Kan No Shiro is a balanced and full flavoured usucha matcha from Kyoto tea house Ippodo. Sitting between lighter everyday blends and the producer's more concentrated offerings, it combines sweetness, umami and gentle bitterness in a way that feels composed and deeply satisfying.
Within Ippodo's matcha collection, Kan No Shiro is often appreciated for its balance. Rather than leaning heavily towards sweetness or savoury intensity, it brings together multiple aspects of high quality matcha in a harmonious and approachable cup.
The powder carries a warm fragrance of young greens, toasted cacao and fresh cream. Whisked as usucha, it opens with gentle sweetness and a smooth, velvety texture before revealing deeper vegetal notes and soft, steady umami. A light bitterness emerges towards the finish, providing lift and structure whilst keeping the cup clean and refreshing.
This interplay between sweetness, umami and bitterness gives Kan No Shiro a broader flavour profile than many softer usucha focused blends. The result is a matcha that feels substantial without becoming heavy, offering enough depth to hold attention whilst remaining approachable for everyday preparation.
Whilst intended primarily for usucha, Kan No Shiro also performs well in lighter milk preparations. A restrained amount of milk allows its vegetal character, cocoa warmth and natural sweetness to remain visible rather than becoming overwhelmed.
For those seeking a matcha with greater depth than entry level usucha whilst remaining versatile and easy to enjoy, Kan No Shiro offers a rewarding middle ground within the Ippodo range.
Weight | 20g Box
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Position Within the Range
Compared with Ikuyo no Mukashi, Kan No Shiro offers greater umami, deeper vegetal character and a more structured finish. Compared with Ippodo's higher usucha and koicha blends, it remains approachable and versatile for everyday enjoyment.
Best suited for
• Usucha
• Matcha Latte - Light milk application
• Experienced and developing matcha drinkers
Enjoy with
- Almond croissants
- Butter cake
- Pear tart
- Fresh figs
- Butter mochi
- Honey toast
- Lightly sweetened red bean desserts
- Roasted chestnuts, pears and stone fruit
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.
