Matcha - Hisen (Tea School Selection)

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Hisen is a ceremonial matcha created by Fukujuen to commemorate the succession of Sen Sōshitsu XVI (Zabōsai) as Grand Master of the Urasenke school, one of the principal traditions of Japanese tea ceremony.

Founded in Kyoto in 1790, Fukujuen is one of Uji’s most respected tea houses, long associated with tea school traditions and formal ceremonial blending. Developed for usucha preparation, Hisen reflects the Urasenke philosophy of achieving presence and depth through balance and control rather than intensity.

This is a rich, medium bodied ceremonial matcha with notable depth and mouthfeel. Umami forward and smooth, it delivers satisfying weight and structure without heaviness, carrying confidently both whisked and, where desired, with milk.

The dry powder opens with a distinctly savoury aroma reminiscent of soy glazed senbei wrapped in seaweed, followed by gentle sweetness recalling cacao, milk chocolate and soft vanilla.

Prepared as usucha, Hisen presents with greater depth and presence than most medium bodied matcha. The flavour begins savoury and nut forward, then settles into a smooth, even texture with natural sweetness and no bitterness or astringency. Rather than tasting light or thin, the tea carries substantial mouthfeel and a rounded finish that lingers softly on the palate, giving the cup a complete and composed character.

As a latte, Hisen becomes creamy and nut forward, with softened umami and natural sweetness that integrates smoothly with milk while retaining its depth and structure. Its balanced concentration allows a smaller amount to deliver a full and satisfying result without dilution of flavour.

We selected Hisen for its blending mastery, a ceremonial matcha that delivers depth and presence through control, balance and refinement, consistent with its tea school origins.

Best suited for

  • Usucha preparation
  • Matcha Latte - best with a lighter milk ratio
  • Warm usucha served alongside berries and pistachio cookies and cakes
  • Pairs well with vanilla or almond based desserts

Weight | 20g Approx. 10 servings per 2g bowl
Origin | Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan
Producer | Fukujuen

Suggested preparation: 2g matcha | 60–70ml water | 75–80°C
Storage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.


Fukujuen’s story begins in 1790, when its founder, Iyemon Fukui, established a tea house in Kyoto dedicated to the art of Japanese tea. Over two centuries later, the company remains one of Japan’s most esteemed tea merchants, renowned for cultivating, blending, and refining the teas of Uji — a region celebrated for its mist-shrouded fields and pristine water. Still family-run, Fukujuen continues to uphold Kyoto’s tea heritage through craftsmanship that bridges tradition and innovation.

Guided by its founding philosophy of harmony and purity, every leaf is carefully nurtured, shade grown, and stone-milled to draw out its gentle umami, soft aroma, and refined balance. The result is a quiet expression of Kyoto’s timeless aesthetic — a tea that invites pause, reflection, and the pursuit of perfection in everyday life.

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