Description
Kiri no Mori (桐の森)
Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha for Usucha with Balanced Umami and Refined Bitterness
Tea Type: Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Preparation: Usucha
Package: 30g Can
Recommended For: Usucha, Japanese tea ceremony, tea practice, serving guests and everyday traditional matcha
Product Overview
Kiri no Mori is a ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten, a historic Japanese tea company founded in Uji, Kyoto. It is blended from Uji tea cultivars together with other carefully selected high-quality cultivars.
Tsujiri Ichi Honten officially recommends Kiri no Mori as Usucha. Its balanced combination of umami and refined bitterness produces a smooth, refreshing bowl of thin matcha suitable for Japanese tea ceremony, tea practice and everyday enjoyment.
Kiri no Mori was favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō. This traditional tea ceremony connection makes it an appropriate choice for formal Usucha preparation, tea gatherings and serving guests.
Flavor Profile
- Balanced and approachable umami
- Refined, elegant bitterness
- Subtle natural sweetness
- Fresh green tea fragrance
- Smooth and comfortable mouthfeel
- Clean, refreshing character
- Well-balanced flavor for traditional Usucha
- Pleasant and refined finish
Recommended Preparation – Usucha
Usucha is the official recommended preparation for Kiri no Mori. This traditional thin tea method highlights its balanced umami, elegant bitterness and refreshing fragrance.
- Preheat the tea bowl and chasen with hot water
- Discard the water and wipe the tea bowl completely dry
- Sift approximately 1.7g of matcha into the 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
- Finish by lifting the chasen gently from the center of the bowl
- Enjoy immediately while the aroma and foam are fresh
Usucha Serving Guide
- Matcha: Approximately 1.7g per bowl
- Water: Approximately 70ml
- Water Temperature: Around 80°C
- Approximate Servings: About 17 bowls per 30g can
Recommended Occasions
- Preparing traditional Usucha for a Japanese tea ceremony
- Omotesenke tea ceremony practice
- Regular matcha lessons and tea preparation practice
- Serving freshly whisked matcha to guests
- Enjoying traditional Japanese matcha at home
- Morning or afternoon personal teatime
- Seasonal tea gatherings and casual tea occasions
- Giving as a traditional Japanese tea gift
Recommended Pairings
Kiri no Mori has a balanced combination of umami and refined bitterness that pairs naturally with traditional Japanese sweets and lightly sweetened Western confectionery.
- Seasonal nerikiri
- Yokan
- Monaka
- Mochi and daifuku
- Higashi dry sweets
- Castella cake
- Lightly sweetened cookies
- Dark or milk chocolate
Traditional Uji Matcha
Matcha is produced from tencha, tea leaves cultivated under shade to limit direct sunlight. Shading encourages the development of 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 fine Japanese matcha powder.
Tsujiri matcha continues to be stone-milled to create a fine texture, full flavor, fresh fragrance and deep green appearance. Kiri no Mori combines Uji cultivars with other selected high-quality cultivars to achieve its balanced Usucha character.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha
Kiri no Mori is a traditional tea ceremony matcha specifically recommended for Usucha. Its moderate umami and refined bitterness make it suitable for a finely whisked bowl served during tea practice, casual tea gatherings and formal thin tea occasions.
The tea was favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō, giving it a meaningful connection to Japanese tea ceremony tradition. It is an excellent choice for those seeking authentic Uji matcha for regular Usucha preparation.
Optional Matcha Latte Preparation
Although Kiri no Mori is primarily recommended for traditional Usucha, its balanced bitterness can also complement milk in a smooth matcha latte.
- Sift approximately 2–3g of matcha into a bowl
- Add approximately 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: Kiri no Mori (桐の森)
Japanese Reading: Kiri no Mori (きりのもり)
Product Type: Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Style: Usucha
Tea Blend: Uji cultivars blended with other selected high-quality cultivars
Ingredients: Green tea
Ingredient Origin: Japan
Production Region: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Net Weight: 30g
Container Type: Can
Shelf Life: 120 days
JAN Code: 4562147411546
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
- Whisk briskly in an M-shaped motion rather than stirring in circles
- Keep the chasen relaxed and use the wrist rather than the entire arm
- Use slightly cooler water for a softer and more mellow flavor
- Use slightly warmer water to emphasize fragrance and refined bitterness
Why Choose Kiri no Mori?
- Authentic ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten
- Officially recommended for traditional Usucha
- Balanced umami and refined bitterness
- Smooth and refreshing everyday matcha
- Blended with Uji cultivars and other selected high-quality cultivars
- Traditionally stone-milled into a fine Japanese green tea powder
- Favored by Omotesenke Sokuchusai Soshō
- Suitable for tea ceremony lessons, tea gatherings and home preparation
- A good choice for both experienced matcha drinkers and beginners
Important Notes
- Ceremonial Grade is an international market term and is not a regulated Japanese certification
- The term is used here because Kiri no Mori is specifically intended for traditional Usucha and has a documented connection to Omotesenke tea ceremony tradition
- Kiri no Mori is not officially described as a Koicha matcha, so Koicha is not listed as its recommended preparation
- It should not be described as the highest grade or as a Premium Ceremonial Grade matcha
- 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