While modern standard matcha is often ground immediately after harvest, Matured Matcha is aged as tencha leaves in a sealed jar over the summer. This traditional process allows the sharp edges of the young tea to soften into a round, profound sweetness.
Matured MATCHA
"Matured Matcha" — crafted in accordance with ancient Japanese methods.
In Japanese culture, the act of "letting things rest"—of aging—holds profound significance.
Authentic matcha, in its original form, is crafted by sealing tencha leaves in a tea jar to mature for about six months.
In an era where efficiency is demanded at every turn, we choose to deliberately cherish this "time to rest."
Precisely because matcha is a defining symbol of Japanese culture, we wish to share its authentic heritage with the world, allowing everyone to experience its true, deeply nurtured flavor and sweetness.
Tea, made in Roppongi.
What is Matured MATCHA ?
Matcha is, without doubt, a timeless treasure of Japanese tea culture.
By shading the tender young leaves from sunlight, carefully harvesting them, drying them into tencha, and slowly grinding them with traditional stone mills, a vibrant, emerald-green powder is born.
To fully elicit its exquisite hue, profound aroma, and innate sweetness, Roppongi Tea Factory ages and grinds only the finest tea leaves—nurtured with utmost devotion by the distinguished tea masters and historical tea gardens of Uji, Kyoto.
We invite you to welcome this meticulously curated "Matured Matcha" into your daily life, and savor a moment of profound richness that is uniquely yours.
The Supreme Tencha of a Venerable Uji Tea Garden
The tencha that forms the foundation of our Matured Matcha is sourced from a venerable tea garden in Uji, Kyoto, founded in 1827. Never released to the general market, this peerless leaf is shared with us only through a cherished, exclusive connection, to be carefully sealed within our tea jars.
The master of the estate, holder of the prestigious "10th-dan" title—the absolute pinnacle of tea craftsmanship—personally guides the entire journey from soil to leaf, overseeing both cultivation and processing to preserve its unmatched character.
(Please refer to each product page for specific details regarding the tea garden and individual varieties.)
The Heritage of Honzu Shading
Today, Honzu shading is a traditional cultivation method reserved exclusively for the finest limited-edition teas, including those recognized as national cultural treasures. We purposefully select tea leaves nurtured through this rare and exacting process.
Approximately twenty days before harvest, the entire tea garden is blanketed with natural straw (wara) and reed screens (yoshizu), filtering the sunlight. While modern synthetic black netting has become common, natural straw and reed allow an exquisite, dappled light to pass through. When rain falls, the water filtering through the thatch carries natural nutrients down to enrich the leaves and soil.
Furthermore, unlike modern methods where synthetic netting rests directly upon the bushes—trapping heat and straining the plant—the Honzu method structures an elevated canopy. This ensures sublime ventilation and optimal moisture retention, allowing the tea leaves to thrive naturally and unburdened.
The Supreme Matcha, Awakened Through the Patience of Aging
Driven by the recent global boom, it has become common to grind tencha into matcha immediately, without letting it rest. It is perhaps a little unfortunate that we must now deliberately introduce what was once the standard as "Matured Matcha"—a poignant reflection for those who have preserved the authentic heritage to this day.
By allowing the leaves to rest within a traditional tea jar for half a year, their youthful sharpness softens. The flavor gains a profound composure, while the aroma and the vibrant green hue are elevated to their absolute finest expression.
With enduring pride, we present this Matured Matcha, nurtured in accordance with tradition inside the timeless tea jar (Chatsubo).
The Rite of Kuchikiri: The Tea Master’s New Year
In the traditional kuchikiri (seal-cutting) tea gathering, the seal of the tea jar is broken in late autumn. It is at this precise moment that the year’s matcha is ground for the very first time.
Known as the "Tea Master’s New Year," this season marks the dawn of a new annual cycle in the world of tea, filled with a sense of renewed reverence. Tencha leaves, harvested carefully by hand in the spring, mature for half a year in Roppongi, Tokyo, making their debut as "Matured Matcha" to coincide with this auspicious occasion.
Prior to this late-autumn release, our Matured Matcha is available exclusively through advanced reservations. For those who wish to experience the character of the leaves before they are ground, the matured tencha may also be acquired in its leaf form.
A Sensory Journey: Traditional Rituals and the Modern Art of Matcha
The more you learn, the more tea fascinates.
The world of matcha reveals its profound depth through every single detail.
The temperature of the water, the texture of the bowl, and the gentle rhythm of the bamboo whisk (chasen) all converge seamlessly for the final, perfect expression within your bowl.
To honor this ancient tradition and pass it on to the next generation, we offer a series of curated experiences. These include gatherings dedicated to the art of sealing tea leaves within the jar, the celebratory kuchikiri ritual, and the refined techniques of whisking and incorporating matcha into modern daily life.
Matured Matcha FAQ's
What makes "Matured Matcha" different from standard matcha?
What is the ideal water temperature for whisking this matcha?
We recommend using water cooled to around 75°C to 80°C (167°F to 176°F). This temperature perfectly balances the rich umami and delicate aroma without extracting any harsh bitterness.
How should I store Matured Matcha?
To preserve its vibrant color and delicate aroma, keep it sealed tightly in a cool, dark place away from strong odors. Once opened, storing it in the refrigerator and consuming it promptly is highly recommended.
Does it contain caffeine?
Yes, matcha naturally contains caffeine. However, it is also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and alertness, providing a calm, focused energy.
©︎ WANOVA / SATOYAMA Marketing Office Ltd.
Roppongi, TOKYO