Usucha (standard)Hatsu-Mukashi - Uji Matcha
Usucha (standard), sourced from Uji, Samidori cultivar
$36.00 (20g)
~$1.80 per gram
Grade
Usucha (standard)
Cultivar
Samidori
Region
Uji
Price in context
At $1.80 per gram, it costs more than 79% of the other 969 matchas in the database with a confirmed price and size. Among the 353 Uji matchas with a confirmed price, the median is $1.28 per gram, and this one is above the regional median. Among Tezumi's 51 matchas with a confirmed price, this is the 22nd-cheapest per gram.
Compared across 970 products with a confirmed price and size, with yen, pound and euro prices converted to dollars. See how Uji compares · How we research
Sourcing
Uji, Japan
View the full sourcing map →Tasting notes
"velvety umami, soft aroma, and subtle complexities"; chart indicates moderate sweetness, notable umami, gentle aroma, low astringency, minimal bitterness
Pricing as disclosed
Full details
Everything disclosed on the product page (14 fields)▾
- Price
- $36.00
- Size
- 20g
- Producer
- Arita Sansuien
- Region
- Uji, Kyoto (specifically Joyo, Hachiman, Yamashiro)
- Cultivar Blend
- Samidori (hand-picked and machine-picked), Okumidori, Saemidori, Uji-Hikari
- Harvest
- April-May 2025
- Picking Method
- Machine-picked except where specified; blended from machine and hand-picked tencha
- Shading Duration
- 20-31 days
- Flavor Profile
- "velvety umami, soft aroma, and subtle complexities"; chart indicates moderate sweetness, notable umami, gentle aroma, low astringency, minimal bitterness
- Description
- Blended from machine and hand-picked tencha, this bright and smooth usucha, with traditional finishing using binchotan charcoal drying - "a traditional practice now almost extinct in Japan"
- Name Meaning
- Hatsu-Mukashi translates to "First Pickings" (初昔), referencing tencha picked in the two weeks before the 88th day of spring
- Recommended Uses
- Usucha (primary), with secondary options for latte and baking
- Brewing Usucha
- 70°C (158°F) water; 70ml water to 2g sifted matcha (approximately 2 tea scoops); whisk briskly back-and-forth for about 20 seconds
- Producer Background
- Arita Sansuien founded 1949; specializes in sourcing, blending, and finishing high-quality tencha; current leader Arita Ippei sources from award-winning farmers including Kikuoka Yuuichi, a "National Tea Competition" first-place winner
Research notes
Notably, this page names Kikuoka Yuuichi as a first-place National Tea Competition winner supplying Arita Sansuien - an award credential tied to a specific named farmer rather than the product itself. No review rating/count visible on this page (unlike sibling Arita Sansuien products which show 1 review). No certifications, ingredients, shelf life, or packaging details disclosed.
