Kagoshima Organic Asanoka Gyokuro (New 2025 Harvest)

Gyokuro is one of Japan’s most prized green teas, known for its signature deep umami and sweet, savory broth-like flavor. It gets this character from being grown under shade, which boosts theanine and aroma compounds like DMS. But this particular gyokuro, made from the Asanoka cultivar and grown organically in Kagoshima, offers a different kind of experience—one that’s cleaner, fresher, and surprisingly bright.

Made from the Asanoka cultivar, a relatively new hybrid of Yabukita and a Chinese variety developed in Kagoshima, this tea offers a brighter and more refreshing taste. Asanoka is known for its floral and fruity aroma, high theanine content, and naturally low astringency. These qualities translate into a tea that leans more toward honeydew melon and cucumber-like freshness rather than the dense umami typically associated with gyokuro.

In addition to its unique flavor, this gyokuro is organically grown, which is exceptionally rare in Japan. Organic tea farms are limited, and farms that produce gyokuro under certified organic conditions are even harder to find. This tea comes from the same certified organic farm that grows our Asatsuyu, Asanoka, and Tsuyuhikari fukamushi. Located in the mountainous Kirishima region of Kagoshima, the farm benefits from volcanic soils and a mild climate—ideal conditions for cultivating early-harvest cultivars like Asanoka.

Flavor Profile

When brewed gyokuro-style, the tea presents a gentle, silky body with clear notes of honeydew melon, fresh cucumber, and a clean, refreshing finish. It lacks the heavy salinity or deep brothy savoriness often found in standard gyokuro, offering instead a lighter and more aromatic experience, with restrained umami.

When brewed sencha-style, the same melon-like sweetness appears alongside floral aromatics, such as sweet pea, lilac, and wildflower, with a touch of fresh green vegetal character. There is a slight bitterness to the tea but its well-balanced, adding complexity to the tea.

Brewing Guide:

Gyokuro-Style Brewing

• Tea: 5g
• Water: 180-200ml teapot/kyusu at 145°F (63°C)
• Steep Time: 90 seconds to 2 minutes

Sencha-Style Brewing

• Tea: 5g
• Water: 180-200ml teapot/kyusu at 165°F (73°C)
• Steep Time: 17–20 seconds

You should be able to get 3-4 steeps out of this tea.

This Kagoshima Organic Asanoka Gyokuro combines a sweet and floral cultivar with rare organic craftsmanship—producing a gyokuro that is clean, refreshing, and distinct from traditional gyokuro.