JAPANESE GREEN TEA HIBIKI-AN

View in a browser
Three Methods to Enhance the Enjoyment of Kuradashi Tea
Main Topic
Three Methods to Enhance the Enjoyment of Kuradashi Tea (Kuradashi Tea)
Kuradashi Tea is Now Available!
Seasonal Topics & Items
Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy
Japanese Snacks / Candy items (Monthly Recommendation)
[New & Limited] Matcha Bowls / Accessories (Autumn and Winter)
[Holiday Gift] Celebration Gifts in Japan
(Notice 1) New Shopping Page Design
(Notice 2) Price Reduction on All Merchandise (Sep. 5th)
Dear Sir and Madam,
We at Hibiki-an THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your continued patronage and support. We are pleased to offer useful information for your healthy life and continued enjoyment of Japanese green tea. In this issue, we talk about 'Three Methods to Enhance the Enjoyment of Kuradashi Tea (Kuradashi Tea)'.

Three Methods to Enhance the Enjoyment of Kuradashi Tea (Kuradashi Tea)

Here in Kyoto, the tinted autumn leaves are quite beautiful. To deepen your green moment at such time, we would like to introduce three different ways to enhance your Kuradashi Tea brewing experience.
  1. Brewing Process of Kuradashi Tea
    You can "slow-brew" Gyokuro or Sencha with lower temperature water for a longer time. Matcha may also be prepared with lower temperature water. In addition, this method can be used for Kuradashi teas. It enhances the soft and mellow characteristics of each tea and creates a more relaxing atmosphere as you wait for your tea to brew.

    - Gyokuro is usually brewed with 140-158F (60-70C) water for 1 1/2 to 2 min. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 131F (55C) for 2 to 2 1/2 min.
    - Sencha is usually brewed with 176F (80C) water for 1 min. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 167F (75C) for 1 1/2 min.
    - Matcha is usually prepared with 176F (80C) temperature water. For a softer, mellower flavor, use lower temperature water: 158F (70C).

  2. Brewing Process for Deeper Flavor
    To intensify the depth of flavor, you can increase the quantity of tea leaves or Matcha. Add an additional 25 - 30% tea leaves or Matcha and follow the brewing temperatures and times listed above for "softer, mellower flavor." The enhanced deep and mellow flavor intensifies the differences between and unique characteristics of each individual tea. In this case, you can brew Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha 4 times instead of 3 times in regular brewing.

    You can enjoy an amazing deep and mellow flavor by following this special method. It is nearly impossible to over-brew Kuradashi Tea (causing a bitter taste) because it's enriched for 1.5 years. In contrast, regular teas can become bitter if brewed this way.

    Would you try this special brewing process? You will certainly enjoy the complex and versatile Kuradashi Tea flavor.

  3. Profound Effect by Tea Ware
    Special tea ware, such as handcrafted tea ware or Hohin teapot, also creates a different tea experience. The flavor and aroma of tea will subtly change, depending on the shape, size, thickness, and material (ceramic, porcelain, glass, etc.) of the vessel. In addition, the appearance of the tea ware has an effect on your perception of the experience. Handcrafted tea ware, especially earthenware is subtly different in individual details and has a special, personal warmth of the artisan. It is relaxing to gaze at handcrafted tea ware and enjoy Japanese tea leisurely. Hohin is a small size Kyusu teapot without a handle and is used to brew only the highest grade Uji tea. The size is usually 100ml (3.52fl oz) or more, and should be used together with small size Yunomi cups like 50ml (1.76fl oz) or more. It is a unique experience to brew high grade Japanese green tea by Hohin.

    In the case of Matcha, curious to say, the style of bowl has a profound effect on the tea drinking experience. The feel of holding the bowl in your hands, the texture of the smooth or rough ceramic on your mouth, and the visual appearance makes you experience the Matcha flavor differently. Would you try to prepare Kuradashi Matcha with a Matcha Bowl that differs from your everyday bowl? For example, Raku Yaki feels very soft and warm to the touch by hands or mouth, elegant painted Matcha Bowl soothes your eyes and heart, earthenware Matcha Bowl reminds you of the beauty and depth of clay, fire, and nature.

The three methods above can be tried separately or all together at once. The methods are not difficult to try, but the result provides a truly unique experience of flavor and atmosphere.
What's Kuradashi Tea: click here

Kuradashi Tea is Now Available!

The Jidai Matsuri festival started at Kyoto city on October 15, and the main vent parade was held on October 22.

At same time our Kuradashi Matcha which has been stored for over a year was taken out from the granary. We have arranged four limited edition Kuradashi Matcha as described below. They are limited edition of 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season. And Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha teas are still available.

Celebrate Kuradashi Teas and enjoy the remarkable enriched flavor and sweetness which can only be experienced once every year! We are certain that the fine enriched flavor and sweetness will captivate you.

Kuradashi Matcha

[Limited] Matcha Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$34.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
For this Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$85.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
This Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. For this Kuradashi Matcha, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle (30g/1.06oz): US$43.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...
[Limited] Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle Refill (120g/4.23oz): US$128.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 21%. The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...

Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha

[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Super Premium (40g/1.41oz): US$24.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Kuradashi Gyokuro is different from ordinary Gyokuro in aroma and flavor. The superb enriched and sweetened flavor and aroma lingers in the mouth for a while. The aroma is full, but not too strong. The flavor is rich and subtle. The taste is both mellow and enhanced...
[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Premium (80g/2.82oz): US$27.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
All Gyokuro does not gain an enriched flavor but only specific kinds of Gyokuro. It depends on some factors. We have enriched this highest grade of trimmed Gyokuro for one and a half years...
[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Pinnacle (40g/1.41oz): US$35.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Tea leaves for this special tea grow in the Ogura area in the Uji region, which is known as one of the foremost production centers of the highest grade of enriched Gyokuro. The Ogura area was the area in where Gyokuro and Matcha were firstly grown...
[Limited] Kuradashi Sencha (80g/2.82oz): US$24.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Long time ago the quality and good conditioned Sencha in Autumn season must have been similar in taste and aroma to this fine Kuradashi Sencha. And that time, only few people could enjoy the excellent flavour...
What's Kuradashi Tea: click here
Are you enjoying your green moments? Hibiki-an encourages those who love to drink green tea. If you have any requests or questions regarding our teas or services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We sincerely hope that you enjoy genuine Hibiki-an Japanese green tea direct to you from Kyoto, Japan.
Sincerely yours,
Atsushi Yasui

Seasonal Topics & Items

Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy (Monthly Recommendation)

Japanese "Amuse-Bouche" (Foods to Amuse the Mouth)
Traditional Japanese Snacks / Candy pair beautifully with any kind of Japanese tea. Like the French "Amuse-Bouche" their purpose is to amuse the mouth or palate, in this case, while drinking green tea. Since 16th century Japan, they have been refined and improved upon over hundreds of years to create absolute harmony of flavor between the green tea and the delicious sweet confection or savory snack. Such as the feeling you get when you have green tea and sushi together, your palate understands that this is an ideal match of flavor.

Artisans began development of Japanese tea ceremony snacks and candy in the 16th century under advisement by Rikyu Sen. Before that time, snacks and candy were only used for religious offering at the altar. Rules of the Japanese tea ceremony governed that Matcha should be served with confections or candy because Matcha at that time was more bitter than high quality Matcha of today. The ingredients were very precious, so that their addition to the tea ceremony contributed to the depth of pleasure and noble ambience. Traditional Japanese confections and candy were usually made from sugar, rice and rice syrup, wheat, and azuki or soy beans, by reasons of historic context. It was not until after the 20th century that egg and milk were used in Japanese confections. Green tea connoisseurs and artisans have continually strived to perfect the art of the tea ceremony snack so that it is the ideal complement in flavor to green tea.

Tea ceremony had strictly required expressing the beauty of nature or four seasons of Japan in confections. The intricate, colorful, and stunningly beautiful confections were created by skilled craftsmen and ingredients were all extremely rare and precious at that time. Tea ceremony confections including OHIGASHI were also called artifice confection and were available only to lords, affluent samurai, and prosperous merchants. More reasonable snacks and candy for the public were developed over time. Like the snacks for nobility, snacks for everyday folk were developed in Kyoto too, the heartland of tea ceremony, and these special snacks along with green tea from Kyoto have always held a special place in the hearts of all Japanese people.

Our premium snacks and candies, follow traditional thought and roles, and are all made by traditional methods, taking a great deal of time and using only carefully selected ingredients. To develop them, we, Hibiki-an, partner with the best artisans in Kyoto who are willing to make special efforts.

Experience the absolute harmony between green tea and the delicious sweet confection or savory snack - your mouth will understand that this is an ideal match of flavor.
Snacks and candy offered on the altar around the 10th to 12th century
Japanese snacks and candy were also affected by Portuguese Spanish confections brought by missionaries in the 15th to 16th century.
Precious snacks and candy were also enjoyed at affluent samurai households.
Tea ceremony enormously contributed to the development of Japanese snacks and candy. Confections in this picture are for tea ceremony in the motif of fruits in autumn seasons.
Confections of this picture is for tea ceremony in summer season. It reminds us of a cool atmosphere.
OHIGASHI for tea ceremony in May
Confections for tea ceremony in the motif of peony.
Confections for tea ceremony in spring season
Confections for tea ceremony in autumn
Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy page: click here
Japanese Snacks / Candy shopping category: click here

Japanese Snacks / Candy items (Monthly Recommendation)

OHIGASHI (handmade confectionary): US$23.00
OHIGASHI is one of the most traditional Japanese confectionary which is often served at Japanese tea ceremony and pairs very well with Japanese green tea. At last, we added OHIGASHI which is made at Tsuboneya, a confectioner in Kyoto well-known for their beautiful confectionary made by hand with careful attention to quality and detail...
[Our Favorite!] CONPEITOH (traditional sugar confectionery): US$19.00
CONPEITOH is a Japanese traditional sugar confectionery which came to Japan from Portugal in the 16th century. We packaged three kinds of premium CONPEITOH made by traditional processing methods with carefully selected ingredients using sophisticated modern recipes...
YOHKAN (sweet bean jelly): US$16.50
YOHKAN sweet bean jelly is one of the most popular and classic confections in Japan. We developed YOHKAN with an established AN bean jam manufacturer located in Kyoto. Our four flavors of YOHKAN are manufactured with careful attention to quality and domestic ingredients...
[Top Choice!] KUROMAME Snack (traditional bean snack): US$18.00
This premium bean snack has a refined subtle flavor: a balance of pleasant nutty aroma of roasted beans and gentle sweet taste of the coating. Only carefully selected ingredients are used and an original manufacturing method is developed...
OKAKI (handmade rice cracker): US$23.00
OKAKI rice cracker is one of the most popular and classic snacks in Japan. At last, we added OKAKI which is made at Fujisawa Eiseido known for creating OKAKI using a traditional manufacturing process with careful attention to quality and natural ingredients. This OKAKI is traditionally-made by hand using only natural ingredients sourced only in Japan...
[Recommended] MATCHA GENMAI SENBEI (handmade Japanese crackers): US$14.00
This special box of premium SENBEI crackers includes two flavors: MATCHA and GENMAI roasted rice. These modern sophisticated handmade crackers are made by traditional methods, and match very well with all kinds of Japanese tea...
Try Our Japanese Snacks / Candy page: click here

[New & Limited] Matcha Bowls / Accessories (Autumn and Winter)

We have arranged for 13 limited edition and 3 new tea ware items. The 13 limited edition items are all available only this autumn and winter season. The new and limited edition tea ware includes Matcha Bowls and Accessories mainly from Kyo Yaki.
Some of the items are designed with modern, sophisticated style, while others use traditional handcrafted techniques for a more traditional design.
We have chosen items that are of exceptional quality yet reasonable in price. They will certainly enrich and enhance your green moment.
[Limited] SHISAI KAMON (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$269.00 (Now Available)
TSHISAI KAMON has not only sophisticated but unique atmosphere like nostalgic early-modern Japan. This is created by a technique called MISHIMA. Before shaped clay is dried, patterns are marked by stamp stick carved with flowers or another similar design...
[Limited] HIBIKI - TSUTSU GATA (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha Bowl is created only for Hibiki-an by up-and-coming artisan, Hozan Tanii. HIBIKI of this name means chime, harmony, or symphony. Hozan Tanii specially developed this glaze to evoke the rich and poignant beauty, and somewhat lonely atmosphere of autumn in Japan...
[Limited] KYOHSOH - GOKI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
YOHSOH of this name means coexistence, harmony, or symphony. Tall base, which is spread out at the bottom, creates an accent, a sense of tension, and delicacy, and tightens the form. The contrast of flowing glaze, rough soil, and subtle form is quite unique and exquisite...
[Limited] TAMA TSUBAKI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha Bowl is graceful and dignified. Combination of the paintings and the form brings an extremely sophisticated atmosphere. The artist Yozan Ogawa has created a bold and heroic composition of the Camellia flower TSUBAKI...
[Limited] MUGEN MOMIJI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$173.00 (Now Available)
This Matcha bowl is graceful and dignified. The combination of the paintings and the decoration of gold brings an extremely elegant atmosphere. The harmony and contrast of natural soil and the elegant decoration are very rare and unique...
[Limited] KISSHOH TSURU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$141.00 (Now Available)
KISSHOH of this name means auspicious and TSURU means crane in Japan. Patterns regarded as auspicious motif in Japan are painted elegantly. This is a deliberate work, which has the excellent harmony and unique contrast of elegant painting and subtle atmosphere of natural clay...
[Limited] HANAKESSHOH HAISEI (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$100.00 (Now Available)
This porcelain Matcha Bowl creates an aura of elegance and unique pleasant cooling sensation. Curious to say, HAISEI color of this Matcha Bowl weaves warmth with cool, and the harmony and contrast of cool and warmth are excellent...
[Limited] KOGIKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$88.00 (Now Available)
KOGIKU of this name is wild chrysanthemum in Japanese. Wild chrysanthemum is one of the most appreciated flowers in the Japanese tea ceremony. Considering the price and quality, this Matcha bowl is an outstanding value...
[Limited] KYO no UME (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$80.00 (Now Available)
KYO of this name means KYOTO and UME means plum in Japanese. Plum is special auspicious flower in Japan because it is said that Plum is the first to bloom among all spring flowers...
[Limited] SABI YOHEN (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$80.00 (Now Available)
All works of Hideki Nishijima are not only created in compliance with the strict rules of tea ceremony schools but are also simple and quite warm-hearted. So they are well-loved in Japan for many reasons...
[Limited] Matcha Container (capacity 40g): US$6.00 (Now Available)
This container is ideal for keeping Matcha both for daily use and for relatively long-term storage because of the screw-type lid with a rubber seal...
[Limited] KOGIKU Matcha Starter Set: US$115.00 (Now Available)
This Starter Set is the minimum set including only the essential tea ware for a perfect bowl of Matcha. And this includes KOGIKU handcrafted Matcha Bowl, painted elegantly by typical Kyo Yaki style...
[Limited] SABI YOHEN Matcha Starter Set: US$104.00 (Now Available)
This Starter Set is the minimum set including only the essential tea ware for a perfect bowl of Matcha. SABI YOHEN handcrafted Matcha Bowl and KUROCHIKU Bamboo Whisk create the WABI SABI atmosphere...
Teapots / Cups shopping category: click here
Matcha Bowls / Accessories shopping category: click here

[Holiday Gift] Celebration Gifts in Japan

In Japan, Japanese green tea is often presented as a gift to celebrate for following reasons. We give the gift of green tea for a good health and a long life of friends, family, or professional colleagues. It is perfect for any special or romantic occasion such as holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day, weddings, or the purchase of a new home.

- Japanese green tea has been highly valued and treasured as a precious medicine for health and longevity since green tea was introduced to Japan in A.D. 805 by Buddhist monks.
- Beginning in A.D. 1738, Sohen Nagatani invented the Japanese green tea processing methods which are still used today to pick and prepare the leaves. Green tea has always been the most popular beverage in Japan, believed to contribute to health and well being. Today, we understand some of the reasons why green tea is so healthy. It is full of nutrients such as Catechin, Teanin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A and many others.
- Tea trees are not deciduous; they do not loose their leaves. Even after continual harvesting, the tea trees sprout patiently and energetically, especially in spring. Tea trees are very strong and resilient and live for many years. That analogy transfers directly into the tea leaf and then into your tea cup providing you and your loved ones health and long life.
Japanese green tea is often presented as a gift to celebrate
Tea trees are very strong and resilient and live for many years.
The Japanese green tea processing methods invented by Sohen Nagatani contributed to the popularization of Japanese tea.
Gifts shopping category: click here
Celebration Gifts in Japan page: click here

(Notice 1) New Shopping Page Design

New shopping page design was recently implemented on our website. It enables you to change the shopping page to display our products as a vertical list of item details, or as horizontal rows of product image tiles, depending on how you prefer to shop. You also can sort our products by price, grade, popularity, and so on. We hope this will make your visit to our website even more enjoyable. Would you please try it and see?

(Notice 2) Price Reduction on All Merchandise (Sep. 5th)

We reduced our prices approximately 5% to 10%, averagely 8.5% on all merchandise on our website due to recent exchange rate fluctuation. The updated price was effective on and after September 5, 2014. We will continuously make efforts to provide genuine Japanese tea and culture to our customers.

Account info

You can view your account info, including your order history, as well as change your email, password, or home address or add a new shipping address to your address book by clicking here.
Or if you prefer, we are happy to update your account info for you. Just let us know. Please don't hesitate to contact us!

To unsubscribe from Hibiki-an Newsletters

You can remove your email address from the mailing list by clicking here.
Or if you prefer, email us with your FULL NAME and we will immediately remove your email address from the mailing list.
Japanese Green Tea Hibiki-an
36 Shimonoto Yuyadani Ujitawara, Kyoto 610-0221 Japan
http://www.hibiki-an.com