Gyokuro Honyama
Yabukita Organic

Contest Grade 99 P.

SKU
0235-bio
An outstanding contest-grade Gyokuro from the renowned Honyama terroir in Shizuoka, Japan. Grown organically by a passionate, fourth-generation family-run tea farm – one of Japan’s pioneering masters of organic tea cultivation. Fully shaded, with a delightful nutty complexity and pure, rich umami. 50g
Character Ripe tomato, minestrone, walnut, dry grass, rich umami, sweetness reminiscent of Pastéis de Nata
Tea Farm Experienced organic tea farm, now in its 4th generation, with a family-owned tea mountain
Terroir Honyama, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Harvest 1st harvest (Ichibancha), May 2025
Cultivar Yabukita
Elevation 260-330m above sea level
Shading Full shade (Tana technique, at least 4 weeks)
Cultivation EU organic & JAS certified since 2021; cultivated without pesticides since the early 1980s
Laboratory Tests Radioactivity (annual testing of the region) and pesticides
Grade 98/100 P. (Wakocha category); Highest Grade
€44.90

Delivery : up to 5 business days

Incl. VAT, excl. shipping

SKU
0235-bio
€898.00 / 1kg
In stock
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Tea Farm

With a family legacy dating back to Japan’s late medieval period, this tea farm is a true gem among Shizuoka’s organic estates. Nestled on secluded hillsides surrounding a mountain in the heart of Honyama, the farm contains over 200 tea fields and grows over 20 different cultivars, all entirely family-owned. The tea farm is run by the 4th generation farmer together with her father, who transitioned to pesticide-free cultivation back in the 1980s. The reason was both personal and ecological: The once-pure rivers in the valley began to lose their clarity and developed a foul odour, as a direct result of pesticide use in the surrounding fields. With a deep connection to the nature of the mountain and to the people in the valley, the farmer saw no reconciliation between pesticide use and his vision of tea as a drink meant to nourish both body and mind. In addition to producing exceptional Sencha from a wide range of cultivars, including rare, farm-exclusive varieties developed by the farmer himself, the estate is also celebrated for its remarkably aromatic Wakocha (Japanese black tea) and Gyokuro. The Gyokuro in particular harmoniously expresses the farm’s unique terroir along with a beautifully balanced, rich umami flavour.

Gyokuro Honyama Yabukita

Character

Tasting Notes

From the very first impression of the dry leaf, Gyokuro Honyama Yabukita begins to reveal its profound nature. An intense umami, paired with notes of ripe tomato and sweet pumpkin, rises to the nose. These are joined by aromatic impressions of dry grass and meadow herbs, gently wrapped in a gentle, grassy sweetness. Once infused, the tea offers a revelation of perfect harmony: it unfolds on the palate with nutty flavours of walnut and pecan, enveloped by a light, astringent note of dry grass. The creamy umami is beautifully present – yet less vegetal than in many other Gyokuros – highlighting its refined and balanced nature, a result of over four weeks of meticulous Tana shading. A hint of Sencha-like freshness gives the tea a lively quality. Subtle nuances of pineapple and Portuguese pastéis de nata add a playfully sweetness that merges into the composition seamlessly. One of the finest Gyokuros we have had the pleasure to taste – truly outstanding in its natural elegance.

Leaf

Dark green, long, delicate pine needles

Cup

Soft spring green

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Gyokuro

Gyokuro is considered the finest of all Japanese green teas. Through a meticulous process, the tea plants are shaded for up to 30 days or more before harvest, with as much as 90% of sunlight blocked. This shading stimulates the concentration of amino acids in the leaves and preserves their rich nutrients, lending the tea its famous sweetness as well as its robust umami flavour. Authentic gyokuro are exclusively made from the leaves of the aromatic first harvest of the year.

Yoshien Labortests

Laboratory Tests

We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.

Yoshien

Yoshi En

World's Finest Organic Teas

Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.

Cultivation & Processing

Special features in location, cultivation & processing

For this Gyokuro, shading is carried out using the Tana shading method – a traditional technique that requires great effort from the farmer but produces an exceptionally balanced umami flavour. The tea is shaded in this way for over four full weeks before harvest, resulting in a rich yet beautifully natural umami.

"Tenka-ichi no Ocha" – "The Best Tea Under Heaven"

When standing amidst the tea fields of our remarkable farm, located deep in the mountains of Honyama, it becomes immediately understandable why Shizuoka has long been praised as Japan’s finest terroir for tea cultivation. Like a manifestation of Japan's Kami nature deities, the mountains are characterised by cool wafts of mist, crystal-clear spring waters, graceful cherry blossoms, and deep forests that have always watched over these mountains. The tea fields are idyllically situated on mountain slopes at altitudes between 260-330m above sea level, offering breathtaking views over Honyama. The sloped terrain provides excellent drainage, ensuring the tea plants receive just the right amount of water, a crucial factor in growing top-quality teas. After many years of experimentation with different cultivars and growing locations, the most suitable cultivars have been carefully selected for each plot. As a result, every tea from this farm perfectly unites the distinct character of its cultivar with the unique terroir of Honyama, guaranteeing an inimitable tea experience.

Single Origin

This tea comes 100% from the above-mentioned tea farmer in Honyama. Directly sourced from the tea farm.

Organic Certification

Organic Certification

PL-EKO-01
Nicht-EU-Landwirtschaft

Preparation

Brewing Guide

2-3 rounded tsp. (7-9g) per 150-200ml water, 60°C, steep for 2 minutes.

We recommend brewing for up to 5 infusions. For subsequent infusions, the steeping time should be reduced to 15–20 seconds each, while the temperature can be increased to around 75°C (depending on personal taste).

Packaging & Storage

Packed directly on-site for us in airtight flavour-protection pouches with zipper and stand-up base. Thanks to a 9-layer coating, the tea is optimally protected from oxidation and environmental contaminants. When closing the pouch, as much air as possible should be pressed out to store the tea securely. Alternatively, and especially for long-term storage, we recommend our stylish and airtight tea caddies.

Recommended Teapot

Both Tokoname Kyusu and Banko Kyusu are excellent choices for this tea. A black Kyusu made from Tokoname clay highlights the contrasts and refined freshness of Shincha particularly well, while a Banko Kyusu, crafted from the dark violet, iron-rich Banko clay, enhances the tea’s aroma and brings out more of its umami and natural sweetness.

Our recommendations

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