[JAS Organic Certified] 2025 Sencha Gokou

Cultivated variety: Gokou
Farm: Yubune, Wazuka-cho, Kyoto Prefecture
Shading period: 16 days
Cultivation method: Pesticide-free (JAS Organic Certified)
Harvest season: Spring / 1st flush

We’re incredibly happy to share that our tea is now JAS Organic Certified!
This certification means so much to us—it’s the result of over five years of caring for our tea fields with love and patience, without using any pesticides and only natural, organic fertilizers.

Grown exclusively in the rich tea-growing region of Kyoto, Sencha Gokō is a rare and precious variety traditionally reserved for Japan’s most refined teas like Gyokuro and Tencha (used for premium Matcha). This 2025 harvest is especially unique—our Gokō was carefully shaded for 16 days, exceeding the typical Kabusecha standard and resulting in a tea of nice depth and character.

From the first infusion, you’ll notice its luxurious umami — a smooth, seaweed-like flavor with layers of soft earthy aroma. The shading process enhances this savory profile, creating a tea with almost no bitterness and a truly satisfying mouthfeel. A whisper of astringency lingers just enough to balance the experience, while the gentle aroma evokes the spirit of spring in Kyoto.

Whether you are a seasoned tea drinker or simply exploring Japan’s finest offerings, this Kabuse-style Sencha will elevate your daily ritual.

<Hakusan Shrine Series> This Sencha Gokō was harvested from the field next to Hakusan Shrine, just across the street from d:matcha store. This field is visited during d:matcha's Tea Picking tour, so if you have participated in the tour, you may recognize this field.
It is a unique opportunity to compare the characteristics of the three varieties: Yabukita, Okumidori, and Gokō, as they are planted side by side in the same location.

This is the 5th year in which we have cultivated our tea fields without the use of any pesticide. Furthermore, only organic fertiliser is used. This produce is also part of our Adopt-A-Tea-Tree programme.

The long and cold winter from late last year into early this year made us worry about this season’s tea harvest. As expected, our Sencha yield is about 40% less than last year, which is unfortunate. But with extra care and dedication, we’re happy to share that the quality is even better—smooth, mellow, and deeply comforting. Though the quantity is small, the tea is truly special, and we’re excited to share this joy with you. Let’s enjoy it together!

Additional Information:

• 40 g / 1.41 oz. Approximately 10 servings; Please note that each serving can be brewed up to three times using water of different temperature levels.
• Seicha processing: To further emphasise the charm of our tea, d:matcha works closely with wholesalers during the processing phase. After the tea leaves are harvested, rolled, and dried, excess stem or powder are also carefully extracted. These tea leaves are gently reheated, but not to the point of roasting, to further highlight the aroma and taste of the tea.
• (Watch how to brew the tea)