Description
Ummon no Mukashi (雲門の昔)
Top-Class Matcha with Powerful Umami and a Brilliant Green Appearance
Tea Type: Suitable for Koicha and Usucha
Available Size: 20g Box
Recommended For: Traditional preparation, tea ceremonies, formal hospitality, special occasions, focused moments, and experiencing premium Japanese matcha
About Ummon no Mukashi
Ummon no Mukashi is one of the highest-class matchas in Ippodo Tea’s selection. It represents the depth and character of premium Japanese Matcha through its powerful umami, full-bodied richness, vivid green appearance, and satisfying finish.
Its concentrated flavor creates an invigorating and deeply satisfying bowl. The matcha may be enjoyed as rich Koicha to experience its full depth or prepared as Usucha for a smooth yet substantial expression of its flavor and aroma.
Ummon no Mukashi is recommended for formal tea ceremonies, welcoming important guests, and occasions when you want to serve a particularly thoughtful bowl of matcha. It is also suitable for moments when you want to concentrate, refresh yourself, or enjoy the energizing character of premium matcha.
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
Ummon no Mukashi combines powerful umami, full-bodied richness, mellow sweetness, a refined aroma, and a deeply satisfying finish.
- Powerful and prominent umami
- Rich, full-bodied character
- Mellow natural sweetness
- Refined and concentrated aroma
- Smooth, substantial mouthfeel
- Deep and satisfying finish
- Brilliant, vivid green appearance
Recommended Uses
- Traditional Koicha preparation
- Traditional Usucha preparation
- Formal tea ceremonies
- Serving important guests
- Special occasions and celebrations
- Focused work or study sessions
- Concentrated espresso-style matcha
- Enjoying premium matcha without food
- Serving with high-quality 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 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 – Concentrated Matcha
- Sift approximately 2–3g of matcha into a small tea bowl or cup.
- Add a small amount of hot water at a slightly lower temperature than usual.
- Begin with approximately 20–30ml of water and adjust according to preference.
- Mix slowly until the matcha develops a smooth and concentrated consistency.
- Enjoy it in a small serving, similar to an espresso.
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to reduce clumps.
- Use freshly boiled soft water and allow it to cool before use.
- Preheat the tea bowl and soften the chasen in warm water.
- Use water at a slightly lower temperature to bring out more mellow sweetness and umami.
- 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.
- Enjoy the matcha by itself first to appreciate its natural flavor and aroma.
- Adjust the amount of matcha, water, and temperature according to preference.
Enjoy Ummon no Mukashi by Itself
To appreciate the full character of Ummon no Mukashi, it is recommended to enjoy the matcha by itself before pairing it with food.
Take time to experience its vivid color, concentrated aroma, powerful umami, mellow sweetness, and deep finish. Preparing it with slightly cooler water may help emphasize its rounded sweetness and rich umami.
Enjoy with Confectionery
Ummon no Mukashi has enough depth and intensity to complement rich, sweet confectionery without losing its distinctive character.
Enjoy it alongside premium nerikiri, kinton, yokan, mochi, monaka, seasonal higashi, cakes, chocolate, or other special sweets.
Its powerful flavor creates a refined contrast with sweet foods, making it particularly suitable for special teatime and formal hospitality.
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Tea Co. / Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Ummon no Mukashi (雲門の昔)
Alternative Search Spelling: Unmon no Mukashi
Product Type: Premium 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: 5010131
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 experiencing Ippodo Tea’s top-class matcha, serving on special occasions, premium gifting, 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
One of Ippodo Tea’s Highest-Class Matchas: Ummon no Mukashi represents the depth, richness, and refined character of premium Japanese Matcha.
Powerful Full-Bodied Umami: Its prominent umami and substantial body create a deeply satisfying drinking experience.
Brilliant Green Appearance: The vivid green color enhances the visual beauty of both Koicha and Usucha.
Ideal for Koicha: Preparing Ummon no Mukashi with a small amount of water reveals its concentrated umami, mellow sweetness, and smooth texture.
Suitable for Formal Hospitality: Its premium character makes it an excellent choice for tea ceremonies, welcoming important guests, and special occasions.
Enjoy at a Lower Temperature: Slightly cooler water may bring out more of the matcha’s natural sweetness and mellow umami.
Compact 20g Box: The package provides approximately ten servings of Usucha or five servings of Koicha.
Notes and Precautions
- Ummon no Mukashi may be prepared as either Koicha or Usucha.
- This product is supplied in a 20g box.
- The official English spelling is “Ummon no Mukashi.”
- 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.