Geishun yo Usucha by Gion Tsujiri (New Year Limited Edition)

Geishun yo Usucha (迎春用薄茶 - "Thin Tea for Welcoming Spring") by Gion Tsujiri is an exclusive New Year limited-edition ceremonial matcha that delivers mellow yet refreshing sweet aroma with rich umami flavor—a festive blend crafted to honor the spirit of renewal and tradition during the New Year season. Available only during the year-end period in a specially designed festive New Year can, this exquisite usucha invites you to pause, reflect on the past year, and celebrate new beginnings with a cup of exceptional quality.

The tradition of drinking special tea on New Year's Day connects to the ancient Obukucha custom dating back to 951 CE, when Emperor Murakami recovered from an epidemic after drinking tea distributed by Buddhist priest Kuya of Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple. This sacred practice of drinking "Good Fortune Tea" (大福茶) to welcome health, happiness, and prosperity continues today. Gion Tsujiri's Geishun yo Usucha represents a refined interpretation of this time-honored tradition—specifically crafted for usucha (thin tea) preparation, making it perfect for families to gather and share as they welcome the new year together.

Founded over 160 years ago in Uji, Kyoto, Gion Tsujiri is renowned for its dedication to premium Japanese tea craftsmanship and meticulous stone-grinding techniques. Geishun yo Usucha is made by carefully grinding selected high-quality tencha leaves in a stone mill at just 40 grams per hour, and as soon as you open the package, a rich aroma tickles your nose. When you take a sip, you'll be greeted with a mellow, yet somehow refreshing sweet aroma and umami flavor—a thin tea that allows you to fully enjoy the goodness of matcha. In times of hustle and bustle, this New Year matcha offers a moment to refresh yourself and begin the year with intention and gratitude.

About this matcha:

• New Year Limited Edition: Available exclusively during the year-end season in a festive New Year can—a special offering that can only be purchased at this time of year.
• Usucha Perfection: Specifically crafted for thin tea preparation—mellow yet refreshing with balanced sweetness and umami that's perfect for everyday New Year enjoyment.
• 1,000-Year Tradition: Honors the ancient Obukucha custom of drinking special tea on New Year's Day for health and good fortune—a sacred practice dating back to Emperor Murakami.
• Mellow & Refreshing: Rich aroma greets you immediately upon opening—sweet, refreshing character with deep umami creates a satisfying, well-rounded experience.
• Premium Stone-Ground: Carefully ground from selected high-quality tencha leaves at just 40 grams per hour—traditional craftsmanship ensures vibrant color and silky texture.
• Rich Aromatic Experience: As soon as you open the package, a rich aroma tickles your nose—the sensory journey begins before the first sip.
• Festive Presentation: Comes in a specially designed New Year can with festive motifs—perfect for gifting or celebrating the season with loved ones.
• Sacred Celebration: Perfect for New Year's Day when families gather to begin the year in the best of health and spirits—a moment of mindfulness and renewal.
• Versatile Preparation: Ideal for traditional usucha or matcha lattes—its balanced character shines in both preparations without bitterness.
• Short Shelf Life: Best before date approximately 60 days—consume as soon as possible after opening to enjoy peak freshness and aroma.
• 160+ Year Heritage: From Gion Tsujiri's unwavering commitment to premium Japanese tea craftsmanship and the timeless elegance of Kyoto tea culture.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.