Uji Matcha Complete Guide

Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture is the esteemed home of Uji Matcha, widely celebrated as the pinnacle of Japanese tea. With over a thousand years of history, this region has served as the heart of matcha culture, preserving its traditions to this day. Visitors to Uji will not only taste matcha but also experience its profound history and culture with all five senses.

History and Tradition of Uji Matcha

Tea cultivation in Uji is said to have begun in the Kamakura period when Zen Master Eisai brought tea seeds to the region. Since then, Uji has been blessed with a climate and soil ideal for tea cultivation, leading to the development of a unique method called 'ōishita saibai' (covered cultivation). This traditional cultivation method produces the rich umami and vibrant green color characteristic of Uji Matcha. In the tea ceremony, which developed alongside Zen Buddhism, Uji Matcha has always been highly prized as the finest grade and has been deeply intertwined with Japan's spiritual culture.

Uji's Tea Gardens and Tea Ceremony Experience

Just a short distance from the city of Uji, you'll encounter a landscape of beautiful tea fields. Here, you can catch a glimpse of how tea leaves are carefully cultivated. Uji is also dotted with historic tea houses and facilities where you can experience the tea ceremony. Under the guidance of experts, you'll have a valuable opportunity to learn how to prepare matcha and its etiquette. The experience of whisking authentic Uji Matcha yourself and savoring it in a tranquil setting will surely become an unforgettable memory.