Origin
Uji, Kyoto
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Obukucha (大福茶 - "Good Fortune Tea") by Marukyu Koyamaen is an exclusive New Year limited-edition ceremonial matcha that celebrates over 1,000 years of Japanese tradition—delivering exquisite freshness, mildness, and richness with strong, intense flavors and an exceptionally long aftertaste. Released from early December until mid-January while supplies last, this special matcha embodies the ancient practice of drinking Obukucha on New Year's Day to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year.
The tradition of Obukucha dates back to 951 CE during the reign of Emperor Murakami, when a serious epidemic swept through Kyoto. Buddhist priest Kuya of Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple distributed tea to the suffering people, and miraculously, the epidemic subsided. The emperor himself drank this tea and recovered, establishing the annual custom of drinking "Obukucha"—originally meaning "the tea drunk by the Emperor" (皇服茶), but now written with characters meaning "Great Fortune" (大福茶). Today, Japanese families gather on New Year's Day to share Obukucha together, praying for health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead.
Founded in 1704 during the Genroku era, Marukyu Koyamaen honors this sacred tradition with their exclusive matcha blend, characterized by a rich tea with strong, intense flavors that has no bitter or astringent notes. This well-balanced matcha is more temperamental than other blends—requiring careful attention to water temperature (80°C for usucha, 90°C for koicha) as slight variations will change the flavor profile. The result is an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness that creates a moment of reverence and celebration, perfect for beginning the new year with intention and gratitude.
About this matcha:
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Tasting Notes
Obukucha delivers strong, intense flavors with an exceptionally long aftertaste—an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness with no bitterness or astringency, just powerful umami and clean, pure sweetness that lingers beautifully.
How to Prepare
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.
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.
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.