Nishi no Mori is a ceremonial grade matcha crafted by AOI Seicha in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s principal matcha growing regions. Sitting at the top of AOI Seicha’s usucha offerings within the newly introduced 2025 ceremonial lineup and comparable in level to Aoi no Homare, it represents one of the most refined and expressive blends in the range.
Nishi no Mori is an exceptional usucha for those drawn to brightness and aromatic clarity. With exceptionally crisp fruit driven notes, this floral, sweet and refreshing profile is rare in matcha and a standout this season for its impeccable refinement. The powder is a luminous, vivid green, with an aroma that recalls fresh young greens, lightly grilled rice cracker and the gentle sweetness of chilled Japanese melon.
As usucha, it is exceptionally refined. The first sip opens with natural sweetness and a soft floral lift, followed by an extraordinarily bright green vegetal clarity. The flavour is refreshing and almost juicy, reminiscent of melon, muscat grapes and tender spring greens. The texture is silky and seamless with no bitterness, finishing with a clean lingering sweetness. This is a connoisseur’s usucha, elegant and an absolute pleasure to drink.
With milk, Nishi no Mori performs best with restraint. A small splash is sufficient to preserve its floral brightness and natural sweetness, allowing a delicate melon milk character to emerge without dulling its clarity. It is not a blend designed for heavy milk, but for those who enjoy a lighter, refined latte expression.
Weight | 30g Approx. 15 servings per 2g bowl
Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Storage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.
Best suited for
- Daily usucha
- Matcha latte preparation, best with a light milk ratio
- Matcha gelée topped with fresh fruits such as nectarines, grapes or peaches
- Served with fruit based desserts to enhance the fruit and floral notes
Pairing Suggestions
Food we've enjoyed that complement and highlight the tea's character
- Crepes Suzette
- Fresh fruits - melon, grapes, peaches, nectarines, berries
- Single origin dark chocolate with fruit notes - Silver Street's Philippines or Bolivia
- Margherita pizza
- Lemon drizzle or strawberry sponge
- Steamed dumplings - snow pea or spinach and seafood
- Grilled chicken salad
- Fish tacos with a mango or pineapple salsa
Preparation Recommendations
Usucha (Thin Tea)
Recommended amount per cup: 2g (sift for a smoother, delicate consistency)
Servings Per Tin: Averages 15 cups of tea
Water Temperature: 60ml of water at 80ºC
The Producer
AOI Seicha traces its roots to Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's most important matcha producing regions. Tea cultivation in Nishio dates back more than 800 years, while the company's founding family, the Honda family, carries a lineage associated with the Tachi Aoi crest, a symbol closely connected to the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa shogunate and the samurai traditions of the Mikawa region.
AOI Seicha's modern tea business began in 1912 during the Taishō period, when Yasutaro Honda established tea cultivation under Shunkoen Tea Factory. Building upon Nishio's long tea-growing history and the Honda family's stewardship, the business developed into AOI Seicha, specialising in the production and refinement of matcha. In 1955, AOI won the Tencha Division at Japan's National Tea Competition, an early recognition of the company's expertise in producing high-quality matcha.
Today, AOI Seicha continues to work with highly regarded growers and
award-winning and competition-recognised tea farmers across Japan, producing matcha from its home in Nishio while also operating production facilities in Kyoto. Building on more than a century of specialist matcha manufacturing, the company oversees tea cultivation, tencha production, refining and blending to produce matcha for both traditional tea preparation and contemporary applications. Its teas continue to reflect the qualities for which Nishio has become renowned: sweetness, depth, balance and exceptional performance in both usucha and okōicha.
Continue to the Origins section below for the complete history of AOI Seicha.
