Description
Sayaka no Mukashi (明昔)
Refined and Smooth Matcha with Balanced Richness and Complex Flavor
Tea Type: Suitable for Koicha and Usucha
Available Size: 20g Box
Recommended For: Traditional preparation, first-time Ippodo matcha drinkers, special teatime, personal relaxation, and serving with refined confectionery
About Sayaka no Mukashi
Sayaka no Mukashi is a refined Japanese Matcha from Ippodo Tea characterized by its moderate richness, smooth texture, balanced umami, and elegant flavor.
Its smooth sweetness and umami are accompanied by a subtle bitterness reminiscent of fresh spring vegetables. This delicate combination creates a complex and sophisticated flavor that develops throughout each sip.
Sayaka no Mukashi is recommended for both first-time Ippodo matcha drinkers and experienced matcha enthusiasts. It may be enjoyed as traditional Koicha to reveal its full depth or prepared as smooth and approachable Usucha.
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
Sayaka no Mukashi combines balanced richness, smooth umami, natural sweetness, and a refined spring-vegetable-like bitterness.
- Refined and elegant flavor
- Moderate richness
- Smooth sweetness and umami
- Subtle spring-vegetable-like bitterness
- Soft and balanced astringency
- Complex yet approachable finish
Recommended Uses
- Traditional Koicha preparation
- Traditional Usucha preparation
- First experience with Ippodo matcha
- Refined everyday teatime
- Relaxing personal moments
- Hot or iced matcha latte
- Serving with seasonal Japanese confectionery
- Serving with bitter chocolate or candied orange peel
- Serving on special occasions
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 carefully so that it just covers the matcha powder.
- 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 large cup.
- Add approximately 100ml of hot water at around 80°C.
- Whisk briskly for approximately 15 seconds.
- Add approximately 100ml of warm or foamed milk.
- Add sweetener according to preference.
- For an iced latte, pour the prepared matcha over cold milk and ice.
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 quickly for approximately 15 seconds to bring out the fragrance.
- For Koicha, knead the matcha slowly instead of whisking it into foam.
- Koicha preparation highlights the depth, umami, sweetness, and complex bitterness of Sayaka no Mukashi.
- Adjust the amount of matcha, water, milk, and sweetener according to preference.
Enjoy with Confectionery
Sayaka no Mukashi’s moderate richness, refined bitterness, and balanced umami pair beautifully with high-quality confectionery.
It is especially recommended with bitter chocolate and candied orange peel. The bitterness of dark chocolate complements the matcha’s depth, while the citrus character of orange peel creates a refreshing contrast.
Sayaka no Mukashi also pairs well with seasonal higashi dry sweets, nerikiri, yokan, mochi, cakes, cookies, and other Japanese or Western-style confectionery.
Enjoy it with seasonal sweets while appreciating traditional occasions such as cherry-blossom viewing in spring, moon viewing in autumn, or snow viewing in winter.
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Tea Co. / Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Sayaka no Mukashi (明昔)
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: 5010331
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 Sayaka no Mukashi, occasional traditional preparation, special teatime, 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
Refined and Complex Flavor: Sayaka no Mukashi combines smooth sweetness, umami, moderate richness, and a subtle spring-vegetable-like bitterness.
Recommended for First-Time Ippodo Drinkers: Its smooth and approachable character makes it an excellent introduction to Ippodo Tea’s richer matcha selection.
Suitable for Koicha and Usucha: Prepare it as rich Koicha to appreciate its full depth or as smooth Usucha for an elegant everyday bowl.
Excellent with Refined Sweets: Sayaka no Mukashi pairs especially well with bitter chocolate, candied orange peel, and seasonal Japanese confectionery.
Ideal for Personal Teatime: Its sophisticated flavor is well suited to quiet moments when enjoying a favorite sweet or relaxing alone.
Compact 20g Box: The package provides approximately ten servings of Usucha or five servings of Koicha.
Notes and Precautions
- Sayaka 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.