Created to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Grand Master of the Urasenke school of tea, Hisen by Fukujuen is a finely balanced Kyoto matcha known for its depth and refinement. The dry powder opens with a distinctly umami scent, reminiscent of soy glazed senbei (rice cracker) wrapped in seaweed, followed by a gentle sweetness that recalls earthy cacao, milk chocolate, and soft vanilla.
Prepared as usucha, Hisen is medium bodied and umami forward, leaning clearly savoury at the start with a prominent nuttiness before developing greener vegetal notes through the middle and finish. On the palate, it unfolds with a smooth, delicate texture and a natural sweetness that carries no bitterness or astringency. Mellow vegetal notes evoke young spring greens and tender shoots. The mouthfeel is smooth and even, with a lingering sweetness that remains on the palate, ever so lightly floral. The result is an usucha that feels both light and full, expressing Fukujuen’s mastery in drawing harmony from restraint.
As a latte, Hisen becomes mild mannered and approachable, with softened umami, genteel vegetal nuances where its natural sweetness shines through comfortably with milk. It is well suited to those new to matcha, or anyone who prefers refreshing subtle, restrained flavours over intensity.
About the Producer
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.
Serving 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
Weight | 20g
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Best Before 15.1.2026
