Chakouan H5601: Imperial Grade Ureshino Guricha Kirameki Shincha 嬉野・高級煎茶 Chakouan

Guricha, or steamed tamaryokucha, is a style of Japanese green tea that skips the very last rolling step in the sencha creation process. This last step is used to straighten the leaves into a straight shape, and skipping it leaves the tea curled.

This limited edition shincha was sourced by Chakouan from deep within the mountains of the Ureshino area, famous for both its guricha as well as for its hot springs.

Steeping Notes

• Tea: 5g
• Time: 60 seconds
• Water Temperature: 70C/158F degrees
• Water amount: 200 ml
• You can resteep 3 times before flavor becomes too diluted

Product Info

• Ingredients: Green tea
• Harvest: May
• Region: Ureshino, Saga, Japan
• Notes: Mountain-grown, steamed

Vendor Info

• Name: Chakouan (Yamaguchi Seichaen Co., Ltd.)
• Type: Tea Shop
• Established: 1971
• CEO: Sachiyo Nakashima

Chakouan’s President, Sachiyo Nakashima, was born in Ureshino, Saga Prefecture, and grew up playing in the tea fields. She inherited the tea business started by her grandfather, selling tea from her older brother who continues to farm and produce tea in Ureshino.

After marrying and moving to Imari, she began selling the family’s tea at the morning markets, and over the decades built a thriving small business. Her daughter works with her, learning the business, and plans to take over eventually.