Wako is one of Marukyu Koyamaen’s highest grade principal matcha for usucha preparation. Regarded as one of the house’s most elegant and well balanced ceremonial blends, it represents clarity, refinement and composure within the range.
The powder is a bright, vibrant green with a light, refreshing aroma characteristic of higher grade matcha. Prepared as usucha, Wako opens with an immediate expression of fresh green vegetal notes. Bitterness and astringency are minimal, allowing the profile to unfold smoothly into rich savoury depth reminiscent of walnut, lending creaminess and body.
As the cup develops, a gentle citrus like tartness appears before settling into warm cacao leaning sweetness that coats the palate. The finish is smooth and lingering, with a composed balance of green, savoury and sweet elements. Compared to Yugen, Wako is less overtly sweet and presents more pronounced, refined green notes with greater harmony across the palate.
Though designed for traditional thin tea, Wako also performs well in latte preparation for those who prefer clearly defined vegetal character rather than overt sweetness.
The name Wako, meaning Peaceful Light, reflects its luminous green hue and its balanced, harmonious profile of green, creamy, savoury and sweet elements.
Origin | Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Storage | Keep airtight and refrigerated after opening
Marukyu Koyamaen Best Before Date • Read (YY/MM/DD)
Best suited for
- Usucha preparation
- Matcha latte preparation, holds structure with milk
- Serve as warm usucha with steamed dumplings or savoury snacks
- Pairs well with shortbreads, madeleines, caneles, black sesame desserts
- Prepare as a thicker usucha for matcha affagato with fruit, vanilla or tea based ice creams
Preparation Recommendations
Usucha (Thin Tea)
Recommended amount per cup: 2g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)
Servings Per Tin: Averages 20 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC
About The Producer
Founded during the Genroku period (1688-1704), Marukyu Koyamaen has spent more than three centuries producing Japanese green tea from its home in Uji, Kyoto, a region long recognised as the historical centre of Japanese tea cultivation. Established by Kyujiro Koyama, the company has remained dedicated to the cultivation, procurement, refining and blending of tea across successive generations, combining traditional craftsmanship with continually evolving production methods.
Marukyu Koyamaen oversees every major stage of the process. Alongside tea cultivated on its own farms, the company works closely with carefully selected growers before refining and blending each tea to achieve its intended character. This integrated approach has remained central to the company's production for more than 300 years and continues across its matcha, gyokuro, sencha, hōjicha and other Japanese green teas.
Marukyu Koyamaen's commitment to tea production has been recognised through one of Japan's strongest records at the National Tea Competition, receiving numerous first-place awards across multiple tea categories over several decades. Today, the company continues to produce its teas from Uji, combining centuries of accumulated knowledge with modern production and quality control while remaining one of Japan's longest-established tea producers.
Continue to the Origins section below for the complete history of Marukyu Koyamaen.
