Farmers Shincha or Aracha tea which means minimally processed is amazing. If you can understand anything about the painstaking work that goes into growing, harvesting, and processing and storing tea, minimally processing still must require tremendous calculations of wor...(more)

My first impressions of Shincha Aote were complex and refreshing. The balance of freshness was very satisfying. This is probably one of the most unique green teas to drink. I followed the directions from Hibiki-an plus varied the infusion minutes. Experimentation allowe...(more)

Typically I like to drink my Matcha in the morning hours, but I was eager to try the new Kurdashi Matcha tea made from Samidori leaves grown in the tea regions of Ogura, Kyoto. Those in my tea drinking group this evening were wowed by subtle and smoothly refined qualiti...(more)

Yes, this tea deserves another review for 2011! When we think of best we generally associate highly refined but in Japan I think it is just a category. Unrefined could be regarded as best and the proof is in the brew. I let my tea cool in the bowl and I was amazed at no...(more)

Today in the USA is National Walk in the Woods Day! Forest owners mostly farmers open their lands to hikers of all ages in hopes that others will enjoy the great outdoors and all that forests have to offer. Hibiki-an does the same and less is more! The 2011 Farmer's Shi...(more)

I was hesitant at first to order these Hyo Retsu crafted tea bowls. But this will be a surprise for my husband for Father?s Day on June 19th. I decided not to hesitate because already I no longer see the equally as beautiful sepia toned Yunomi matcha bowl. I know these ...(more)

Handmade is always appreciated and Ohigashi is no exception. This is truly a wonderful treat. It is a sugar but very delicate and refreshing. Not overly sweet and the texture is very unique. It lays right down on your tongue like a delicate blanket. It would be a wonder...(more)

Here we are December 22 and we are rushing to complete all the final details of our 2010 holiday and New Years Eve plans to individual perfection. As we compete to find presents for others we also find that retailers tempt us to buy for ourselves as they mark 60% off on...(more)

It is not everyday that one can choose to buy such an expensive piece of pottery. It took some time to gather the reason and resource to trust that a supplier would be offering a genuine chawan of this quality. I have never been left disappointed by anything that Hibiki...(more)

Today is our fifth day of nature's invitation to Florida's 2010 fall season. Storming my new stainless steel kettle by Sori Yanagi has never been more of a pleasure as it is the best stove top kettle I have ever used and I am looking forward in anticipation to making Hi...(more)