Founded in 1827 (the 10th year of the Bunsei era), Shogyokuen represents over 190 years of continuous Uji tea craftsmanship. The estate began when Jiemon Kobayashi took over a local tea garden, and the company has consistently managed every step from production to sales ever since. In 1923, Jiichi Kobayashi officially established the Shogyokuen name.

Today, the estate is led by Hiroshi Kobayashi, the 5th-generation head and a Japanese tea appraiser. After winning the highest rank at the 2011 National Tea Judging Competition, he officially holds the 10th-dan (Judan) certification. Backed by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award, he currently manages the purchasing and supervision of Shogyokuen's matcha.