Collection: Marukyu Koyamaen Japanese Tea Bags

Choose according to how you plan to prepare and enjoy your matcha.

For a bold matcha latte, Aoarashi offers a bright, crisp character that remains noticeable with milk. For a smoother latte, Isuzu provides balanced umami with gentler bitterness. For traditional usucha, Wako offers an elegant aroma and smooth finish. For koicha or more refined usucha, consider fuller and more rounded varieties such as Kinrin, Unkaku, or Eiju.

“Ceremonial grade” is a widely used marketing term in the U.S., but it is not a standardized Japanese classification.

If you are looking for what is commonly called ceremonial-grade matcha—matcha intended to be whisked with water and enjoyed on its own—choose from Marukyu Koyamaen’s Principal Matcha collection.

For an approachable introduction, consider Aoarashi or Isuzu. Wako offers a more refined usucha experience, while Kinrin, Unkaku, and Eiju provide fuller body and deeper umami and can also be prepared as koicha.

The best choice depends on whether you plan to prepare matcha as a latte, usucha, or koicha—not simply on the term “ceremonial grade.”

Aoarashi and Isuzu are excellent Principal Matcha choices for elevated matcha lattes.

Aoarashi has a brighter, more noticeable bitterness that stands up well to milk. Isuzu offers a smoother balance of umami and gentle bitterness.

For everyday lattes, larger-volume preparation, or recipes using milk and sweeteners, explore our Matcha for Lattes & Culinary Use collection, including Wakatake, Midorigi, Byakuren, and Rindo.

Usucha, or thin tea, is prepared with a smaller amount of matcha and more water. It is whisked to create a lighter texture with a layer of fine foam.

Koicha, or thick tea, uses more matcha and less water. It is kneaded rather than whisked into foam, producing a dense and concentrated preparation.

Because koicha intensifies bitterness and astringency, it is generally prepared with fuller, more rounded matcha specifically recommended for koicha, such as Kinrin, Unkaku, or Eiju.

Founded during Japan’s Genroku era (1688–1704), Marukyu Koyamaen has cultivated and refined tea in Uji, Kyoto for more than three centuries.

The producer is recognized for its commitment to quality throughout cultivation, selection, processing, and stone grinding. Its wide range of matcha allows customers to choose according to preparation method and flavor preference—from approachable everyday usucha to formal koicha and culinary applications.

Marukyu Koyamaen’s teas are respected by tea practitioners and matcha enthusiasts in Japan and around the world.

Matcha flavor is influenced partly by the balance of amino acids such as theanine and compounds including catechins.

Marukyu Koyamaen’s representative comparison data shows that this balance differs among varieties. Higher-theanine matcha generally offers more noticeable umami, while stronger catechin character can contribute to bitterness and astringency. Actual values vary by harvest and production lot.

Read our complete guide to learn how theanine and catechins help shape the flavor of different matcha varieties.

Yes. Luna Matcha is an authorized U.S. importer and retailer of Marukyu Koyamaen products.

Our inventory is officially sourced from Japan—not purchased through unauthorized resale channels. Products are stored under appropriate conditions and fulfilled directly from Los Angeles.

Customers can also visit our physical retail location at LUNE NOIR in Sawtelle, Los Angeles, or view our verified business location on Google Maps.

We import Marukyu Koyamaen matcha regularly from Japan, store it under appropriate conditions, and fulfill orders directly from Los Angeles.

Matcha is sensitive to heat, light, air, and moisture, so proper storage and prompt fulfillment are important for protecting its color, aroma, and flavor. The best-before date of current inventory can be provided upon request.

Matcha pricing reflects factors such as tea-leaf quality, cultivation, selection, processing, stone grinding, intended preparation method, and availability.

Marukyu Koyamaen offers varieties ranging from everyday usucha and culinary matcha to fuller, more refined matcha suitable for koicha. Higher-priced matcha is not necessarily the best choice for every purpose—the right selection depends on how you plan to prepare it and the balance of umami, sweetness, bitterness, and body you prefer.

Yes. We offer free standard shipping on eligible orders over $50 within the contiguous United States.

Orders are fulfilled directly from Los Angeles. Shipping charges to Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories are calculated separately at checkout.