Origin
Uji, Kyoto
Recommended for
Profile
Kitano by Ippodo Tea – Kyoto Exclusive Edition
20g Can (Best By Dec 2025)
Sale price
$36.00 USD
Regular price
$45.00 USD
Skip to product information
Sold out — Back in soon
Kitano by Ippodo Tea – Kyoto Exclusive Edition
Sale price
$36.00 USD
Regular price
$45.00 USD
Kitano no Mukashi by Ippodo Tea is an exclusive ceremonial-grade matcha available only at Ippodo's flagship store in Kyoto—a rare treasure that captures over 300 years of tea-making heritage. This premium blend sits just below Ippodo's highest-tier offerings, delivering a bold, balanced character with full-bodied umami, refined bitterness, and a mellow, lingering sweetness that showcases the artistry of Ippodo's master blenders.
Founded in 1717 in the heart of Kyoto, Ippodo Tea has built an unparalleled reputation for aromatic, complex, and consistent teas through their meticulous blending process. Each matcha is a carefully crafted composition of rare harvests from different farms, years, and batches—blended in precise proportions to create depth, nuance, and year-round consistency. Kitano no Mukashi exemplifies this philosophy: very intense yet absolutely smooth, with a round, central taste that remains elegant from first sip to last.
This Kyoto-exclusive matcha is versatile enough for both koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea), offering an invigorating experience that sophisticated matcha enthusiasts will appreciate. Its robust, punchy character holds up beautifully in matcha lattes, making it an exciting choice for both traditional tea ceremonies and modern preparations.
About this matcha:
- Kyoto Exclusive: Available only at Ippodo's flagship store in Kyoto—a rare, premium offering not sold through regular channels.
- Bold & Balanced: Simultaneously intense and smooth, with full-bodied umami, gentle sweetness, and refined bitterness that never turns harsh.
- Versatile Excellence: Ideal for koicha (thick tea), usucha (thin tea), or elevated matcha lattes—its robust character shines across all preparations.
- Master Blending: Crafted from rare, prized harvests across multiple farms and batches, creating exceptional depth and complexity.
- Elegant & Refined: Round, central taste with a completely smooth character—a testament to the skill of Ippodo's blending team.
- 300-Year Heritage: From a tea company founded in 1717, beloved for its aromatic, well-balanced teas that have attracted royalty and discerning tea lovers for centuries.
- 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and blended in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.
Details
Shipping & Returns
Our Shipping Commitment: We understand you're excited to receive your order! Our team works diligently to process and ship all orders within 2 business days. We'll do our best to get your items packed and on their way to you as quickly as possible.
Returns & Delivery Issues: Your satisfaction is important to us. Please be aware that due to the nature of our products, food items cannot be returned. However, if there is any issue with your delivery, such as damage or a discrepancy, please contact us immediately. Our dedicated team will be happy to assist you and find a suitable solution.
Tasting Notes
Kitano no Mukashi offers a full-bodied, invigorating experience—robust umami depth balanced by gentle sweetness and refined bitterness, with a round, smooth character and a vibrant green aroma like an evergreen forest.
Strength
Taste
Fragrance
How to Prepare
Matcha Latte
Combine matcha's natural sweetness and crisp green bite with the creamy texture of milk.
Step 1: Sift 3g (0.11 oz) of matcha (2 heaping tea ladles or 1.5 level teaspoons.)
Step 2: Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80°C (176°F), then pour 100 ml (2 oz) into tea bowl.
Step 3: Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
Step 4: Add 100 ml (3.4 oz) of warmed or foamed milk into mug.
Usucha (thin tea)
The standard matcha whisking method, made to be a normal, liquid consistency.
Step 1: Sift 2g (0.07 oz) of matcha (1.5 heaped tea ladles or 1 level teaspoon.)
Step 2: Pour boiling water into a teacup to cool it to 80°C (176°F), then pour 60 ml (2 oz) into tea bowl.
Step 3: Whisk vigorously 15 seconds, making an "M" shape.
Koicha (thick tea)
Matcha made into a rich, thick paste by using less water and more matcha powder per serving.
Step 1: Sift 4 g (0.14 oz) of matcha (3 heaping tea ladles or 2 level teaspoons.)
Step 2: Cool boiling water to 80°C (176°F) in teacup, then pour 30 ml (1 oz) into bowl, just covering matcha powder.
Step 3: Whisk slowly for 15 seconds moving back and forth.
