About Uji

Uji stands at the zenith of Japanese tea culture, a city with a venerable reputation in Kyoto Prefecture that is deeply rooted in the history of tea cultivation. Among connoisseurs, Uji is considered the heart of Japanese tea production and the cradle of matcha. Here, in the misty valleys between the rolling hills and the clear waters of the Uji River, teas of exceptional quality are produced, characterized by an exquisite balance of taste and aroma.

The history of tea in Uji dates back to the 12th century, when the Zen monk Eisai brought the art of tea drinking from China to Japan. Not long after, the Tsuen family, now the oldest tea company in the world, began trading in the region. With the beginning of the Muromachi period, Uji became increasingly important, mainly due to the patronage of the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. This period also saw the development of the famous "Uji method" of tea processing, which enhances the quality of the leaves by producing a uniform color and a rich umami flavor.

The fertile soil, the mild climate and the frequent veils of mist that envelop the valley provide ideal conditions for growing the Camellia sinensis tea bush. These natural conditions play a major role in giving the tea produced in Uji its characteristic deep green color and unmistakable taste, dominated by both fresh and rich notes. Particularly noteworthy are the fine Gyokuro and Matcha varieties, both of which are refined using a special shading technique applied before harvesting to increase the amino acid content and thus the umami flavor.

The pride of the Uji region manifests itself not only in the quality of its products, but also in the art of the tea ceremony, which has a special place here. The essence of this ritual act, which celebrates harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity, finds its perfect expression in Uji. Tea is not just drunk here; it is enjoyed in a symbolic act of reflection and connection with nature.

To this day, the tea farmers and masters in Uji preserve traditional cultivation and refinement methods, even though they have to face modern challenges. The combination of tradition and innovation ensures that Uji tea remains synonymous with absolute quality and perfected taste, an invitation to a world of flavors inimitably interwoven with culture and history. In Uji, the boundaries between everyday life and art become blurred, and the enjoyment of a bowl of tea becomes a timeless symphony of life.