Description
Toyo Mukashi (豊昔)
Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha with Rich Umami and a Refined, Crisp Finish
Tea Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Preparation: Well suited to Koicha; also excellent as Usucha
Package: 30g Can
Recommended For: Koicha, Usucha, Japanese tea ceremony, tea practice, serving guests and premium Japanese tea gifting
Product Overview
Toyo Mukashi is a premium Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten, a historic Japanese tea company founded in Uji, Kyoto. It is blended primarily from carefully selected high-quality tea cultivars and offers rich umami with a subtle, refined sharpness in the finish.
This ceremonial grade Japanese matcha has sufficient sweetness, umami and body for traditional Koicha while remaining balanced and refreshing when prepared as Usucha. Its versatility makes it an excellent choice for formal tea occasions, regular tea ceremony practice and refined everyday matcha.
Toyo Mukashi was favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō. Its distinguished tea ceremony heritage, mellow umami and elegant finish make it suitable for experienced matcha drinkers as well as those beginning to explore premium Uji matcha.
Flavor Profile
- Rich and mellow umami
- Gentle natural sweetness
- Refined and delicate bitterness
- Full yet balanced green tea flavor
- Elegant, refreshing fragrance
- Smooth and rounded mouthfeel
- Subtle, sophisticated sharpness
- Clean and crisp finish
- Balanced character suitable for both Koicha and Usucha
Recommended Preparation – Koicha
Toyo Mukashi has enough mellow umami and depth to be prepared as Koicha. The concentrated preparation emphasizes its natural sweetness, rich body and refined Uji matcha character.
- 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
When prepared as Usucha, Toyo Mukashi offers a lighter expression with mellow umami, elegant fragrance and a 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 aroma 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 aromatic Usucha for everyday enjoyment
- Tea ceremony lessons and regular matcha practice
- Serving premium Uji matcha to guests
- Seasonal tea gatherings and formal occasions
- Quiet personal teatime and contemplation
- Introducing someone to traditional Japanese matcha
- Offering as an Ochugen, Oseibo or special occasion gift
Recommended Pairings
Toyo Mukashi may be enjoyed straight to appreciate its balance of mellow umami and refined sharpness. Its clean finish also pairs naturally with traditional Japanese confectionery and delicately sweet Western desserts.
- Seasonal nerikiri
- Yokan
- Monaka
- Mochi and daifuku
- Higashi dry sweets
- Castella cake
- Dark chocolate
- Lightly sweetened butter 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 carefully ground into a fine powder. Tsujiri matcha continues to be stone-milled, creating a smooth texture, full flavor, fresh fragrance and deep green appearance.
Toyo Mukashi is blended primarily from carefully selected high-quality cultivars to achieve a balanced combination of umami and a subtle, elegant sharpness.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha
Toyo Mukashi is officially recommended by Tsujiri Ichi Honten for both Koicha and Usucha. Its mellow umami allows it to be kneaded into concentrated thick tea, while its elegant sharpness creates a refreshing and well-defined bowl of thin tea.
The name also carries traditional tea ceremony significance, as Toyo Mukashi was favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō. It is suitable for tea gatherings, formal preparation, regular lessons and home practice.
Optional Matcha Latte Preparation
Although Toyo Mukashi is best appreciated as traditional Koicha or Usucha, it may also be used to prepare a rich premium matcha latte.
- 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 Ipponten (辻利一本店)
Product Name: Toyo Mukashi (豊昔)
Japanese Reading: Toyo Mukashi (とよむかし)
Product Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Recommended Style: Koicha and Usucha
Tea Blend: Primarily blended from 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: 4562147411539
Tea Tradition: Favored by Urasenke Tantansai 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
- Before opening a refrigerated can, allow it to return completely to room temperature
- Opening the can while cold may cause condensation and damage 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 rather than 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 crisp finish
Why Choose Toyo Mukashi?
- Premium ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten
- Officially suitable for both Koicha and Usucha
- Mellow umami with a subtle and refined sharpness
- Balanced sweetness and delicate bitterness
- Smooth texture with an elegant, clean finish
- Blended primarily from carefully selected high-quality cultivars
- Traditionally stone-milled into a fine Japanese green tea powder
- Favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō
- Suitable for tea ceremony lessons, formal gatherings and home preparation
- Excellent for premium Japanese tea gifting
Important Notes
- Ceremonial Grade is an international market term for matcha suitable for drinking straight and for traditional tea preparation
- Tsujiri Ichi Honten officially states that Toyo Mukashi is suitable for both Koicha and Usucha
- 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