Choosing your first Marukyu Koyamaen matcha can be overwhelming. With over ten ceremonial grades available, each offering a unique balance of sweetness, umami, body and aroma, it’s often difficult to know where to begin.
At The Matcha Sommelier, we import authentic Marukyu Koyamaen matcha directly from Uji, Kyoto, and this guide will help you understand the differences between each grade, whether you’re preparing everyday usucha (thin tea), luxurious koicha (thick tea), or baking with culinary matcha.
About Marukyu Koyamaen
Founded in Uji, Kyoto, Marukyu Koyamaen is one of Japan’s oldest and most respected tea producers. For more than 300 years, the company has cultivated and refined the art of producing exceptional ceremonial matcha, supplying tea schools, tea ceremony practitioners, and matcha enthusiasts around the world.
Understanding Matcha Categories
Usucha (薄茶) vs. Koicha (浓茶)
Usucha, meaning “thin tea”, is the style most people enjoy every day.
Prepared by whisking approximately 2g of matcha with 60–70ml of water, usucha produces a smooth, refreshing bowl with a light layer of foam.
Koicha, or “thick tea”, is mostly used in tea ceremonies or matcha enthusiasts seeking for maximum taste of umami
Prepared by whisking approximately 3-4g of matcha and much less water, usually 1:1 ratio. Creating a rich, intense matcha without foam. Only the finest leaves are suitable for this preparation, as any bitterness becomes far more noticeable.
Quick Overview of Marukyu Koyamaen's Matcha Collection：
Marukyu Koyamaen's Usucha Collection
1. Aoarashi (青嵐) – A Fresh Introduction
Aoarashi is one of Marukyu Koyamaen’s most approachable ceremonial matchas.
It offers fresh vegetal notes with gentle bitterness and light umami, making it ideal for those new to traditional matcha or looking for an everyday bowl.
Best for:
- Beginners
- Everyday drinking
- Matcha lattes
- Budget-friendly ceremonial matcha
👉 Shop Aoarashi
2. Isuzu (五十鈴) – The Everyday Favourite
Isuzu is one of Marukyu Koyamaen’s most popular grades worldwide.
Its balanced profile combines delicate sweetness, soft umami and refreshing freshness, making it exceptionally versatile for daily enjoyment.
Best for:
- Daily matcha
- Beginners and enthusiasts
- Traditional usucha
👉 Shop Isuzu
3. Chigi no Shiro (千木の白) – Smooth and Elegant
Chigi no Shiro introduces noticeably greater sweetness and creaminess while remaining refreshing.
Its refined flavour profile makes it a favourite among drinkers seeking a more luxurious everyday matcha.
Best for:
- Smooth usucha
- Richer flavour
- Daily premium matcha
👉 Shop Chigi no Shiro
4. Yugen (又玄) – Rich Umami
Yugen delivers deeper umami with a silky mouthfeel and remarkable balance.
Its complexity appeals to drinkers looking for a more sophisticated ceremonial matcha.
Best for:
- Experienced drinkers
- Rich usucha
- Greater depth of flavour
👉 Shop Yugen
5. Wako (和光) – The Top Grade in Usucha
Wako represents the highest usucha grade within Marukyu Koyamaen’s classic collection.
Exceptionally sweet, creamy and elegant, it produces an incredibly smooth bowl with virtually no bitterness.
Best for:
- Luxury usucha
- Special occasions
- Experienced tea enthusiasts
👉 Shop Wako
Marukyu Koyamaen's Koicha Collection
6. Kinrin (金輪) – Your First Koicha
Kinrin introduces drinkers to traditional koicha with remarkable balance and sweetness.
Best for:
- First koicha
- Rich usucha
- Tea ceremony practice
👉 Shop Kinrin
7. Unkaku (雲鶴) – Elegant and Refined
Unkaku offers greater complexity with pronounced sweetness and lingering umami.
Best for:
- Tea ceremony
- Collectors
- Premium koicha
👉 Shop Unkaku
8. Eiju (永寿) – Deep Umami
Eiju is celebrated for its rich, layered character and velvety texture.
Best for:
- Advanced tea drinkers
- Rich ceremonial matcha
👉 Shop Eiju
9. Choan (長安) – Exceptional Complexity
Choan offers extraordinary balance between sweetness, aroma and umami.
Many tea practitioners regard it as one of Marukyu Koyamaen’s finest ceremonial blends.
Best for:
- Luxury matcha
- Collectors
- Tea ceremony
👉 Shop Choan
10. Kiwami Choan (極長安) – A Rare Expression
Produced in limited quantities, Kiwami Choan offers exceptional refinement and extraordinary smoothness.
Best for:
- Special occasions
- Experienced enthusiasts
11. Tenju (天授) – Marukyu Koyamaen’s Highest Grade
Tenju represents one of the highest expressions of Marukyu Koyamaen’s craftsmanship.
Its profound sweetness, elegant aroma and remarkable depth create an unforgettable tea experience.
Best for:
- Collectors
- Formal tea ceremony
- The ultimate matcha experience
Beyond its classic ceremonial collection, Marukyu Koyamaen also offers specialty matcha, including Cold Water Matcha (Awaraku), Low-Caffeine Matcha, and seasonal limited editions released throughout the year:
12. Low-Caffeine Matcha
For those who are sensitive to caffeine or enjoy matcha later in the day, this low-caffeine matcha undergoes a specialised process that reduces caffeine while preserving much of matcha’s natural sweetness, colour and umami.
That allows you to enjoy an authentic bowl of matcha with significantly less caffeine than traditional ceremonial grades.
Recommended for:
- Evening drinking
- Caffeine-sensitive individuals
- Daily matcha without excessive stimulation
👉 Shop Low-Caffeine Matcha
13. Awaraku – Cold Water Matcha (泡楽)
Awaraku is one of Marukyu Koyamaen’s most innovative creations.
Unlike traditional matcha, it has been specially processed to dissolve quickly in cold water without requiring hot water or vigorous whisking.
Simply add cold water, shake or whisk briefly, and enjoy a refreshing bowl of matcha in seconds.
Despite its convenience, Awaraku retains the smooth sweetness and delicate umami expected from premium Uji matcha.
Recommended for:
- Summer
- Iced matcha
👉 Shop Awaraku
Choosing the right Marukyu Koyamaen matcha depends on your taste, preparation style and daily routine. Whether you prefer usucha, koicha, or specialty blends, each grade offers a unique expression of Uji tea craftsmanship.
Explore our complete Marukyu Koyamaen collection here and discover the matcha that suits your own tea journey! Enjoy!
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