Okunoyama by Horii Shichimeien

Okunoyama by Horii Shichimeien is an extraordinary single-origin ceremonial matcha crafted exclusively from the Okunoyama cultivar—a variety born from 600 years of tea heritage and 20 years of meticulous selection. This extremely rare matcha represents the pinnacle of Japanese tea innovation: officially registered by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2002, the Okunoyama cultivar was carefully developed by the 5th-generation owner Horii Nobuo from over 2,000 tea plant varieties to create something truly exceptional.

What makes Okunoyama unlike any other matcha is its vivid green color, smooth clarity, and gentle umami that leaves no trace of bitterness—offering a refined, lasting harmony that speaks to centuries of tradition. Originally developed as a variety suitable for gyokuro, Okunoyama's deep green color produces an exceptional jade hue when ground into matcha, while its clean, easy-to-drink flavor profile delivers rich umami with notes of creamy avocado and toasted hazelnut.

The cultivar itself carries living history: in Horii Shichimeien's tea garden stands the 400-year-old mother tree from which all modern Okunoyama plants are propagated. This ancient tree, with its extraordinarily deep green leaves that "look dyed like natural gyokuro," serves as the genetic foundation for this remarkable variety. Grown exclusively in the historic Okunoyama tea garden and stone-ground using traditional mills, this single-origin matcha offers a luxurious, transformative experience for those who appreciate the intersection of history, innovation, and exceptional taste.

About this matcha:

• Single-Origin Excellence: Made only from leaves picked in Horii Shichimeien's 600-year-old Okunoyama tea garden—complete provenance from garden to cup.
• 20 Years of Development: Out of over 2,000 cultivars, the 5th-generation owner spent two decades selecting and developing this one exceptional variety, officially recognized by Japan's Ministry in 2002.
• Vivid Green Color: Deep jade-green hue unlike any other matcha—leaves so intensely colored they appear "dyed like natural gyokuro."
• Clean & Refined: Smooth clarity with gentle umami, no bitterness or astringency—just pure, lasting harmony with notes of creamy avocado and toasted hazelnut.
• Mild Umami Character: Characterized by its clean, easy-to-drink flavor that's rich yet approachable—perfect for those seeking sophistication without intensity.
• Versatile Luxury: Ideal for both usucha (thin tea) and koicha (thick tea)—shines beautifully in traditional ceremonies or premium matcha lattes.
• Living Heritage: Propagated from a 400-year-old mother tree that still stands in the Okunoyama tea garden—a direct link to six centuries of tea history.
• Officially Recognized Cultivar: Registered by Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries—a mark of exceptional quality and innovation.
• Limited Availability: Only available in small quantities due to the exclusive single-origin nature—a rare opportunity to experience matcha history.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Comes with premium packaging and gift wrapping options—perfect for special occasions or discerning tea enthusiasts.
• 100% Stone-Ground: Carefully ground using traditional tea mills at just 40 grams per hour—no pre-ground matcha, ensuring maximum freshness.
• 100% Uji Origin: First-flush, shade-grown, additive-free, and processed entirely in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.