Marukyu Koyamaen Seasonal New Year Edition Matcha( Obukucha-大福茶)

Obukucha (大福茶 - "Good Fortune Tea") by Marukyu Koyamaen is an exclusive New Year limited-edition ceremonial matcha that celebrates over 1,000 years of Japanese tradition—delivering exquisite freshness, mildness, and richness with strong, intense flavours and an exceptionally long aftertaste. Released from early December until mid-January while supplies last, this special matcha embodies the ancient practice of drinking Obukucha on New Year's Day to bring good fortune, health, and prosperity for the coming year.

The tradition of Obukucha dates back to 951 CE during the reign of Emperor Murakami, when a serious epidemic swept through Kyoto. Buddhist priest Kuya of Rokuharamitsu-ji Temple distributed tea to the suffering people, and miraculously, the epidemic subsided. The emperor himself drank this tea and recovered, establishing the annual custom of drinking "Obukucha"—originally meaning "the tea drunk by the Emperor" (皇服茶), but now written with characters meaning "Great Fortune" (大福茶). Today, Japanese families gather on New Year's Day to share Obukucha together, praying for health, happiness, and good fortune in the year ahead.

Founded in 1704 during the Genroku era, Marukyu Koyamaen honors this sacred tradition with their exclusive matcha blend, characterized by a rich tea with strong, intense flavors that has no bitter or astringent notes. This well-balanced matcha is more temperamental than other blends—requiring careful attention to water temperature (80°C for usucha, 90°C for koicha) as slight variations will change the flavor profile. The result is an exquisite fusion of matcha freshness, mildness, and richness that creates a moment of reverence and celebration, perfect for beginning the new year with intention and gratitude.

A versatile blend designed for a wider audience, suitable for both tea practitioners and those enjoying it casually over the holiday season.

Flavour Profile: It is known to be very fresh, vibrant green, and deep in umami and vegetal notes. It is designed to be highly palatable as a warm, comforting matcha for the New Year.

Excellent as a thin tea( Usucha) but can also use for thick tea( Koicha). This is a rich tea with strong, intense flavours and an exceptionally long aftertaste. It has no bitter or astringent notes.