Obukucha by Marukyu Koyamaen (New Year Limited Edition)

Obukucha by Marukyu Koyamaen (New Year Limited Edition)

20g Can
Sale price  $45.00 USD Regular price  $55.00 USD
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Obukucha by Marukyu Koyamaen (New Year Limited Edition)

Obukucha by Marukyu Koyamaen (New Year Limited Edition)

Sale price  $45.00 USD Regular price  $55.00 USD
Size

Last chance: Limited seasonal matcha. Available from early December to mid-January, while supplies last.

Almost gone — Only 3 left
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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:

  • New Year Limited Edition: Exclusively available from early December until mid-January while stocks last—a rare opportunity to participate in an over 1,000-year-old tradition.
  • 1,000-Year Tradition: Celebrates the ancient Obukucha custom dating back to 951 CE when Emperor Murakami established the practice of drinking this tea for health and fortune.
  • Strong & Intense: Rich tea with strong, intense flavors and an exceptionally long aftertaste—a bold, memorable matcha that makes a statement.
  • No Bitterness or Astringency: Despite its intensity, this matcha has no bitter or astringent notes—just clean, pure, powerful umami and sweetness.
  • Exquisite Balance: Characterized by an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness—three elements harmoniously united.
  • Versatile Preparation: Can be prepared as either koicha (thick tea) to reveal its full intensity or usucha (thin tea) for a lighter yet still profound experience.
  • Temperature Sensitive: More temperamental than other blends—requires 80°C water for usucha and 90°C for koicha, as balance is disturbed at lower temperatures.
  • Sacred Celebration: Perfect for New Year's Day when families gather to begin the year in the best of health and spirits—a moment of reflection and gratitude.
  • Gift-Worthy Presentation: Comes with specially designed packaging box for cans, making it an ideal gift for tea enthusiasts or those celebrating the New Year.
  • Limited Availability: Due to high demand and seasonal production, this exclusive blend sells out quickly—secure yours early in December.
  • 300-Year Heritage: From Marukyu Koyamaen's commitment to "Making Teas with Quality as the Highest Priority," honoring centuries of tradition.
  • 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha and the heart of tea culture.

Details

Obukucha – 20 g Can

  • Size of Package: W6 cm × D6 cm × H4.5 cm (includes specially designed New Year packaging box)
  • Net Weight: 20 grams
  • Per Serving: 2 grams (usucha), 4 grams (koicha)
  • Servings per Container: Approximately 10 servings (usucha), 5 servings (koicha)
  • Ingredients: Green tea (Japan)
  • Shelf Life: 6 months (unopened), consume within 1 month after opening for best freshness
  • Preparation Temperature: 80°C (176°F) for usucha, 90°C (194°F) for koicha

Obukucha – 40 g Can

  • Size of Package: W6 cm × D6 cm × H7 cm (includes specially designed New Year packaging box)
  • Net Weight: 40 grams
  • Per Serving: 2 grams (usucha), 4 grams (koicha)
  • Servings per Container: Approximately 20 servings (usucha), 10 servings (koicha)
  • Availability: Early December until mid-January, while stocks last
  • Shelf Life: 6 months (unopened), consume within 1 month after opening for best freshness
  • Preparation Temperature: 80°C (176°F) for usucha, 90°C (194°F) for koicha
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.

Origin

Uji, Kyoto

Recommended for

Koicha, Usucha

Profile

Intense, Luxurious

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.

Strength
Light/easy to drink Rich/satisfying
Taste
Bitter/sharp Sweet/umami
Fragrance
Mild Fragrant/aromatic

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.

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