Shoin-no-Mukashi from Ippodo Tea sits within the richer end of the Kyoto tea house's matcha range, offering greater depth and concentration than Sayaka-no-Mukashi or Kan-no-Shiro whilst remaining more approachable than Ummon-no-Mukashi. Prepared as either usucha or koicha, it is a blend intended for those seeking a fuller and more contemplative bowl.
The finely milled powder releases aromas of cultured butter, toasted nuts, fresh cream and milk chocolate, underpinned by deep vegetal notes and a distinct marine minerality.
On the palate, Shoin-no-Mukashi is immediately rich and velvety. The opening is savoury and nut-driven, with notes reminiscent of buttered sable biscuits, roasted nuts and sweet cream. As the bowl develops, deeper layers of umami emerge, bringing kelp, sea vegetables and mineral notes to the forefront.
Unlike many premium matcha that place sweetness at the centre of the experience, Shoin-no-Mukashi is the least sweet within Ippodo's richer offerings. Instead, it favours savoury complexity, creaminess and texture. The mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and coating, with virtually no bitterness and only the faintest trace of astringency. Lingering notes of cultured butter, toasted nuts and umami remain long after the final sip.
Prepared as usucha, Shoin-no-Mukashi produces a balanced, full-bodied bowl with remarkable depth and persistence. As koicha, the blend becomes denser, creamier and more concentrated, revealing additional layers of savoury richness and making it particularly rewarding for experienced matcha drinkers.
For those progressing through the Ippodo range, Shoin-no-Mukashi represents a natural step beyond Sayaka-no-Mukashi and Kan-no-Shiro before moving into Ummon-no-Mukashi and the highest tiers of the collection.
Many of the Ippodo matcha names are bestowed by the heads of Kyoto's traditional schools of tea ceremony. Shoin-no-Mukashi was named by Hōunsai, the fifteenth-generation Grand Tea Master of the Urasenke school, reflecting the longstanding relationship between Ippodo Tea and Japan's tea ceremony tradition.
Weight | 20g Box
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Storage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.
Best Suited For
- Traditional usucha and koicha preparation
- Matcha latte preparation, holds structure with milk
Enjoyed With
-
Butter cake or pound cake
- Almond financiers
- Shortbread and butter biscuits
- Castella
- Dark chocolate (60-70%)
- Basque cheesecake
- Steamed pork or prawn dumplings
- Grilled salmon or miso fish rice bowls
- Tamago sando
- Mushroom rice bowls
- Soy-braised chicken with rice
- Simple noodle dishes such as shoyu ramen or steamed rice noodles with light sauces
- Japanese-style salads with sesame dressing
- Grain bowls with roasted vegetables
- Avocado and smoked salmon on toast
- Tofu salads with soy or ponzu dressings
Preparation Recommendations
Usucha (Thin Tea)
Recommended amount per cup: 2g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)
Servings Per Tin: Averages 10 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC
Koicha (Thick Tea)
Recommended amount per cup: 4g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)
Servings per Tin: Averages 5 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 30ml of water at 80ºC
About the Producer
Founded in Kyoto in 1717, Ippodo Tea has spent more than three centuries dedicated to Japanese tea. Originally established as Omiya by Rihei Watanabe, the business later received the name Ippodo from Prince Yamashina in recognition of its commitment to preserving a singular standard of quality.
Today, Ippodo remains family owned and is overseen by the sixth and seventh generations. Whilst internationally recognised for matcha, the producer's expertise extends across the full spectrum of Japanese tea, from sencha and gyokuro through to everyday household favourites such as Mugicha.
For more than 300 years, Ippodo has focused on sourcing, blending and evaluating teas that are approachable, enjoyable and capable of enriching daily life. This philosophy continues to guide the producer today, whether crafting exceptional ceremonial matcha or some of Japan's most respected leaf teas.
* Shoin no Mukashi is the same blend as our previously stocked Seiun
