Yamamasa Koyamaen
Based in historic Uji, Kyoto, Yamamasa Koyamaen has been cultivating and making tea for generations. Their approach is rooted in a “taste first” philosophy, using human senses as their compass rather than machinery or numbers.
At Truce, we've selected three Yamamasa Koyamaen matchas and two hojichas with distinct expressions. From the balanced, rounded character of Samidori to the deeper oceanic richness of Ogurayama, each offers a different way to experience the world of Uji matcha.
About Yamamasa Koyamaen
Yamamasa Koyamaen traces its history to the beginning of the Edo period, when its ancestors began cultivating and producing tea in Uji and Ogura. Their founder, Masajiro Koyama, began selling tea in 1861, with the next generation eventually expanding into nationwide retail.
Today, the company remains based in Ogura, Uji, where it likes to think of itself of a studio rather than a factory. Its history includes the cultivation and selection of notable tea cultivars such as Asahi, Samidori and Komakage.
What we find particularly compelling about Yamamasa Koyamaen is their emphasis on taste above all else. Their tea makers evaluate leaves by scent, colour, flavour, and texture, drawing on accumulated knowledge and sensory judgment to create their blends.
That philosophy is evident in the variety of expressions within their lineup. Yamamasa Koyamaen's selection offers a range of distinct flavour profiles, from the approachable (such as Matsukaze) to the more adventurous (like Ogurayama).
our Yamamasa Koyamaen selection
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Level 1: Matsukaze matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen
Versatile and beginner-friendly
Profile: Bold, smooth, fresh
Best for: Lattes | Daily usucha
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Level 2: Samidori matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen
Richer and fuller bodied than Matsukaze
Profile: Balanced, creamy, vegetal
Best for: Premium lattes | Usucha
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Level 3: Ogurayama matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen
Adventurous and layered, ideal for enthusiasts
Profile: Complex, oceanic, umami
Best for: Usucha | Premium cortados
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Dark roast hojicha
Extra roasted green tea powder, naturally low in caffeine
Profile: Deep, rich, espresso
Best for: Lattes and baking
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Medium roast hojicha
Roasted green tea powder, naturally low in caffeine
Profile: Smooth, earthy, cocoa
Best for: Lattes and baking
How to choose a Yamamasa Koyamaen tea
If you're new to Yamamasa Koyamaen, we recommend focusing on the flavour profile and how it performs rather than the name.
For something entry level and approachable, Matsukaze is an easy place to begin. It's versatile enough for everyday drinking while still offering plenty of character.
If you're drawn to fresh, savoury, and more balanced teas, start with Samidori. Its rounded, full character makes it an excellent choice for both elevated lattes and usucha.
If you're drawn to bold, umami, and more unusual flavours, Ogurayama is the natural choice. Its oceanic character makes it one of the more distinctive teas in the collection.
If you’d like an option that’s lower in caffeine or want to try something with a toasty, nutty profile, we suggest trying one of the hojicha roasts.
And if you're curious, we recommend tasting them side by side. The differences between the three are part of what makes exploring matcha so rewarding.
FAQs
Who is Yamamasa Koyamaen and what makes them special?
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Yamamasa Koyamaen is a historic Japanese tea producer based in Uji, Kyoto. Its roots extend back to the beginning of the Edo period, and the company has continued to cultivate, manufacture and sell tea across generations.
Yamamasa Koyamaen is particularly known for its high-quality matcha, its distinctive marine notes throughout its lineup, and its emphasis on taste. Its tea makers evaluate tea leaves through sensory qualities such as aroma, colour, flavour and texture, drawing on generations of accumulated knowledge and blending expertise.
What region is Yamamasa Koyamaen from?
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Yamamasa Koyamaen is based in Ogura, Uji, Kyoto. The company's history is closely connected to the cultivation and production of tea in Uji and the surrounding region.
Is Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha available in Canada?
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Yes. Truce Tea Co. carries a curated selection of Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha and ships orders across Canada.
Which Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha should I try first?
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We recommend paying attention to the tasting notes we’ve written on each product page rather than the product name. Samidori is a good choice if you like approachable and umami flavours, or are curious about trying a single-cultivar matcha; Matsukaze is a more bright, fresh option ideal for daily lattes; and Ogurayama is best suited to those who prefer a deeper, more complex and unique matcha.
Truce Tea Co. exists to make carefully selected Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha available to Japanese tea enthusiasts across Canada.
Each tea is selected with a focus on flavour and craftsmanship, making it easier to explore different expressions without having to navigate an unfamiliar catalogue on your own.
All Truce orders are shipped from Vancouver, British Columbia, with Canada-wide shipping available.
Continue your exploration
Explore all our Japanese matcha and hojicha
Discover the full Truce collection.
Learn how to prepare matcha
From a delicate usucha to a rich matcha latte, discover our suggested preparation guides to get the most out of your matcha.
Explore Marukyu Koyamaen
Discover another of the historic Uji producers represented in the Truce collection.