyokuro," as these teas are valued not for their immediacy but for their matured, robust flavors.

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