Obukucha Gold (大福茶 金印 - "Good Fortune Tea - Gold Label") by Marukyu Koyamaen is the ultimate expression of New Year celebration—an ultra-luxurious limited-edition ceremonial matcha that delivers robust, full-bodied velvety texture with exceptionally long, intense, creamy aftertaste. This premium Gold grade sits above the standard Obukucha, offering a lighter, creamier, sweeter experience with pampering body and mild, frothy sweetness that honors over 1,000 years of Japanese New Year tradition with unmatched elegance and sophistication.

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). Marukyu Koyamaen's Gold grade represents the pinnacle of this sacred tradition, offering the most refined and luxurious way to welcome the new year with health, happiness, and prosperity.

Released from early December until mid January while supplies last, Obukucha Gold is characterized by velvety sweetness followed by deep savory notes of umami reminiscent of toasted nori. Upon the very first sip, you're immediately greeted with this luxurious combination that sets it apart from the standard Obukucha. When made as koicha (thick tea), it is distinguished by its pampering, indulgent body, and as usucha (thin tea), by its mild, frothy, sweet creaminess. The brief touch of astringency transitions seamlessly into prolonged sweetness, delivering a well-balanced, mellow flavor that's more gentle and easygoing compared to robust blends, making it perfect for those who enjoy refined elegance in their matcha experience.

About this matcha:

• Gold Grade Luxury: The premium tier above standard Obukucha—lighter, creamier, sweeter, and more indulgent for the ultimate New Year celebration.
• 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.
• Velvety Sweetness & Umami: Immediately greets you with velvety sweetness, followed by deep savory notes reminiscent of toasted nori—a luxurious, memorable first impression.
• Robust & Full-Bodied: Particularly creamy with exceptionally long, intense, creamy aftertaste—the body and finish linger beautifully, revealing new dimensions.
• Pampering Koicha: When made as thick tea, distinguished by its indulgent, pampering body that envelops the palate in luxury.
• Mild, Frothy Usucha: As thin tea, delivers mild, frothy, sweet creaminess that's gentle and approachable while maintaining complexity.
• Gentle & Easygoing: More gentle and easygoing compared to robust blends like Choan—perfect for those seeking refined elegance without intensity.
• Mild Flavor, Sweet Aroma: Characterized by refreshingly sweet aroma and mild flavor profile that transitions from brief astringency to prolonged sweetness.
• 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 reverence and gratitude.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Comes with specially designed premium New Year packaging box—ideal for gifting to honored guests or tea connoisseurs.
• Extremely Limited Availability: Due to exceptionally high demand and limited Gold grade production, only one item per order—secure yours early in December.
• 300-Year Heritage: From Marukyu Koyamaen's unwavering commitment to "Making Teas with Quality as the Highest Priority," this represents their finest New Year offering.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown from the most pristine leaves, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.