---
title: "Marukyu Koyamaen Uji Matcha Since 1704"
description: "Marukyu Koyamaen has produced Uji matcha since 1704, offering ceremonial and culinary grades for a range of preparations."
image: "https://best-matcha.com/wp-content/uploads/9171-marukyu-koyamaen-youtube-logo.webp"
---
# Marukyu Koyamaen Uji Matcha Since 1704

> Marukyu Koyamaen has produced Uji matcha since 1704, offering ceremonial and culinary grades for a range of preparations.

Source: https://best-matcha.com/shop/marukyu-koyamaen/
Created: 2025-07-17T02:45:47+00:00
Modified: 2026-07-30T08:33:16+00:00
Author: Emilie Schol

**Marukyu Koyamaen** traces its roots to 1704, when founder Kyujiro Koyama began cultivating tea in Ogura, Uji—the birthplace of Japanese matcha culture. For over 320 years, this family-owned company has refined the art of *premium matcha production*, earning recognition as one of Japan’s three most prestigious tea houses.

### The Uji Advantage

Location defines quality in the world of matcha. Uji’s mineral-rich soil, temperate climate, and pure mountain water create ideal conditions for tea cultivation. **Marukyu Koyamaen** harnesses these natural advantages through traditional honzu shading techniques, where rice straw covers tea fields for 20-30 days before harvest. This meticulous process intensifies chlorophyll and L-theanine levels, producing matcha with vibrant emerald color and distinctive umami depth.

The company hand-selects only the youngest, most tender leaves from shaded plants. These leaves undergo steaming, careful drying, and stone-milling—a painstaking method that produces just 40 grams per hour to preserve aroma and prevent heat damage.

### Recognition Beyond Borders

Quality speaks through accolades. Since 1962, **Marukyu Koyamaen** has claimed first place at Japan’s National Tea Competition 30 times. The brand supplies matcha to *Urasenke, Omotesenke, and Mushanokoji-senke*—the three major tea ceremony schools that set Japan’s standards for excellence. First-class hotels, prestigious shrines, and temples trust this producer for their ceremonial needs.

In 2022, their Kiwami Choan matcha received the Gold Award at THE LEAFIES, organized by the UK Tea Academy, confirming international appreciation for their craftsmanship.

### From Ceremony to Kitchen

**Marukyu Koyamaen** offers three distinct matcha categories. Traditional Tea Ceremony Matcha represents their pinnacle achievement—handcrafted powders like Tenju that deliver ethereal sweetness and lingering finish. Standard Tea Ceremony grades include both koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea) options, each balanced for specific preparation methods. Food-grade varieties bring matcha’s essence to culinary applications, with formulations designed to complement dairy, sugar, and heat.

This range reflects understanding rather than compromise. Different uses demand different characteristics, and the company’s 11 ceremonial grades plus 8 culinary varieties ensure appropriate options for every application.

### Quality Without Shortcuts

The company motto—”Making Teas with Quality as the Highest Priority”—guides every decision. **Marukyu Koyamaen** maintains ISO 22000 certification and holds organic, kosher, and halal certifications. Their quality control system monitors taste profiles, safety standards, and physical attributes including moisture content, color vibrancy, and particle size.

Infrared optical moisture meters verify freshness. Colorimeters ensure natural green brilliance. State-of-the-art equipment controls particle fineness for smooth, easily blended powder. Technical precision supports traditional wisdom, creating matcha that honors centuries of tea culture while meeting modern safety standards.

---

## Site identity

- Organization: Best Matcha
- Description: Independent matcha directory: compare 119+ Japanese matcha brands by grade, origin and certification, with honest buying guides and no affiliate links.
- Website: https://best-matcha.com


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