Ippodo Tea

Founded in 1717 in the heart of Kyoto, Ippodo Tea has been producing exceptional matcha for over 309 years, making it one of the oldest continuously operating tea houses in Japan. Established during the Edo period, Ippodo quickly gained recognition for their meticulous attention to quality and traditional production methods. The name "Ippodo" translates to "one path" or "single way," reflecting their unwavering commitment to the art of tea. Throughout their three-century history, Ippodo has served tea to Japanese nobility, tea ceremony masters, and discerning tea enthusiasts worldwide. Their Kyoto location in the historic Teramachi district has become a pilgrimage site for matcha lovers, where visitors can experience traditional tea service and purchase directly from the source.

Ippodo matcha is renowned for its exceptional balance of sweetness, umami, and subtle vegetal notes. Their ceremonial grades like Ikuyo and Kan exhibit a vibrant jade-green color with a smooth, creamy texture when whisked. The aroma is fresh and grassy with hints of seaweed, characteristic of high-quality Japanese matcha. On the palate, you'll experience an initial sweetness followed by rich umami depth, with minimal bitterness or astringency. The finish is clean and lingering, leaving a pleasant sweetness that invites another sip. Higher grades like Ummon offer even more complexity, with pronounced umami and a velvety mouthfeel perfect for koicha (thick tea) preparation. Each grade is carefully crafted to suit different purposes, from daily drinking to formal tea ceremonies.