Meet our Farmers
Meet Our Farmers
A legacy in every leaf—from a quiet Ujitawara hillside to your cup.
At Origin Uji, we believe exceptional matcha begins at the source—with the land, the soil, and the people who care for it. We work closely with a remarkable multi-generational tea farming family tucked into the misty hills of Ujitawara, Kyoto—the historical heartland of Uji matcha.
Their story spans over seven generations of tea cultivation. Rooted in one of Uji’s oldest valleys, their small family-run farm has spent two centuries refining the art of shade-grown tea. Their approach isn’t industrial—it’s personal. From early-morning field walks to hand-weeding every row, their care for each plant is measured in seasons, not yields.
Heritage That Runs Deep
There’s a quiet humility to their work, and a deep pride. The family traces their lineage to Uji’s early matcha innovators—possibly even to Nagatani Sōen, credited with pioneering the modern method of sencha production. Whether by bloodline or shared spirit, the legacy is unmistakable.
The Okumidori for our matcha comes from a field planted over 40 years ago—still thriving today and, with careful stewardship, expected to produce for generations to come. In a practice virtually unknown outside of Uji, our partners harvest only once a year, rather than the typical three, placing minimal stress on the plants and allowing them a full season to recover. For more than 26 days before harvest, the fields are shaded, deepening the tea’s rich umami and creating the luminous, vibrant green that defines world-class matcha.
Farming as a Way of Life
On this quiet hillside farm, tea isn’t rushed. No synthetic herbicides are used. Fertilization is carefully balanced, and every cultivation decision prioritizes long-term soil health. This isn’t just farming—it’s stewardship.
Across generations, technique and values pass hand to hand: patience, observation, respect for nature, and a belief that if you care for the land, the land will care for you.
Our Cultivars from This Family Farm
Their matcha isn’t mass-produced—it’s small-batch, seasonal, and rooted in place. From this extraordinary partnership, we are proud to source:
Okumidori 長期被覆
Toasty, nutty, and deeply satisfying — this Special Selection Okumidori is a premium Uji matcha made for those who love umami and richness. This stone ground, single-cultivar ceremonial matcha delivers a uniquely warm and layered flavor profile unlike any other in the Origin Uji lineup.
Uji Hikari 稀少品種
Vivid, oceanic, and brimming with brightness — Uji Hikari is one of the rarest matcha cultivars grown in Uji. This first harvest, shade-grown ceremonial matcha is renowned for its unique flavor profile, often described as clean, briny, and bursting with marine umami. If you're drawn to complexity and crave depth, Uji Hikari delivers an experience unlike any other.
Why We Protect Our Partnerships
Because of the care and intention that go into this tea, we keep certain grower identities private. These relationships are built on trust, long visits, shared meals, and mutual commitment. Preserving their anonymity protects the integrity of their work—and safeguards the continuity of your matcha experience.
A Note of Gratitude
To work with growers who walk their fields every morning, who trust the wisdom of the seasons, and who keep tea as a living tradition—this is what sets Origin Uji apart. Each tin carries not only incredible flavor, but generations of dedication, honor, and heart.
Taste the difference of fields tended by family, not factories.
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