Begin with a Cup of Gyokuro
Hello everyone 😊
This is Keko from the online team.
When people think of Nakamura Tokichi,
many may first think of matcha.
Matcha is indeed an important tea for us—
one that many people enjoy and are familiar with.
However, we are a tea merchant that offers a wide range of Japanese teas.
Sencha, hojicha, gyokuro—
each has its own character,
and each holds its own unique charm.
With the renewal of our Kyoto Store,
we would like to reintroduce one of these teas: gyokuro.
Gyokuro is known for its rich umami,
carefully cultivated over time and crafted with great attention.
This process gives it its distinctive depth and elegance.
At the same time,
it is often seen as
“a special tea”
or “a tea that feels a bit intimidating.”
That is why, at our Kyoto Store,
we have created a store-exclusive gyokuro—
as a first step toward making this tea more approachable.
Our goal was to create a gyokuro that you would naturally choose in your everyday life.
The deep umami of gyokuro can sometimes feel intense,
depending on the occasion.
For this reason, we have carefully adjusted the balance—
retaining its signature richness while softening it to a more gentle level.
With each sip,
you will experience the full-bodied umami and soft sweetness of gyokuro,
yet with a lightness that blends naturally into daily life.
It is refined, yet approachable—
a tea you may find yourself reaching for again and again.
This exclusive gyokuro is also served as a welcome tea at our store.
A welcome tea is not simply a drink—
it is a first moment that reflects the spirit of the place,
and invites you into the experience that follows.
At the Kyoto Store,
this gyokuro is that first cup.
The gentle umami that spreads upon the first sip
may quietly set the tone for your time here.
Beyond matcha,
there is a wider world of Japanese tea—
one that is calm, subtle, and deeply expressive.
At our renewed Kyoto Store,
we invite you to begin with a cup of gyokuro,
and discover that world for yourself.
Whether you are new to it,
or already familiar with our teas,
we hope this experience brings you closer
to the quiet beauty of gyokuro.