Wakamori no Shiro by Kanbayashi Shunsho

Wakamori no Shiro ("Pure Young Forest") by Kanbayashi Shunsho is an elegant usucha-grade autumn matcha that honors the sacred Kuchikiri (口切り) ceremony—the ceremonial "opening of the tea jar." This time-honored tradition, held each November, marks the tea calendar's most revered moment when sealed chatsubo jars from spring are ceremonially opened, unveiling matcha transformed by six months of patient aging into a brew of exceptional smoothness, mellow sweetness, and enriched aromatic depth.

Crafted from first-flush tea leaves harvested around the 88th day of spring (Hachijū-hachiya), this ceremonial-grade matcha undergoes meticulous aging in sealed clay chambers to develop a smooth, woodsy character with nutty undertones. Stone-ground at just 40 grams per hour by Kanbayashi Shunsho's master artisans—the only surviving descendants of the historic Gomotsu Ochashi (highest-ranking tea master lineage) with over 450 years of Uji heritage—Wakamori no Shiro delivers a mellow, approachable profile perfect for thin tea or matcha lattes, with no harshness or bitterness.

The name Wakamori references the historic tea garden gifted to the Kanbayashi family by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a reward for the exceptional tea made by the family matriarch, creating a direct link between this matcha and centuries of tea history.

About this matcha:

• Autumn's Elegance: A limited seasonal release available exclusively during the Kuchikiri season, capturing the essence of aged matcha perfection.
• Smooth & Mellow: Opens with subtle woodsy and nutty notes reminiscent of baked chestnuts, with mild spiciness that quickly smooths out without turning bitter.
• Versatile Usucha: Ideal for thin tea (usucha) or elevated matcha lattes—its smooth, approachable character shines in both traditional and modern preparations.
• Six Months Aged: Careful maturation in sealed clay chambers transforms fresh tea into a mellow, sweet matcha with deepened aromatic complexity.
• 450-Year Heritage: Crafted by the only surviving descendant of Uji's historical Gomotsu Ochashi tea masters, blending centuries-old techniques with 15 generations of innovation.
• Historic Tea Garden: Named after Wakamori, the tea garden gifted by Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu to the Kanbayashi family in recognition of their exceptional tea craftsmanship.
• Iconic Autumn Packaging: Beautifully designed tin adorned with colorful autumn leaves, honoring the season of the Kuchikiri ceremony.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.