Kabuse - Premium Okuyutaka

This Premium Okuyutaka is an exceptionally high-grade, light-steamed single-origin Kabusecha that represents the very best of Japanese tea craftsmanship. Carefully grown under traditional overhead shading and made from the finest first flush leaves, this tea stands as Houkouen’s flagship offering.

It features intensely strong umami, a refined floral aroma, and a rich, full-bodied flavor, delivering a luxurious and sophisticated experience. Only the tender “mirume” tips (one bud and two leaves) are carefully harvested, lightly steamed, and expertly rolled, resulting in a vibrant green liquor with an elegant, deeply savory profile.

In the heart of Shizuoka at an elevation of 350 meters, Houkouen Tea Farm sits on the lush, green mountains of Ryogouchi. Over 20 varieties of tea are cultivated and processed on these steep tea fields, where Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. At Houkouen, their philosophy is simple: they pay respect to the tea and let it follow its natural course without unnecessary human interference. This is to create teas that are truly a product of nature. 

What sets Houkouen's tea apart is its distinctive fragrant aromas, unique to the mountainous areas of Shizuoka, that are challenging to replicate.

Houkouen's tea is carefully cultivated in nutrient-rich soil, with minimal pesticide and without over-fertilization, allowing natural umami and aroma development in their tea.  Adhering to the wisdom of their ancestors that "crops thrive on the sound of footsteps," Houkouen farmers tend to their fields with great care. Whether everyday or specialty teas, Houkouen meticulously crafts and delivers high quality Japanese tea to all tea enthusiasts.

Location: Ryogochi, Shizuoka
Taste Profile: Robust Umami, Toasted Hazelnut, Honeyed Chestnut
Cultivar: Okuyutaka (Single Cultivar)
Steaming Level : Light (Asamushi)
Harvest Method: Machine-harvested

Umami: ◾◾◾◾◾
Sweetness: ◾◾◾◾
Astringency: □
Aroma: ◾◾◾◾◾

Best for : Enjoying rich umami and elegant aroma. Houkouen’s top pick for true tea enthusiasts.

How to brew:
- Use 6-8g of tea leaves. (2 servings)

- Add 100ml of 150°F water
- Steep the tea for 1 minute.

- Squeeze out every last drop before serving.

Best by date: 12 months (unopened)

80g