Yamashiro Uji Matcha is the flagship matcha product line from Yamashiro Bussan Co., Ltd., a Japanese tea company established in 1960.
Product Line Overview
Producer: Yamashiro Bussan Co., Ltd. / YAMASHIRO & CO., LTD. Brand Identity: KYOTO - YAMASHIRO (【KYOTO - YAMASHIRO】) Product Name: Yamashiro Uji Matcha Origin: Wazuka Town, Yamashiro region, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
What is "Yamashiro Uji Matcha"?
This is a product description rather than a brand name itself. It indicates:
- Yamashiro - Producer/brand (Yamashiro Bussan)
- Uji - Geographic origin (Uji region, Kyoto)
- Matcha - Product type (powdered green tea)
The product is matcha from Uji produced by Yamashiro Bussan, sourced specifically from the Yamashiro region within the broader Uji tea-growing area.
Product Details
Grade and Quality
- Ceremonial grade matcha powder
- Premium quality suitable for traditional preparation
- Made from 100% tencha from the Yamashiro region
Sourcing
- Region: Yamashiro Basin, southern Kyoto Prefecture
- Specific area: Wazuka Town (produces ~50% of Kyoto's Uji tea)
- Terroir: 800+ year tea-growing history
- Production: Yamashiro Bussan factory in Wazuka-cho
Characteristics
- Color: Vibrant green (ceremonial quality)
- Origin: Single-origin from Yamashiro/Wazuka area
- Processing: Traditional methods with modern quality control
- Grinding: Stone-ground into fine powder
Flavor Profile
- Smooth Uji matcha characteristics
- Rich umami flavor
- Natural sweetness typical of Yamashiro region tea
- Balanced taste suitable for usucha preparation
Available Variants
Yamashiro Bussan produces multiple matcha products under various names:
Standard Yamashiro Uji Matcha
- 40g tin - Standard ceremonial size
- 100g bag - Medium quantity
- 250g bag - Larger quantity for regular users
- 1000g (1kg) - Bulk/commercial size
Named Product Lines
In addition to the standard "Yamashiro Uji Matcha," Yamashiro Bussan also produces:
- Miyabi no Shiro - Premium ceremonial matcha variant
- Betsugi - Commercial/food service grade
- Sweet Uji Matcha Green Tea - Sweetened matcha powder (120g)
- Midori Azayaka Matcha Genmaicha - Matcha-infused genmaicha blend
Specialty Products
- Yuzu Matcha Fusion - Shizuoka matcha with Kochi yuzu peel
- Various other tea products (gyokuro, sencha, genmaicha)
Regional Significance
The Yamashiro Region
The product name emphasizes its origin in the Yamashiro region, which has special significance:
Geographic Identity:
- Historical Yamashiro Province in southern Kyoto
- Yamashiro Basin with ideal tea-growing climate
- Wazuka Town - "homeland of Japanese tea"
- Part of the prestigious Uji tea designation
Production Heritage:
- 800+ years of tea cultivation history
- Over 300 tea-growing families in Wazuka
- Significant temperature variations (day/night, seasonal)
- Morning fog from Wazuka River creates ideal conditions
Cultural Recognition:
- Ishitera Tea Plantation - Kyoto Prefecture Scenery Asset
- Designated Japan Heritage site
- Birthplace of matcha, sencha, and gyokuro traditions
Quality Standards
Yamashiro Bussan Quality Control
The company maintains strict standards:
- ISO 22000:2018 certification (acquired August 2022)
- International standard for food safety management systems
- Factory in Wazuka with modern quality control
- Traditional tea master expertise
Innovation
Yamashiro Bussan was the first tea company to:
- Use polyethylene vinyl packaging (replacing traditional paper)
- Preserve freshness through modern packaging technology
- Maintain quality during storage and transport
Recommended Uses
Traditional Preparation (Usucha)
- Ideal for thin tea ceremony preparation
- Whisk with hot water (70-80°C / 158-176°F)
- Suitable for daily ceremonial drinking
Modern Applications
- Premium matcha lattes (hot or iced)
- High-quality smoothies
- Ceremonial-grade baking and desserts
- Culinary applications requiring vibrant color
Not Recommended For
- Koicha (thick tea ceremony) - use higher grades if available
- Budget culinary use - consider their commercial grades instead
Packaging and Availability
Package Types
- 40g tin - Traditional Japanese tin packaging
- 100g bag - Resealable pouch
- 250g bag - Larger pouch for regular consumption
- 1kg bulk - Commercial/food service packaging
Where to Buy
- Official store: ocha-yamashiro.com
- Amazon: Multiple listings with KYOTO - YAMASHIRO branding
- JETRO GREEN TEA Room: Featured on Japan External Trade Organization platform
- Specialty retailers: Japan Centre (UK), ShizenCha, and others
- eBay: Various sellers offering import options
Price Point
Positioning
- Mid-range ceremonial matcha
- More affordable than ultra-premium competition-grade
- Higher quality than budget culinary matcha
- Good value for authentic Uji matcha from established producer
Price Factors
- Traditional Uji region sourcing
- Yamashiro/Wazuka terroir premium
- ISO-certified production facility
- Over 60 years of company experience
- Import/export costs (for international markets)
Comparison to Other Yamashiro Region Matcha
Important Note: Multiple tea producers operate in the Yamashiro region (Wazuka Town and surrounding areas). "Yamashiro Uji Matcha" specifically refers to the Yamashiro Bussan product, but other producers in the same geographic area may also describe their products using regional terminology.
Distinguishing Yamashiro Bussan Products:
- Look for "KYOTO - YAMASHIRO" branding
- Check for "Yamashiro Bussan" company name
- Verify packaging and official retailers
- Company website: ocha-yamashiro.com
Authenticity Verification
Genuine Yamashiro Bussan Products Feature:
- Branding: 【KYOTO - YAMASHIRO】or "Yamashiro Bussan"
- Origin statement: Uji, Kyoto / Wazuka, Yamashiro region
- Company info: Established 1960, ISO 22000:2018 certified
- Quality assurance: Factory in Wazuka-cho, Kyoto Prefecture
Beware of Confusion:
Since "Yamashiro" is a region name, other products might reference the area without being from Yamashiro Bussan. Always verify the producer name.
Product Evolution
Company History (1960-Present)
- 1960: Yamashiro Bussan founded by Shigeyuki Tsuji
- Early innovation: Pioneered polyethylene vinyl packaging in tea industry
- 2022: Achieved ISO 22000:2018 certification
- Present: Offers hundreds of tea varieties while maintaining focus on Uji matcha
Modern Market Position
Yamashiro Bussan's matcha products serve:
- Traditional tea ceremony practitioners
- Daily matcha drinkers
- International export markets
- Cafe and food service industry
- Home bakers and culinary enthusiasts
Storage and Freshness
Storage Recommendations
- Keep sealed in original airtight packaging
- Store in refrigerator or cool, dark place
- Protect from light, heat, moisture, and oxygen
- Consume within 1-2 months of opening for optimal quality
- Unopened tins can last longer when refrigerated
Freshness Indicators
- Vibrant jade green color (fresh)
- Sweet, grassy aroma (not musty or stale)
- Clump-free powder texture
- Smooth, non-bitter taste
Related Products from Yamashiro Bussan
Beyond standard matcha, the company offers:
- Gyokuro (premium shade-grown leaf tea)
- Sencha (Japanese green tea)
- Genmaicha (green tea with roasted rice)
- Matcha Genmaicha (genmaicha with matcha powder)
- Barley tea (mugicha)
- Organic teas
- Health teas
- Japanese black tea
Summary
Yamashiro Uji Matcha is:
- A product line from Yamashiro Bussan Co., Ltd.
- Ceremonial-grade matcha from Uji (Yamashiro region, Wazuka Town)
- Mid-range pricing with good value for authentic Uji matcha
- Available in multiple sizes (40g, 100g, 250g, 1kg)
- Suitable for traditional preparation and premium modern applications
- Produced by ISO-certified facility with 60+ years of experience
- Distinguished by KYOTO - YAMASHIRO branding
Key Distinction:
- Yamashiro Bussan = The company/brand (see yamashiro-bussan.md)
- Yamashiro Uji Matcha = Their flagship matcha product line (this document)
- Yamashiro region = Geographic area in Kyoto where tea is grown
This product exemplifies how traditional Uji tea production continues in the historic Yamashiro region through modern, quality-controlled processes while honoring centuries of tea cultivation heritage.