Uji Shuppin Gyokuro
Garden Direct Green Tea
Uji Shuppin Gyokuro
Uji Shuppin Gyokuro
Uji Shuppin Gyokuro
Uji Shuppin Gyokuro

Uji Shuppin Gyokuro

A competition-grade gyokuro that layers vintages of different ages for a rich umami infusion, lifted by fresh aromatics.


About 10 Cups Of Tea

Deep and resonating umami. Rich sweetness with the classic Uji aroma of maturing vintages.

About This Tea
“Shuppin” is Japanese for “competition grade.” This top-shelf Uji Gyokuro comes from our friend Mr. Hisaki Horii, an 8th-generation Gyokuro and Matcha producer. Horii-san leads his family’s Kyoto-based tea business, Hekisuien, which was established in 1867 and is renowned for its mastery of traditional Gyokuro and Matcha production.

This exceptional Gyokuro is a vintage blend composed of 90% hand-picked teas and 10% scissor-harvested high-end lots from the Kyotanabe, Ujitawara, and Maizuru regions of Kyoto Prefecture. Each micro-lot in the blend was selected from competition-grade teas specifically crafted for Kyoto’s annual tea contest.

The inclusion of aged tea portions lends a rich depth and long-lasting umami sweetness, which harmonizes beautifully with the fresh, lively character of newer vintages. The luxurious taste of this blend is primarily derived from the Gokou cultivar, while the Tsuyuhikari and Houshun cultivars contribute layers of brightness, complexity, and aromatic refinement to the 2025 Shuppin Gyokuro vintage.
Ingredients

Green tea

Origin

Uji, Kyoto, Japan

Cultivar

Gokou, Samidori, Houshun, Ujihikari, Tsuyuhikari

Harvest

5/14/2021, 5/5/2023, 5/21/2023, 5/24/2023

Elevation

Maizuru 20 meters, Kyotanabe 65 meters, Ujitawara 160 meters

Uji background map mobile

Origin

Uji

Kyoto, Japan

The small city of Uji is located on the southeast border of Kyoto and is renowned and widely considered to produce some of the best teas. The lower elevation tea gardens along the Uji River have warmer soil, which are favored when producing shade-grown teas like tencha and gyokuro.

Preparation
  • Imperial
  • Metric
Traditional Tea Preparation

Add 5-7g to a small (150mL/5oz) kyusu teapot or hohin.

Use boiled water cooled to 170°F. Add just enough water cover the tea leaves.

The traditional method of brewing gyokuro is to use about 1 part tea to 1.2 parts water. Infuse for 25 seconds and decant. You don’t want to drown the tea leaves or add too much water on the first brew.

Repeat for another 5+ infusions, adding 5-10 seconds to each subsequent infusion. Brew several rounds until the flavor and aroma dissipates. Make sure to add just enough water to cover the tea leaves each round to get the traditional deep taste and rich body.

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