Geishun yo Koicha (迎春用濃茶 - "Thick Tea for Welcoming Spring") by Gion Tsujiri is an exclusive New Year limited-edition ceremonial matcha that delivers velvety texture, deep umami, and harmonious sweetness—a luxurious koicha blend crafted to honor the spirit of renewal and tradition during the New Year season. This masterpiece features the finest hand-selected tencha leaves stone-ground to perfection, available only during the year-end period in a specially designed festive New Year can. Every sip is an indulgent experience that captures the elegance and tradition of Kyoto's tea culture.

The tradition of drinking special tea on New Year's Day connects to the ancient Obukucha custom dating back to 951 CE, when Emperor Murakami recovered from an epidemic after drinking tea distributed by Buddhist priest Kuya of Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple. This sacred practice of drinking "Good Fortune Tea" (大福茶) to welcome health, happiness, and prosperity continues today. Gion Tsujiri's Geishun yo Koicha represents the pinnacle of this time-honored tradition—specifically crafted for koicha (thick tea) preparation, offering the most refined and ceremonial way to begin the new year with intention and gratitude.

Founded over 160 years ago in Uji, Kyoto, Gion Tsujiri is renowned for its dedication to premium Japanese tea craftsmanship and meticulous stone-grinding techniques at just 40 grams per hour. As soon as you open the package, a rich aroma tickles your nose. When you take a sip of the thick tea, you'll be greeted with a rich, sweet aroma that spreads through your palate and the full-bodied flavor of matcha. In times of hustle and bustle at year-end, this New Year matcha offers a moment to refresh yourself, reflect on the year that has passed, and celebrate the new beginnings ahead with a cup of unparalleled quality and refinement.

About this matcha:

• New Year Limited Edition: Available exclusively during the year-end season in a festive New Year can—a special offering that can only be purchased at this time of year.
• Koicha Masterpiece: Features the finest hand-selected tencha leaves for thick tea preparation—velvety texture, deep umami, and harmonious sweetness create an indulgent experience.
• 1,000-Year Tradition: Honors the ancient Obukucha custom of drinking special tea on New Year's Day for health and good fortune—a sacred practice dating back to Emperor Murakami.
• Rich, Sweet Aroma: As soon as you open the package, a rich aroma tickles your nose—when you take a sip, the sweet aroma spreads beautifully through your palate.
• Full-Bodied Flavor: You can fully enjoy the rich, sweet aroma and the full-bodied flavor of matcha that defines exceptional koicha preparation.
• Premium Stone-Ground: Carefully ground from selected high-quality tencha leaves at just 40 grams per hour—traditional craftsmanship ensures vibrant jade-green color and silky texture.
• Velvety Texture: Stone-ground to perfection, creating an ultra-smooth, luxurious mouthfeel that coats the palate beautifully.
• Deep Umami & Harmonious Sweetness: Perfectly balanced flavor profile with profound umami depth complemented by natural sweetness—no bitterness, just pure indulgence.
• Festive Presentation: Comes in a specially designed New Year can with festive motifs—perfect for gifting or celebrating the season with loved ones.
• Sacred Celebration: Ideal for traditional tea ceremonies or as a special treat to mark the New Year season—a moment of reverence and renewal.
• Short Shelf Life: Best before date approximately 60 days—consume as soon as possible after opening to enjoy peak freshness and aroma.
• 160+ Year Heritage: From Gion Tsujiri's unwavering commitment to premium Japanese tea craftsmanship and the timeless elegance of Kyoto tea culture.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.