Ummon no Mukashi is one of the most celebrated matcha within the Ippodo collection and sits among the producer's highest offerings. Suitable for both usucha and koicha preparation, it is recognised for its remarkable concentration, depth and composure.
Many of Ippodo's matcha names were bestowed by successive heads of Kyoto's tea schools. Ummon no Mukashi is favoured by Zabosai Sōshō XVI, Grand Master of the Urasenke school, reflecting the long standing relationship between Ippodo and the tea ceremony tradition that has shaped Kyoto tea culture for generations.
The powder is exceptionally fine and vibrant green, releasing a fragrance of young greens, sweet cream, cacao and deep savoury notes. The aroma alone hints at the concentration and refinement to follow.
Prepared as usucha, Ummon no Mukashi immediately reveals a richness rarely encountered in everyday matcha. Sweetness, umami and vegetal character arrive together rather than separately, creating a seamless and integrated profile from the first sip. The texture is creamy and substantial without heaviness, coating the palate with remarkable smoothness.
As the tea develops, deeper layers emerge. Fresh spring greens give way to concentrated umami, subtle sweetness and gentle cocoa warmth. Despite its intensity, there is virtually no bitterness and only the faintest trace of astringency. Each component feels measured and deliberate, contributing to a tea that remains balanced even at high concentration.
Prepared as koicha, Ummon no Mukashi reveals its true stature. The texture becomes velvety and dense whilst maintaining clarity and precision. Sweetness deepens, umami broadens and the finish lingers long after the final sip. The tea unfolds gradually rather than all at once, revealing layer after layer of flavour and aroma across the palate.
What distinguishes Ummon no Mukashi is not simply its intensity but its balance. Greater concentration often magnifies both strengths and shortcomings in matcha. Here, sweetness, umami, vegetal character and texture remain in harmony, allowing the tea to maintain elegance whether prepared as usucha or koicha.
For many drinkers, Ummon no Mukashi represents the point where exceptional matcha begins to reveal what makes the highest grades so compelling.
Position Within the Range
Compared with Sayaka no Mukashi, Ummon no Mukashi offers greater concentration, sweetness, umami and persistence. It sits among Ippodo's highest matcha grades and serves as a bridge between exceptional everyday matcha and the producer's most prestigious ceremonial offerings.
Weight | 20g Box
Origin | Kyoto prefecture, Japan
Best suited for
• Usucha
• Koicha
• Traditional tea ceremony preparation
• Experienced matcha drinkers
• Exploring Ippodo's highest matcha grades
Enjoy with
- White peach, nectarines, nashi pear
- Black sesame tang yuan
- Almond financiers
- Butter mochi
- Egg tart
- Lightly sweetened red bean pancakes
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.
