Description
SAIJOEN by AIYA Shoen no Mukashi Premium Nishio Matcha for Koicha – Japanese Tea Ceremony
※ Important Shipping Notice for the 100g Size
The 100g size requires approximately seven days of preparation before shipment. Delivery time after dispatch is additional.
Shoen no Mukashi (祥園の昔) is a premium Nishio matcha from SAIJOEN by AIYA, selected for koicha and traditional Japanese tea ceremony. SAIJOEN officially describes it as being among its highest-class matcha in color, flavor and aroma.
When prepared as koicha, it delivers a powerful and concentrated taste in which deep sweetness and layered astringency unfold together. Its elegant aroma, rich umami and mellow depth make it suitable for formal tea gatherings, tea-ceremony practice and serving important guests.
Premium Nishio Matcha for Koicha
Koicha, or thick tea, is prepared with a generous amount of matcha and a comparatively small amount of water. This concentrated preparation allows the color, aroma and flavor of the matcha to be experienced directly.
Shoen no Mukashi is specifically suited to koicha. Its refined aroma and mellow character support the powerful concentration, while its deep sweetness and astringency create a complex and lingering finish.
Flavor Profile
- Sweetness: Deep, rich and lingering
- Umami: Full and deeply satisfying
- Astringency: Layered and expressive within the concentrated flavor
- Aroma: Elegant and pronounced
- Body: Powerful, dense and concentrated
- Overall Character: Refined, mellow and exceptionally rich
Top-Class Color, Flavor and Aroma
SAIJOEN describes Shoen no Mukashi as a matcha of the highest class in color, flavor and aroma. These qualities are especially important for koicha because the concentrated preparation reveals the matcha's character without being diluted by a large amount of water.
Its high overall quality makes it an appropriate choice for experienced matcha drinkers, formal tea practice and occasions when a carefully selected Japanese matcha is desired.
For Japanese Tea Ceremony
Shoen no Mukashi is recommended for traditional koicha preparation and Japanese tea ceremony. Rather than being whisked rapidly to create foam like usucha, koicha is slowly kneaded with a chasen until it becomes smooth, glossy and evenly blended.
This preparation style emphasizes the matcha's deep sweetness, elegant aroma, rich umami and concentrated body. It is suitable for tea-ceremony practice, formal tea gatherings and serving guests on special occasions.
Suggested Koicha Preparation
- Warm the matcha bowl and chasen with hot water, then dry the bowl thoroughly.
- Sift approximately 3–4g of matcha into the bowl to help prevent clumps.
- Add approximately 60ml of water at 70–80°C.
- Use the chasen to slowly knead the matcha and water together rather than whisking rapidly.
- Continue until the tea becomes smooth, glossy and evenly blended.
- Enjoy promptly while its elegant aroma and concentrated flavor are at their freshest.
Approximate Koicha Servings
The following estimates are based on approximately 3–4g of matcha per serving:
- 30g: Approximately 7–10 servings
- 100g: Approximately 25–33 servings
Recommended Uses
- Traditional koicha preparation
- Japanese tea ceremony
- Formal tea-ceremony practice
- Tea gatherings
- Serving important guests
- Special occasions
- A refined Japanese tea gift
- A carefully prepared bowl of koicha at home
Available Sizes and Packaging
- 30g: Tin
- 100g: Bag – approximately seven days of preparation before shipment
Storage
Keep the package tightly sealed in a cool, dark and dry place, away from heat, humidity, direct sunlight and strong odors. After opening, use the matcha as soon as reasonably possible to enjoy its color, aroma and flavor.
If refrigerated, allow the unopened package to return to room temperature before opening. This helps reduce condensation inside the package.
Key Highlights
- Premium Nishio matcha from SAIJOEN by AIYA
- Selected for koicha, or thick tea
- Suitable for traditional Japanese tea ceremony
- Officially described as top-class in color, flavor and aroma
- Deep sweetness and rich umami
- Layered astringency and a powerful, concentrated body
- Elegant aroma with mellow depth
- Recommended for formal tea gatherings and important guests
- Available in a 30g tin and 100g bag
Product Specifications
| Brand | SAIJOEN |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | AIYA Co., Ltd. |
| Product Name | Shoen no Mukashi |
| Japanese Name | 祥園の昔（しょうえんのむかし） |
| Tea Type | Premium Japanese matcha green tea powder |
| Recommended Preparation | Koicha / thick tea |
| Traditional Use | Japanese tea ceremony and formal tea gatherings |
| Quality Position | Officially described as top-class in color, flavor and aroma |
| Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan |
| Ingredients | Japanese green tea |
| Flavor Profile | Deep sweetness, rich umami, layered astringency and a powerful concentrated body |
| Aroma | Elegant and pronounced |
| Recommended Uses | Koicha, Japanese tea ceremony, formal tea practice, tea gatherings and serving guests |
| Suggested Matcha Amount | Approximately 3–4g per serving |
| Suggested Water Amount | Approximately 60ml |
| Suggested Water Temperature | Approximately 70–80°C |
| Preparation Method | Knead slowly with a chasen until smooth and glossy |
| Available Sizes | 30g and 100g |
| Packaging | 30g tin; 100g bag |
| Preparation Before Shipment | Approximately seven days for the 100g size only |
| Storage | Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dark and dry place away from heat, humidity, sunlight and strong odors |