Nakamura Tokichi Matcha Grades Explained: Which One to Buy
Nakamura Tokichi runs six named matcha grades from Fuji-no-Shiro entry usucha up to Ato Mukashi koicha. Here is what each tier tastes like and costs.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
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Join DiscordNakamura Tokichi has made tea in Uji since 1854, and its matcha catalogue is organized as a clear price ladder of six named grades. The names sound cryptic, but the pattern is simple: the lighter "-no-Shiro" grades are for everyday whisked usucha, and the "Mukashi" grades climb in umami, body and price until you reach koicha at the top.
What are the Nakamura Tokichi matcha grades?
There are six, in ascending price: Fuji-no-Shiro, Seikan-no-Shiro, Sho-no-Mukashi, Seiko-no-Mukashi, Uji-no-Mukashi and Ato Mukashi. Fuji-no-Shiro is the entry usucha grade at roughly $0.65 per gram; Ato Mukashi is the premium koicha grade at the top. Everything in between trades a little more money for a little more umami and a thicker, sweeter cup.
| At a glance | Nakamura Tokichi |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1854, Uji, Kyoto |
| Number of named grades | Six, from Fuji-no-Shiro to Ato Mukashi |
| Entry grade | Fuji-no-Shiro, ~$0.65/g usucha |
| Top grade | Ato Mukashi, premium koicha |
| Typical shelf life | ~4 months from milling |
| Where to buy | Ships globally from its own online store |
Which grade should you buy first?
Buy Fuji-no-Shiro first. It is the cheapest ceremonial grade, it is the most forgiving if your whisking technique is still developing, and it is versatile enough for both a plain whisked bowl and a matcha latte. Move up to Sho-no-Mukashi only once you know you want more body and umami in a daily cup.
| Grade | Style | Approx. price/g | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuji-no-Shiro | Clean, mild umami, forgiving | ~$0.65 | First tin, everyday whisked usucha, lattes |
| Sho-no-Mukashi | Deeper umami, classic Uji character | ~$1.35 | Daily drinker who wants more body |
| Uji-no-Mukashi | Thick, sweet, low bitterness | ~$2.80 | Koicha practice and special bowls |
| Ato Mukashi | Most concentrated, premium koicha | ~$4.00 | Formal koicha and gifting |
Which grade is right for koicha?
Use Uji-no-Mukashi or Ato Mukashi. Koicha is the thick, almost paste-like preparation from tea ceremony, and it needs a grade low enough in bitterness to stay pleasant at triple the usual matcha-to-water ratio. The lighter Shiro grades turn harsh when thickened; the top two Mukashi grades are built for it. Because koicha is kneaded into a smooth paste rather than frothed, any rough or astringent edge in the powder is amplified instead of hidden, which is why the extra spend on a true koicha grade is worth it here even though it rarely is for everyday usucha.
How should you store it?
Keep it sealed, cold and dark, and buy small. Nakamura Tokichi matcha holds roughly a four-month freshness window from milling, shorter than many blended supermarket matchas. Check the date printed on the tin, keep it in the fridge in its original bag inside the can, and let it come to room temperature before you open it to avoid condensation.
FAQ
What is the best Nakamura Tokichi matcha for beginners?
Fuji-no-Shiro. It is the entry usucha grade at about $0.65 per gram, leans clean and mildly umami, and is forgiving if your whisking is not perfect yet. It also works well in a latte, so a single tin covers most uses.
What is the difference between the Shiro and Mukashi grades?
The "-no-Shiro" grades (Fuji-no-Shiro, Seikan-no-Shiro) are lighter usucha blends meant for thin, whisked tea. The "Mukashi" grades step up in umami, body and price, and the top two, Uji-no-Mukashi and Ato Mukashi, are made for koicha, the thick preparation used in tea ceremony.
How long does Nakamura Tokichi matcha stay fresh?
Roughly four months from milling. Buy the smallest tin you will realistically finish in that window, check the date on the can, and store it sealed in the refrigerator away from light and strong smells.
Can I buy Nakamura Tokichi matcha outside Japan?
Yes. Nakamura Tokichi ships worldwide from its own global online store, and a small number of authorized retailers carry it. Premium Mukashi grades sell out quickly, so set a restock alert if a specific tier is unavailable.
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