this set includes Kikuju no Shiro and Kikuju no Shiro

The Kuchikiri Matcha Set by Gion Tsujiri honors the ancient Kuchikiri (口切り) ceremony—the "New Year of Tea"—celebrating the sacred moment when aged tea jars are opened each autumn. This exclusive set features two 30 g tins of Kuchikiri no Shiro and Kuchikiri no Mukashi, special autumn-blend matcha made from tea leaves harvested in early summer and aged for six months to develop a mellow, enriched umami and natural sweetness.

Rooted in a tradition spanning over 160 years, Gion Tsujiri meticulously stone-grinds premium Uji tencha leaves to preserve their vibrant color and aromatic depth. The Kuchikiri ceremony, held in November, marks the opening of sealed tea jars (chatsubo) stored since the spring harvest—a moment tea masters consider the most formal and reverent of all tea celebrations. This set brings that timeless ritual into your home.

About this set:

• Dual Autumn Blends: Experience two distinct matcha profiles—Kuchikiri no Shiro for a smooth, balanced character and Kuchikiri no Mukashi for deeper umami complexity.
• Aged for Depth: Six months of careful aging transforms fresh tea into a mellow, sweet, and richly aromatic matcha—the hallmark of Kuchikiri tradition.
• Heritage Craftsmanship: Stone-ground by hand at just 40 grams per hour, ensuring ultra-fine texture and vibrant jade-green color.
• Ceremonial Excellence: Perfect for koicha (thick tea), usucha (thin tea), or elevated matcha lattes—versatile enough for tradition or modern enjoyment.
• Gift-Worthy Presentation: Two beautifully designed 30 g tins celebrate the autumn season, making this set ideal for tea enthusiasts or special occasions.
• 100% Uji Origin: Sourced, processed, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.

Kikuju no Shiro by Gion Tsujiri is a distinguished autumn-harvest matcha that celebrates the centuries-old Kuchikiri (口切り) ceremony—the "opening of the tea jar." This time-honored ritual, held each November, marks the most sacred moment in the tea calendar when aged tea jars sealed in spring are ceremonially opened, revealing matcha transformed by six months of patient aging into a brew of exceptional depth and sweetness.

Crafted from first-flush tea leaves picked around the 88th day of spring (Hachijū-hachiya), this ceremonial-grade matcha undergoes meticulous aging in its tencha form to develop a mellow umami and naturally sweet character. Stone-ground at just 40 grams per hour by Gion Tsujiri's master craftsmen—guardians of over 160 years of Uji tea heritage—Kuchikiri no Shiro delivers a smooth, balanced flavor profile with a rich, lingering finish that only time can create.

About this matcha:

• Autumn's Finest: A limited seasonal release available only during the Kuchikiri season, capturing the essence of aged perfection.
• Aged for Umami: Six months of careful storage transforms fresh tea into a mellow, sweet, and aromatic matcha with enriched complexity.
• Ceremonial Versatility: Ideal for usucha (thin tea), matcha lattes, or culinary creations—smooth enough for tradition, bold enough for innovation.
• Heritage Craftsmanship: Hand-ground using traditional stone mills to preserve vibrant jade-green color, silky texture, and delicate aroma.
• Balanced Profile: Opens with a mellow sweet aroma, flows into smooth umami depth, and finishes with gentle sweetness—no harsh bitterness.
• Iconic Autumn Packaging: Presented in a beautifully designed tin adorned with colorful autumn leaves, honoring the season of the Kuchikiri ceremony.
• 100% Uji Origin: Shade-grown, stone-ground, and packaged in Uji, Kyoto—the birthplace of Japan's finest matcha.