Kobataen is rooted in Ujitawara, Kyoto—a town recognized as the birthplace of Japanese green tea. It was here in the mid-Edo period, during the reign of the eighth Tokugawa shogun Yoshimune, that Soen Nagatani developed aosei sencha(青製煎茶)—a revolutionary green tea with a clear, vibrant color and superior taste and aroma compared to the coarse brown decoctions that preceded it. This innovative method, known as the Uji style, laid the foundation for what is now regarded as Japanese green tea.

From Ujitawara, this beautiful green tea spread to Uji and beyond, eventually becoming a prestigious offering presented to the imperial court. Today, that legacy of excellence continues, and Ujitawara remains synonymous with premium tea.

Among its recent achievements, Kobataen was awarded the Special Gold Prize for Matcha at the 11th International Premium Tea Contest held on April 30, 2016. This distinction affirms the exceptional caliber of its matcha—a product recognized among the highest standards in the world.