White and green Nakamura Tokichi Matcha Starter resealable pouch with illustrated preparation tools
White and green Nakamura Tokichi Matcha Starter resealable pouch with illustrated preparation tools
Frothy green matcha poured from a black bowl into a double-walled glass
Hands whisking green matcha in a dark ceramic bowl with a bamboo whisk
Bowl of whisked green matcha beside a bamboo whisk and Nakamura Tokichi Matcha Starter pouch
Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Uji Ichibancha

Nakamura Tokichi Honten Matcha Starter First Flush

Nakamura Tokichi Honten Matcha Starter is Kyoto-grown first flush matcha with smooth umami, gentle sweetness, and refreshing bitterness for lattes or sweets.
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Who is Nakamura Tokichi Honten?

Nakamura Tokichi Honten is a matcha house from Uji, Kyoto, founded in 1854, known for Kyoto-grown first-flush leaves with smooth umami, gentle sweetness, minimal bitterness, and vibrant color. Its ceremonial collection includes Uji-no-Mukashi, Fuji no Shiro, and Seikan no Shiro, while other grades suit daily drinking, lattes, baking, and culinary use.

Matcha production uses kabusecha shade cultivation, with covers held for weeks before later harvesting of tencha at peak flavor. Tender buds are hand-picked, and nearby grasslands follow chagusaba tradition to support soil health.

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First flush Kyoto matcha for lattes sweets or drinking straight

Matcha Starter, 100g Bag is Uji matcha made exclusively from first-flush tea leaves grown in Kyoto. Its taste combines smooth umami and gentle sweetness with clean, refreshing bitterness that lingers softly. Designed for everyday use, it can be enjoyed on its own or used in lattes and sweets. The product is presented as a 100g bag and comes as a two-bag set.

How does Matcha Starter taste?

This matcha balances sweetness, umami, and bitterness rather than emphasizing one note alone. The opening is smooth and gently sweet, followed by a clean bitterness and a soft, refreshing finish. Its grade sits between Nakamura Tokichi Honten’s Sen’un no Shiro and Sho no Mukashi, giving buyers a specific point of reference within the producer’s matcha range.

The profile is intended to work across several preparations. It has enough breadth for mixing into milk-based drinks or sweets while remaining suitable for drinking by itself.

What can you make with this Uji matcha?

Matcha Starter supports several preparation methods without requiring a single fixed approach. The powder can be whisked, mixed, shaken, or sprinkled, depending on how it will be used.

  • Enjoy it on its own: prepare the matcha as a standalone drink.
  • Make lattes: use it for matcha drinks made with milk.
  • Add it to sweets: incorporate the powder into sweet recipes.
  • Sprinkle it: apply the matcha directly where a powdered finish is wanted.

These options make the 100g format suitable for bringing matcha into a regular daily routine, including both drinks and sweets.

How is Matcha Starter produced?

The matcha is machine-ground rather than stone-milled. The production method differs from stone milling in process, while the product description identifies no difference in flavor from that change. The emphasis remains on the quality of the Kyoto-grown first-flush tea leaves used to make the powder.

What are the package and expiration details?

Matcha Starter is presented as a 100g bag and comes in a value-oriented two-bag set. The listed expiration period is three months. Allergens are listed as none.

This matcha suits buyers seeking Kyoto-grown first-flush Uji matcha with smooth umami, gentle sweetness, and refreshing bitterness, plus the flexibility to use it on its own, in lattes, or in sweets.

Season

Harvested during Ichibancha

Ichibancha is the late-April-to-May first harvest, producing vibrant green matcha with sweet, delicate flavor and characteristic umami.

Origin

Matcha from Uji

This matcha comes from Uji.

Uji is a historic city in Kyoto where matcha cultivation began over 800 years ago, and its climate and soil shape distinct flavors across varieties.

Frequently asked questions

First flush Kyoto matcha for lattes sweets or drinking straight Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

Where is Nakamura Tokichi Honten Matcha Starter grown?

Matcha Starter is made exclusively from first flush tea leaves grown in Kyoto, Japan. It is presented as Uji matcha.

What does Matcha Starter taste like?

It has smooth umami and gentle sweetness balanced by clean, refreshing bitterness. The bitterness lingers softly on the palate.

Is Matcha Starter suitable for lattes?

Yes, Matcha Starter is intended for matcha lattes. It can also be enjoyed on its own or used in sweets.

How can Matcha Starter be prepared?

Matcha Starter can be whisked, mixed, shaken, or sprinkled. These methods support drinks, lattes, sweets, and drinking the matcha on its own.

Is Matcha Starter stone-milled?

No, Matcha Starter is machine-ground. Its grinding process differs from stone milling, but not in flavor.

How is Matcha Starter graded?

Matcha Starter is graded between Sen’un no Shiro and Sho no Mukashi. This identifies its relative position within the Nakamura Tokichi Honten matcha range.

What format does Matcha Starter come in?

Matcha Starter comes as a two-bag set in the 100g bag format. Its stated expiration period is three months, and the allergen declaration is none.