Located along the Asahina River of Shizuoka Prefecture, Kobayashi-san’s tea gardens are situated in the Okabe tea-producing region of Japan, which is famous for producing high-quality gyokuro. Kobayashi-san has practiced organic tea farming for over half a century and manages 15 different tea gardens. Kobayashi-san’s tea gardens are situated on mountainous slopes with ideal sunlight, rainfall, and drainage. His gardens are surrounded by forests and are only accessible through steep roads, creating a secluded and pristine environment that is perfect for cultivating high-quality tea. He harvests his tea twice a year—once in May and once in October—with a primary focus on May’s high-quality first flush organic tencha for matcha. This micro-lot of matcha we offer from Kobayashi-san reflects the signature Shizuoka terroir with brisk notes of alpine herbs balanced with a sweet note of chestnut cream and roasted cacao nibs. This tea is nuanced and refined with layers of flavor. Kobayashi-san’s deep respect for nature contributes to his continued dedication and passion for organic tea cultivation.