Description
Kiku Mukashi (菊昔)
Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha with Rich Umami and an Elegant Fragrance
Tea Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Preparation: Especially recommended for Koicha; also excellent as Usucha
Package: 30g Can
Recommended For: Koicha, Usucha, Japanese tea ceremony, formal tea occasions, tea practice and premium Japanese tea gifting
Product Overview
Kiku Mukashi is a premium Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten, a historic Japanese tea company founded in Uji, Kyoto. Blended primarily from carefully selected Uji tea cultivars, it is characterized by rich umami and an elegant, beautifully developed fragrance.
This high-quality Japanese matcha has the depth, sweetness and body required for traditional Koicha. It may also be prepared as Usucha, revealing a lighter expression with a fragrant aroma, smooth texture and refined finish.
Kiku Mukashi was favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō. Its association with one of Japan’s major tea ceremony traditions makes it particularly suitable for formal tea gatherings, traditional preparation and serving guests.
Flavor Profile
- Rich and substantial umami
- Refined natural sweetness
- Elegant and full fragrance
- Balanced, full-bodied flavor
- Gentle and sophisticated bitterness
- Smooth and rounded mouthfeel
- Concentrated character suitable for Koicha
- Aromatic and balanced flavor when prepared as Usucha
- Clean, lingering green tea finish
Recommended Preparation – Koicha
Kiku Mukashi is especially recommended for Koicha. Preparing it with a small amount of water concentrates its rich umami, mellow sweetness, elegant fragrance and smooth texture.
- Preheat the tea bowl and chasen with hot water
- Discard the water and wipe the tea bowl completely dry
- Sift approximately 4g of matcha into the bowl
- Add approximately 30–40ml of hot water at around 75–80°C
- Knead slowly and evenly with a chasen
- Continue until the matcha becomes thick, glossy and smooth
- Avoid creating foam when preparing traditional Koicha
The amount of matcha and water may be adjusted according to personal preference or the customs of the tea ceremony school being followed.
Preparation – Usucha
Kiku Mukashi may also be prepared as Usucha. This lighter preparation highlights its rich fragrance, balanced umami and clean, refined finish.
- Preheat the tea bowl and chasen with hot water
- Discard the water and wipe the bowl dry
- Sift approximately 1.7g of matcha into the tea bowl
- Add approximately 70ml of hot water cooled to around 80°C
- Whisk briskly with a chasen using an M-shaped motion
- Continue until a fine and even layer of foam develops
- Enjoy immediately while the fragrance and foam are fresh
Koicha and Usucha Serving Guide
- Koicha: Approximately 4g of matcha with 30–40ml of water
- Usucha: Approximately 1.7g of matcha with 70ml of water
- Approximate Koicha Servings: About 7 individual servings per 30g can
- Approximate Usucha Servings: About 17 individual servings per 30g can
Recommended Occasions
- Preparing traditional Koicha for a Japanese tea ceremony
- Whisking premium Usucha for guests
- Formal tea gatherings and seasonal tea occasions
- Omotesenke tea ceremony practice
- Serving high-quality Uji matcha to honored guests
- Quiet personal teatime and contemplation
- Celebrating an important milestone or special occasion
- Offering as a premium Japanese tea gift
- Giving as an Ochugen or Oseibo seasonal gift
Recommended Pairings
Kiku Mukashi may be enjoyed straight to appreciate its rich umami and elegant fragrance. Its full yet balanced flavor also pairs well with traditional Japanese sweets and carefully selected Western confectionery.
- Seasonal nerikiri
- Yokan
- Monaka
- Mochi and daifuku
- Higashi dry sweets
- Traditional Kyoto confectionery
- Dark chocolate
- Lightly sweetened cakes or cookies
Traditional Uji Matcha
Matcha is produced from tencha, tea leaves cultivated under shade to limit direct sunlight. Shading encourages the development of sweetness and umami while helping to control excessive bitterness and astringency.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and dried without being rolled. Stems and veins are removed to produce tencha, which is then carefully ground into a fine matcha powder.
Tsujiri matcha continues to be stone-milled, creating a smooth texture, full flavor, fresh fragrance and rich green appearance. Kiku Mukashi is blended primarily from selected Uji cultivars to achieve its characteristic richness and aroma.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha
Kiku Mukashi is closely connected with Japanese tea ceremony culture and was favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō. This traditional association makes it an appropriate matcha for formal tea gatherings, ceremonial preparation and regular tea practice.
Its rich umami and substantial body are particularly suited to Koicha, while its elegant fragrance may also be enjoyed in a finely whisked bowl of Usucha.
Optional Matcha Latte Preparation
Although Kiku Mukashi is best appreciated as traditional Koicha or Usucha, its rich flavor can also remain present when combined with milk.
- Sift approximately 2–3g of matcha into a bowl
- Add 30–40ml of hot water at around 80°C
- Whisk until completely smooth
- Add approximately 120–150ml of warm or cold milk
- Sweeten lightly if desired
- For an iced matcha latte, pour over ice before adding cold milk
Product Specifications
Brand: Tsujiri Ichi Honten
Japanese Brand Name: Tsujiri Ichi Honten (辻利一本店)
Product Name: Kiku Mukashi (菊昔)
Japanese Reading: Kiku Mukashi (きくむかし)
Product Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Style: Koicha; also suitable for Usucha
Tea Blend: Primarily blended from selected Uji tea cultivars
Ingredients: Green tea
Ingredient Origin: Japan
Production Region: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Net Weight: 30g
Container Type: Can
Shelf Life: 120 days
JAN Code: 4562147411522
Tea Tradition: Favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō
Producer: Tsujiri Ichi Honten Co., Ltd.
Producer Address: 156 Uji Myoraku, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Storage Instructions
- Store away from high temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight and strong odors
- For unopened storage longer than one month, refrigeration is recommended
- Place the sealed package inside an additional odor-resistant bag when refrigerating
- Allow a refrigerated can to return completely to room temperature before opening
- Opening the can while cold may cause condensation and affect the matcha
- After opening, keep tightly sealed in a cool, dark place at room temperature
- Consume as soon as possible after opening for the best color, fragrance and flavor
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to remove natural clumps
- Preheat the tea bowl and soften the chasen before use
- Wipe the tea bowl completely dry before adding matcha
- Use fresh, soft water whenever possible
- For Koicha, knead slowly instead of whisking rapidly
- For Usucha, whisk briskly in an M-shaped motion to create fine foam
- Use slightly cooler water to emphasize sweetness and umami
- Use slightly warmer water to emphasize fragrance and a cleaner finish
Why Choose Kiku Mukashi?
- Premium ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten
- Rich umami and elegant fragrance
- Especially suitable for traditional Koicha
- May also be enjoyed as aromatic and balanced Usucha
- Blended primarily from carefully selected Uji tea cultivars
- Traditionally stone-milled into a fine Japanese green tea powder
- Favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō
- Suitable for formal tea gatherings and regular tea practice
- Excellent for honored guests and premium Japanese tea gifting
Important Notes
- Ceremonial Grade is an international market term and is not a regulated or certified Japanese quality classification
- The term is used here because Kiku Mukashi is a high-quality Uji matcha associated with formal tea ceremony use and suitable for Koicha
- Tsujiri Ichi Honten officially describes Kiku Mukashi as a blend centered on Uji cultivars with rich umami and fragrance
- Small clumps may form naturally during storage and transportation; sift before use
- Natural variations in color, fragrance and flavor may occur between production lots
- Matcha readily absorbs moisture and surrounding odors, so keep the can tightly closed