Obukucha by Marukyu Koyamaen (New Year Limited Edition)

Obukucha (大福茶 - "Good Fortune Tea") by Marukyu Koyamaen is an exclusive New Year limited-edition ceremonial matcha that celebrates over 1,000 years of Japanese tradition—delivering exquisite freshness, mildness, and richness with strong, intense flavors and an exceptionally long aftertaste. Released from early December until mid-January while supplies last, this special matcha embodies the ancient practice of drinking Obukucha on New Year's Day to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year.

The tradition of Obukucha dates back to 951 CE during the reign of Emperor Murakami, when a serious epidemic swept through Kyoto. Buddhist priest Kuya of Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple distributed tea to the suffering people, and miraculously, the epidemic subsided. The emperor himself drank this tea and recovered, establishing the annual custom of drinking "Obukucha"—originally meaning "the tea drunk by the Emperor" (皇服茶), but now written with characters meaning "Great Fortune" (大福茶). Today, Japanese families gather on New Year's Day to share Obukucha together, praying for health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead.

Founded in 1704 during the Genroku era, Marukyu Koyamaen honors this sacred tradition with their exclusive matcha blend, characterized by a rich tea with strong, intense flavors that has no bitter or astringent notes. This well-balanced matcha is more temperamental than other blends—requiring careful attention to water temperature (80°C for usucha, 90°C for koicha) as slight variations will change the flavor profile. The result is an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness that creates a moment of reverence and celebration, perfect for beginning the new year with intention and gratitude.

About this matcha:

• New Year Limited Edition: Exclusively available from early December until mid-January while stocks last—a rare opportunity to participate in an over 1,000-year-old tradition.
• 1,000-Year Tradition: Celebrates the ancient Obukucha custom dating back to 951 CE when Emperor Murakami established the practice of drinking this tea for health and fortune.
• Strong & Intense: Rich tea with strong, intense flavors and an exceptionally long aftertaste—a bold, memorable matcha that makes a statement.
• No Bitterness or Astringency: Despite its intensity, this matcha has no bitter or astringent notes—just clean, pure, powerful umami and sweetness.
• Exquisite Balance: Characterized by an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness—three elements harmoniously united.
• Versatile Preparation: Can be prepared as either koicha (thick tea) to reveal its full intensity or usucha (thin tea) for a lighter yet still profound experience.
• Temperature Sensitive: More temperamental than other blends—requires 80°C water for usucha and 90°C for koicha, as balance is disturbed at lower temperatures.
• Sacred Celebration: Perfect for New Year's Day when families gather to begin the year in the best of health and spirits—a moment of reflection and gratitude.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Comes with specially designed packaging box for cans, making it an ideal gift for tea enthusiasts or those celebrating the New Year.
• Limited Availability: Due to high demand and seasonal production, this exclusive blend sells out quickly—secure yours early in December.
• 300-Year Heritage: From Marukyu Koyamaen's commitment to "Making Teas with Quality as the Highest Priority," honoring centuries of tradition.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha and the heart of tea culture.