Uji gyokuro tea is considered to be the most famous after Uji, and in this article, we’re going to find out why 🇯🇵
We’ll explore the different Uji gyokuro subregions, hear some insights as to why uji gyokuro green tea is so famous and finally show you where you can buy gyokuro in Uji.
Without further ado, let’s get started! 🗾
What is Uji Gyokuro Tea?
Uji gyokuro tea is simply a tea that was grown and produced in Uji, Japan.
This region also includes Wazuka and Ujitawara, as well as the sub regions of Shirakawa, Kyotanabe and Minami Yamashiro which we will discuss later.
To be considered a gyokuro, the gyokuro tea plants need to be shaded for 3 weeks before the harvest, the leaves need to be carefully selected and they are meticulously rolled into tight needle shapes. All of these steps require skill, and the Uji gyokuro farmers have generations of experience crafting the most refined gyokuro teas.
The origins
One of the reasons Uji gyokuro green tea is so famous is because it is home to the birthplace of gyokuro, Ogura. Legend has it that the tea merchant Yamamoto Kahei was experimenting with long shaded tea leaves in 1835 and during the production process, he found the leaves produced a sticky green residue.
He named the tea “Gyokuro” or “Jade Dew” and it soon became one of the most sought after teas amongst the upper classes in Edo (modern day Tokyo)
What is so special about this Japanese green tea?
In Japan, tea production all comes down to experience. Tea farming is often passed down from generation to generation, so the regions with the longest tea lineage, tend to produce the best gyokuro.
Uji was the first area where gyokuro was produced, and it actually is the region that has used the shading technique the longest. With generations of experience behind them, it’s no wonder Uji Gyokuro has the reputation of being the best in Japan.
Subregions of Uji
The Uji region is home to several renowned tea growing subregions, each contributing its own character to the rich tapestry of Uji Gyokuro tea.
Shirakawa
Shirakawa is considered the birthplace of Uji Gyokuro, where centuries of tradition meet fertile soil and ideal climate. This subregion is especially prized for producing smooth, umami-rich Uji Gyokuro green tea that continues to set the standard for quality.
Kyotanabe
Kyotanabe is famous for its lush tea fields and it is one of the most important areas for premium Uji Gyokuro tea. Farmers here use long shading techniques to create a deep green, flavorful leaf, making Kyotanabe gyokuro some of the most sought-after for those who wish to buy Uji Gyokuro of the highest grade.
Minami Yamashiro
Minami Yamashiro combines mountain mists and mineral-rich soil to produce balanced and refreshing Uji Gyokuro green tea. Known for clean, sweet flavors, it’s a popular choice among enthusiasts looking for authentic and even bio Uji Gyokuro options.
How to get bio Uji Gyokuro
Gyokuro makes up less than 1% of the total tea produced in Japan, and less than 1% of Gyokuro is produced organic. This makes it incredibly difficult to find bio gyokuro, but there are a few farmers that can produce gyokuro while still following EU regulations for Bio.
Why are "bio" shaded teas so rare?
The reason bio Uji Gyokuro is so rare is because it is incredibly hard to produce. To be considered a gyokuro, the tea plant needs to be shaded for a minimum of 3 weeks before the harvest in order to develop its trademark sweet and savory flavor.
This can be a very stressful time for the tea plant, and to keep it strong and healthy during the shading process, many farmers turn to pesticides and chemicals. It takes a lot of skill to grow Uji gyokuro without sun or chemical fertilizers.
Sakamoto Gyokuro
While it is incredibly difficult to produce gyokuro without chemicals or pesticides, we’ve found a fantastic farmer who is able to pull off this miracle. Mr. Sakamoto uses his own blend of organic fertilizer made from sedimentary rock and organic food waste.
This allows him to grow strong, flavorful tea plants without harming the environment around him. If you want to try his gyokuro teas, you can find them on our website!
Where to buy Uji Gyokuro?
Uji is unique in Japan because it actually gets a lot of tea tourism, attracting international visitors for the sole mission of tea making, tea shopping and tea ceremonies.
If you want to buy Uji gyokuro, you can follow the string of shops along the Uji river in between the train station and Byodoin temple.
Here you can find many shops that sell Uji Gyokuro and the prices will be much lower than what you pay back in the U.S.
