Here in Kyoto, the tinted autumn leaves are quite beautiful. To deepen your green moment at such time, we would like to introduce three different ways to enhance your Kuradashi Tea brewing experience.

1. Brewing Process of Kuradashi Tea
   You can "slow-brew" Gyokuro or Sencha with lower temperature water for a longer time. Matcha may also be prepared with lower temperature water. In addition, this method can be used for Kuradashi teas. It enhances the soft and mellow characteristics of each tea and creates a more relaxing atmosphere as you wait for your tea to brew.
   
   - Gyokuro is usually brewed with 140-158F (60-70C) water for 1 1/2 to 2 min. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 131F (55C) for 2 to 2 1/2 min.
   - Sencha is usually brewed with 176F (80C) water for 1 min. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 167F (75C) for 1 1/2 min.
   - Matcha is usually prepared with 176F (80C) temperature water. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 158F (70C).
   
   
2. Brewing Process for Deeper Flavor
   To intensify the depth of flavor, you can increase the quantity of tea leaves or Matcha. Add an additional 25 - 30% tea leaves or Matcha and follow the brewing temperatures and times listed above for "softer, mellower flavor." The enhanced deep and mellow flavor intensifies the differences between and unique characteristics of each individual tea. In this case, you can brew Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha 4 times instead of 3 times in regular brewing.
   
   You can enjoy an amazing deep and mellow flavor by following this special method. It is nearly impossible to over-brew Kuradashi Tea (causing a bitter taste) because it's enriched for 1.5 years. In contrast, regular teas can become bitter if brewed this way.
   
   Would you try this special brewing process? You will certainly enjoy the complex and versatile Kuradashi Tea flavor.
   
   
3. Profound Effect by Tea Ware
   Special tea ware, such as handcrafted tea ware or Hohin teapot, also creates a different tea experience. The flavor and aroma of tea will subtly change, depending on the shape, size, thickness, and material (ceramic, porcelain, glass, etc.) of the vessel. In addition, the appearance of the tea ware has an effect on your perception of the experience. Handcrafted tea ware, especially earthenware is subtly different in individual details and has a special, personal warmth of the artisan. It is relaxing to gaze at handcrafted tea ware and enjoy Japanese tea leisurely. Hohin is a small size Kyusu teapot without a handle and is used to brew only the highest grade Uji tea. The size is usually 100ml (3.52fl oz) or more, and should be used together with small size Yunomi cups like 50ml (1.76fl oz) or more. It is a unique experience to brew high grade Japanese green tea by Hohin.
   
   In the case of Matcha, curious to say, the style of bowl has a profound effect on the tea drinking experience. The feel of holding the bowl in your hands, the texture of the smooth or rough ceramic on your mouth, and the visual appearance makes you experience the Matcha flavor differently. Would you try to prepare Kuradashi Matcha with a Matcha Bowl that differs from your everyday bowl? For example, Raku Yaki feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth, elegant painted Matcha Bowl soothes your eyes and heart, earthenware Matcha Bowl reminds you of the beauty and depth of clay, fire, and nature.
   
   

The three methods above can be tried separately or all together at once. The methods are not difficult to try, but the result provides a truly unique experience of flavor and atmosphere.

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At last Kuradashi Matcha is now available!
The Jidai Matsuri festival will be held at Kyoto city on October 22. For more information, please see above 'The Jidai Matsuri festival' after October 22.
Our Kuradashi Matcha which has been stored for over 1.5 years was taken out from the granary. We have arranged three grades of limited edition Kuradashi Matcha as described below. They are limited edition of 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season. And Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha teas are still available.
Celebrate Kuradashi Teas and enjoy the remarkable enriched flavor and sweetness which can only be experienced once every year! We are certain that the fine enriched flavor and sweetness will captivate you.

Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha

[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$24.00 (Now Available)
The superb enriched and sweetened flavor and aroma lingers in the mouth for a while. The aroma is full, but not too strong. The flavor is rich and subtle. The taste is both mellow and enhanced...

[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Premium (80g/2.82oz): US$26.00 (Now Available)
All Gyokuro does not gain an enriched flavor but only specific kinds of Gyokuro. We have enriched this highest grade of trimmed Gyokuro for one and a half years...

[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Pinnacle (40g/1.41oz): US$34.00 (Now Available)
Tea leaves for this special tea grow in the Ogura area in the Uji region, which is known as one of the foremost production centers of the highest grade of enriched Gyokuro...

[Limited] Kuradashi Sencha (80g/2.82oz): US$24.00 (Now Available)
Long time ago the quality and good conditioned Sencha in Autumn season must have been similar in taste and aroma to this fine Kuradashi Sencha. And that time, only few people could enjoy the excellent flavour...

Kuradashi Matcha

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$32.00 (Now Available)
For this Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$80.00 (Now Available)
This Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. For this Kuradashi Matcha, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$24.00 (Now Available)
Tea leaves for Kuradashi Matcha Premium are highest grade tea trimmed by machine and grown in Uji region, Kyoto. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$60.00 (Now Available)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. Tea leaves for Kuradashi Matcha Premium are highest grade tea trimmed by machine and grown in Uji region, Kyoto. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle (30g/1.06oz): US$37.00 (Now Available)
The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...

[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$119.00 (Now Available)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 21%. The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...