Description
Ikuyo no Mukashi (幾世の昔)
Balanced and Versatile Matcha with a Smooth, Approachable Character
Tea Type: Suitable for Koicha and Usucha
Available Size: 20g Box
Recommended For: Traditional preparation, matcha beginners, everyday teatime, matcha latte, and serving with fruit, nuts, or confectionery
About Ikuyo no Mukashi
Ikuyo no Mukashi is a well-balanced Japanese Matcha from Ippodo Tea with a smooth, approachable character that is easy to enjoy.
Its flavor enters the palate cleanly without an overly distinctive or overpowering character. The balanced combination of refreshing bitterness, mild sweetness, and umami makes it suitable for a wide variety of occasions and food pairings.
Ikuyo no Mukashi is an excellent choice for those who are new to matcha. It may be prepared as traditional Usucha or Koicha and is also suitable for matcha lattes and casual everyday enjoyment.
The 20g box provides approximately ten servings of Usucha when using about 2g per bowl or approximately five servings of Koicha when using about 4g per serving.
Flavor Profile
Ikuyo no Mukashi combines refreshing bitterness, balanced umami, mild sweetness, and a smooth finish. Its medium-light body and gentle aroma make it easy to pair with a wide variety of foods.
- Smooth and approachable character
- Refreshing, moderately noticeable bitterness
- Balanced sweetness and umami
- Medium-light body
- Gentle but clear aroma
- Clean and refreshing finish
Recommended Uses
- Traditional Usucha preparation
- Traditional Koicha preparation
- Matcha for beginners
- Casual everyday teatime
- Hot or iced matcha latte
- Cold-water matcha
- Serving with seasonal fruit
- Serving with dried fruit and nuts
- Serving with Japanese or Western-style confectionery
Preparation Instructions – Usucha
- Sift approximately 2g of matcha into a tea bowl.
- Add approximately 60ml of hot water.
- Use water at approximately 80°C.
- Whisk briskly with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds.
- Use quick forward-and-back movements to create a fine layer of foam.
- Lift the whisk gently from the center to finish.
Preparation Instructions – Koicha
- Sift approximately 4g of matcha into a tea bowl.
- Add approximately 30ml of hot water.
- Use water at approximately 80°C.
- Add the water gradually rather than all at once.
- Use the chasen to mix the matcha slowly for approximately 15 seconds.
- Knead the matcha into a thick, smooth consistency without creating foam.
Preparation Instructions – Matcha Latte
- Sift approximately 3g of matcha into a bowl or cup.
- Add a small amount of hot water at approximately 80°C.
- Whisk until the matcha is completely dispersed and lightly foamed.
- Add approximately 100–150ml of warm or cold milk.
- Add sweetener according to preference.
- For an iced latte, pour the prepared matcha over ice and cold milk.
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to reduce clumps.
- Use freshly boiled soft water and allow it to cool to approximately 80°C.
- Preheat the tea bowl and soften the chasen in warm water.
- For Usucha, whisk briskly for approximately 15 seconds to bring out the fragrance.
- For Koicha, mix slowly and knead the matcha instead of whisking it into foam.
- Use approximately 3g for a matcha latte so that its flavor remains noticeable when combined with milk.
- Adjust the amount of matcha, water, milk, and sweetener according to preference.
Enjoy with Food and Confectionery
Ikuyo no Mukashi has a versatile flavor that complements food without interfering with the natural character of the ingredients.
It pairs especially well with seasonal fruit, dried fruit, and nuts. Its balanced bitterness and mild sweetness also complement doughnuts, cookies, cakes, chocolate, mochi, yokan, and other confectionery.
Enjoy a generous bowl of Ikuyo no Mukashi with freshly prepared doughnuts or other homemade sweets during afternoon teatime.
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Tea Co. / Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Ikuyo no Mukashi (幾世の昔)
Official Romanization: Ikuyo no Mukashi
Product Type: Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Tea Type: Koicha / Usucha
Ingredients: Green tea (Japan)
Country of Origin: Japan
Net Weight: 20g
Package Type: Box
Package Dimensions: W5.2 × D5.0 × H6.5cm
Approximate Usucha Servings: 10 servings when using approximately 2g per serving
Approximate Koicha Servings: 5 servings when using approximately 4g per serving
Shelf Life: 120 days unopened
Official Product Code: 5010531
Manufacturer: Ippodo Tea Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-dori Nijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915, Japan
Size Option
20g Box: A compact format containing approximately ten bowls of Usucha or five servings of Koicha. It is suitable for sampling Ikuyo no Mukashi, everyday preparation, travel, or enjoying the matcha while it is fresh.
Storage and Handling
Store the unopened product in a cool, dark, and dry place. Protect it from heat, humidity, direct sunlight, and strong odors.
After opening, keep the matcha inside its original package, seal it securely, and store it at room temperature in a cool location. For the best flavor and aroma, consume it within approximately three weeks after opening.
During particularly hot weather, the sealed package may be stored in the vegetable compartment of a refrigerator, away from foods with strong odors.
If refrigerated, allow the unopened or securely sealed package to return close to room temperature before opening. This helps prevent condensation from affecting the powder.
Key Highlights
Balanced and Approachable Flavor: Ikuyo no Mukashi combines refreshing bitterness, sweetness, and umami in a smooth, easy-to-enjoy profile.
Recommended for Matcha Beginners: Its balanced flavor is suitable for those who are beginning to explore traditional Japanese matcha.
Suitable for Koicha and Usucha: Prepare it as smooth, refreshing Usucha or as a richer and more concentrated Koicha.
Excellent for Matcha Lattes: Its refreshing bitterness remains pleasantly noticeable when combined with milk.
Versatile Food Pairing: Its balanced character complements seasonal fruit, dried fruit, nuts, doughnuts, cakes, cookies, and other sweets.
Compact 20g Box: The package provides approximately ten servings of Usucha or five servings of Koicha.
Notes and Precautions
- Ikuyo no Mukashi may be prepared as either Koicha or Usucha.
- This product is supplied in a 20g box.
- Matcha may naturally form small clumps during transportation or storage; this does not indicate a quality problem.
- Sift the powder before preparation for a smoother texture.
- Natural color, aroma, and flavor may vary slightly between production lots.
- Keep the product away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and strong odors.
- After opening, seal the package securely and consume it as soon as possible.