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.

Kobataen, as its name suggests, originates from a long-established tea farming family in this historic region. In the mid-Edo period, Morita Hyouemon of Tachikawa Village (then part of Ujitawara-go) began expanding tea cultivation, establishing new fields that were named “Ichiban Shimbata,” “Nakabata Shimbata,” and “Minami Shimbata.” The original fields came to be known as “Furubata” (old fields), giving rise to the name “Kobataen.”

Carrying this legacy forward since the Edo period, Kobataen began tea distribution in the early Meiji era. With the establishment of tea exhibitions by the Meiji government, Kobataen first participated in the inaugural National Tea Competition (第一回製茶共進会) in 1879, marking the beginning of a long history of accolades. The brand has since earned numerous awards at both national and international exhibitions, cementing its reputation for quality and craftsmanship.

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.

Customers are invited to experience the deep tradition and exquisite flavor that define Kobataen’s teas, cultivated in the birthplace of Japan’s green tea heritage.

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Kuretake 40g (Coming soon)

Kuretake 40g (Coming soon)