Collection: Gyokuro

Gyokuro (玉露), meaning “Jade Dew,” is one of Japan’s most celebrated green teas, prized for its depth of flavor and smooth, elegant character. Its leaves are shaded from the sun for several weeks before harvest, a careful process that enriches the tea with natural sweetness and a signature umami richness.

This shading method slows down photosynthesis, allowing the plant to concentrate amino acids like theanine, which give Gyokuro its mellow, almost broth-like taste. While many growers use modern coverings, traditional artisans in Yame still employ straw mats to create Dento Hon Gyokuro—a time-honored practice that produces tea of remarkable delicacy and refinement.

When brewed, Gyokuro yields a soft green liquor with notes of sweetness, seaweed, and a gentle earthiness, leaving behind a lingering finish. Compared to sencha, it is fuller, less astringent, and extraordinarily rich in umami—qualities that have made it a symbol of Japanese tea excellence.