From Uji to You: Meet Our Tea Growers at Yamamasa Koyamaen
At Nana’s Green Tea, every cup tells a story. That story begins in Uji, Japan, where centuries of tradition, dedication to craft, and a strong focus on flavor come together in the fields of Yamamasa Koyamaen. As the exclusive source of our matcha powder, their expertise and care shape the foundation of what we offer.
Uji: The Birthplace of Japanese Tea
Uji is widely known as the sacred home of Japanese tea. Nestled in Kyoto, this region has cultivated tea for nearly 800 years. Its climate, rich soil, and misty hills provide ideal growing conditions for tea leaves that are rich in umami and vivid in color.
Uji's importance is more than geographical. It is cultural. It’s where tea craftsmanship was refined, rituals were born, and the pursuit of perfect flavor began. To this day, Uji remains a symbol of authenticity in Japanese tea.
Generations of Mastery: The History of Yamamasa Koyamaen
Yamamasa Koyamaen has been cultivating tea on the lands of Uji and Ogura since the early 1600s. Officially founded in 1861 by Masajiro Koyama, the company quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional quality and deep understanding of tea cultivation.
Over the generations, Yamamasa Koyamaen has remained committed to both tradition and innovation. They pioneered the use of refrigerated matcha production facilities, introduced canned matcha to the market, and collaborated with local farmers to develop elite varieties such as Asahi, Samidori, and Komakage. Their commitment to continual improvement without sacrificing tradition has helped shape the very definition of Uji matcha.
A Studio, Not a Factory: The Art of Matcha Making
Yamamasa Koyamaen refers to their production facility as a studio, and that choice is deliberate. It’s a place where artisans work with patience and precision, guided by years of training and a deep respect for the leaf. Rather than relying on automated systems, they evaluate raw tea leaves using sight, scent, touch, and taste.
Leaves are gathered from across southern Kyoto, with Uji at the center, and then carefully blended to create a balanced, vibrant result. This blending process is not mechanical; it’s creative and intentional. Each batch is crafted by artisans who approach their work like painters mixing pigments. Their goal is not just to produce matcha, but to express something greater through taste.
Trust, Taste, and Tradition: What Sets Yamamasa Koyamaen Apart
Yamamasa Koyamaen operates under a clear philosophy: taste comes first. Every decision they make supports this priority. Rather than focusing on packaging or short-term trends, they concentrate on sourcing flavorful raw ingredients and maintaining the integrity of the tea from field to cup.
This belief system closely aligns with our own at Nana’s Green Tea. We believe that quality speaks for itself. Our partnership with Yamamasa Koyamaen is rooted in shared values: integrity, craftsmanship, and a sincere commitment to excellence.
Their tea is not produced to chase trends or appeal to the masses. It is created for those who seek depth, richness, and authenticity in every sip.
From Field to Cup: Why Sourcing Matters
At Nana’s, we take pride in knowing exactly where our tea comes from. Working directly with Yamamasa Koyamaen allows us to maintain full transparency and offer products that reflect generations of knowledge and care. The matcha you enjoy begins in fields tended daily by experienced hands, is refined in a studio environment, and is delivered to you with every detail considered.
Our tools are designed to honor this process. Prepare your tea with our thoughtfully designed 360 Kyusu, a modern take on the traditional teapot that allows for smooth, multi-directional pouring. Whisk and sip from our Ceramic Tea Bowl or opt for our Heart-Shaped Tea Cup for easy pouring and an elegant touch. Every cup begins with our high-quality Matcha Powder, made possible by the mastery of Yamamasa Koyamaen.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence
Our partnership with Yamamasa Koyamaen connects centuries of tradition with a new generation of tea drinkers. From their origins in the fields of Uji to their artisan studio blending today’s finest matcha, their story is one of deep care, refined skill, and an unwavering devotion to taste.
When you choose Nana’s Green Tea, you’re not just enjoying high-quality tea. You’re stepping into a legacy shaped by generations of care and carried forward by every cup. With every whisk, pour, and sip, you carry the story forward and add your own chapter to the long history of Japanese tea.
This is where tradition meets modern ritual. Whether you’re preparing matcha in a quiet morning moment or sharing a tea break with friends, you are part of something timeless. At Nana’s, we honor the past while inviting you to experience tea in a way that fits perfectly into your life today.
Explore our full collection of teas and tools and experience what makes our matcha truly exceptional.
