Ikuyo no Mukashi is a smooth and approachable usucha matcha from Kyoto tea house Ippodo. Within the producer's extensive matcha collection, it is recognised for its balanced sweetness, soft creaminess and easy drinkability.
Rather than leading with pronounced umami or deep vegetal intensity, Ikuyo no Mukashi favours roundness and approachability. This makes it particularly well suited to everyday preparation and contemporary matcha drinks where sweetness, texture and balance are equally important.
The powder is vibrant green with a mellow fragrance that hints at fresh cream, sweet grains and young greens. Whisked as usucha, it opens with gentle sweetness and a smooth, buttery texture. Notes of cream, light nuts and soft vegetation sit at the forefront, supported by a restrained umami character that remains present without dominating the cup.
Unlike more savoury or intensely umami driven matcha, Ikuyo no Mukashi maintains an easygoing profile that many drinkers find immediately accessible. A touch of pleasant astringency provides structure and lift, preventing the sweetness from becoming flat whilst contributing to a clean finish.
This balance of sweetness, creaminess and freshness also makes Ikuyo no Mukashi particularly versatile. Whilst intended primarily for usucha, it performs well in contemporary preparations where a small amount of milk or sweetener is introduced. Strawberry matcha, honey sweetened matcha and lighter matcha lattes all benefit from its naturally rounded character.
For those seeking a matcha that prioritises approachability and drinkability over intensity, Ikuyo no Mukashi offers a thoughtful and highly enjoyable expression of Kyoto style usucha.
Weight | 20g Box
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Best suited for
• Usucha
• Latte preparation with lighter milk application
• Sweetened matcha drinks
• Strawberry matcha
Enjoy with
• Butter shortbread
• Castella cake
• Butter mochi
• Fresh strawberries
• Japanese milk bread
• Dorayaki
• Almond biscuits
• Fresh pears or white peaches
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.
