Gyokuro Okabe Okumidori (Hand Plucked)

About Gyokuro Okabe Okumidori (Hand Plucked)

This Gyokuro Okabe, made from the prized Okumidori cultivar and crafted with meticulous small-batch care, captures the purest expression of umami with silky texture and delicate oceanic sweetness. Unlike most teas picked by machine, this tea is carefully hand-plucked, a labor-intensive process that preserves the integrity and quality of each leaf. Gyokuro is considered the pinnacle of Japanese green tea — a style that’s shaded before harvest to develop exceptional sweetness, richness, and depth. Revered for its deep umami, low bitterness, and calming properties, Gyokuro is traditionally reserved for special occasions.

About

This small-batch Gyokuro is made exclusively from the Okumidori cultivar and grown in the Okabe area of Shizuoka, long celebrated for producing some of Japan’s finest shaded teas. Its hand-plucked leaves are harvested in early spring, resulting in a vibrant, complex tea with notes of steamed greens, nori, and edamame. The texture is rich and velvety, with a long, oceanic finish.

Cultivation & Processing

This Gyokuro is produced by a small, multi-generational farm in the the Miyajima village situated in the Okabe area, a region known for its cool climate, misty hills, and centuries-old expertise in shaded tea cultivation. Around three weeks before the spring harvest, the tea bushes are shaded using traditional netting to block out over 90% of sunlight. The cultivar used, Okumidori, is prized for its smooth, clean character and deep green color, making it an ideal choice for high-grade Gyokuro. In early spring, only the youngest and most tender leaves are carefully hand-plucked, a time-consuming method that ensures exceptional quality and minimal bitterness. After harvesting, the leaves undergo light steaming to preserve their delicate character, before being meticulously rolled and dried using traditional Gyokuro processing techniques.

Effects

This Gyokuro offers a calm, meditative experience ideal for slow mornings or moments of deep focus. Thanks to its high content of L-theanine, it promotes relaxation without drowsiness and may help with mental clarity. Its low bitterness and smooth finish also make it gentle on the stomach.

How to Enjoy / Tea Pairing

This tea’s deep umami makes it an elegant match with sashimi, steamed white fish or rice dishes. For the Japanese traditional brewing method, use only 100ml and 6g of tea leaves for 20 seconds.