How long has Shohokuen been producing matcha?

Shohokuen was founded in 1645, making it over 380 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in 8 Kohata Higashinaka, Uji, Kyoto 611-0002, Japan.

Where is Shohokuen matcha grown?

Shohokuen sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.

What tea cultivars does Shohokuen use?

Shohokuen works with 5 tea cultivars: Samidori, Yabukita, Asahi, Uji Hikari, Saemidori. Different cultivars contribute distinct umami, sweetness, and color profiles to each blend.

Is Shohokuen matcha stone-milled?

6 of Shohokuen's 7 blends are stone-milled. Stone-milled matcha is ground slowly to preserve delicate flavor compounds and vibrant color.

How many matcha products does Shohokuen offer?

Shohokuen currently offers 7 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Usucha, Organic, Koicha). The lineup ranges from Iwai no Mukashi to Unjo no Tomo, covering different preparation styles and price points.

Why is Shohokuen matcha more expensive?

Shohokuen matcha ranges from ¥54 to ¥432 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods — and Shohokuen's 381-year heritage.

Where does Shohokuen ship to?

Shohokuen ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.

Where can I buy Shohokuen matcha in Japan?

Shohokuen has 9 retail locations in Japan, including Hiroshima Mitsukoshi B1 Gift Counter in Hiroshima.

Is Shohokuen matcha organic?

Yes, Shohokuen matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

VerifiedOrganicTraditionalPremium

Shohokuen

松北園松北園茶店

Shohokuen is a historic Uji tea maker founded in 1645 in Kohata, Uji. The company manufactures and sells Japanese tea, pairing deep Uji roots with a modern focus on safety management, organic certification, and export-ready production.

Brand story

Shohokuen traces its origins to early Edo-period tea making in Uji's Kohata area. Its official history emphasizes continuity from 1645, recognition in domestic exhibitions, selection as the sole maker for imperial presentation tea in 1915, and a modern quality-control program that includes JAS Organic certification, ISO22000, and FSSC22000.

Brand Facts

Japanese name: 松北園
Founded: 1645
Headquarters: 8 Kohata Higashinaka, Uji, Kyoto 611-0002, Japan
Origin regions: Uji
Certifications: JAS Organic
Official site: www.ujicha.com
Ships to: Japan
Price/gram range: ¥54–¥432/g
Blends tracked: 7

Origin regionsUji

CertificationsJAS Organic

Blend Lineup

7 blends

Where to Buy Shohokuen in Japan

Official stores and authorized retailers across Japan.

Headquarters Official Store Authorized Retailer

Hiroshima

Hiroshima Mitsukoshi B1 Gift Counter
Authorized Retailer
5-1 Ebisucho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima 730-8545, Japan

Chuo City, Tokyo

Sapporo, Hokkaido

Sendai, Miyagi

Sendai Mitsukoshi Main Building B1 Shohokuen Counter
Authorized Retailer
4-8-15 Ichibancho, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8543, Japan

Nagoya, Aichi

Uji, Kyoto

Shohokuen Headquarters
Headquarters
8 Kohata Higashinaka, Uji, Kyoto 611-0002, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has Shohokuen been producing matcha?: Shohokuen was founded in 1645, making it over 380 years old. It dates to the Edo or Meiji era of Japanese tea production, based in 8 Kohata Higashinaka, Uji, Kyoto 611-0002, Japan.
Where is Shohokuen matcha grown?: Shohokuen sources its matcha from Uji in Kyoto prefecture, one of Japan's recognized matcha-producing regions.
What tea cultivars does Shohokuen use?: Shohokuen works with 5 tea cultivars: Samidori, Yabukita, Asahi, Uji Hikari, Saemidori. Different cultivars contribute distinct umami, sweetness, and color profiles to each blend.
Is Shohokuen matcha stone-milled?: 6 of Shohokuen's 7 blends are stone-milled. Stone-milled matcha is ground slowly to preserve delicate flavor compounds and vibrant color.
How many matcha products does Shohokuen offer?: Shohokuen currently offers 7 matcha blends across 3 grade levels (Usucha, Organic, Koicha). The lineup ranges from Iwai no Mukashi to Unjo no Tomo, covering different preparation styles and price points.
Why is Shohokuen matcha more expensive?: Shohokuen matcha ranges from ¥54 to ¥432 per gram, placing it in the premium tier. Higher pricing typically reflects stone-milling, single-origin sourcing, specific cultivar selection, or traditional production methods — and Shohokuen's 381-year heritage.
Where does Shohokuen ship to?: Shohokuen ships to: Japan. Availability may vary — check their official site for current shipping options.
Where can I buy Shohokuen matcha in Japan?: Shohokuen has 9 retail locations in Japan, including Hiroshima Mitsukoshi B1 Gift Counter in Hiroshima.
Is Shohokuen matcha organic?: Yes, Shohokuen matcha is certified organic, meaning it is produced without synthetic pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Sources

Sources (4)

松北園会社概要

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 98%

Supports: Founded in 1645; company name 松北園茶店; manufactures and sells Japanese tea; address is Kyoto府宇治市木幡東中8番地.

松北園茶店公式オンラインストア

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 97%

Supports: Official store states 2006 JAS Organic, 2010 ISO22000, 2019 FSSC22000, lists department-store counters in Japan, and says overseas shipping is not available.

松北園の歴史

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 96%

Supports: Official history states the brand began tea making in Kohata, Uji and lists awards plus 2006 JAS Organic, 2010 ISO22000, and 2019 FSSC22000 milestones.

松北園お茶の安全性

Accessed Mar 26, 2026Confidence: 95%

Supports: Shohokuen states it operates factories according to ISO22000 and runs annual pesticide residue analysis while coordinating with growers and JA Zennoh.

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