{"title":"Shincha 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTHE FIRST HARVEST OF THE YEAR\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHave A Taste Of The Incredible Experience Of Shincha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first harvest of 2026 has begun here in Kyushu, from southern Chiran to northern Yame, from Oita in the east to Nagasaki in the west. With warm temperatures, low frost and consistent amounts of rain, reports from all our tea areas suggest that you’ll be able to enjoy a particularly fragrant, umami-rich first flush this year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFresh-picked and packed with nutrients, the outstanding colour, aroma and taste of shincha make it an experience you won’t want to miss.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe new harvest teas become available as the producers wrap up their new production. The schedule depends on the type of tea (sencha coming first, gyokuro in June), region (Chiran has the earliest harvest of Japan) and whether a tea must be certified organic or not.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBookmark this page and come back to check out our latest arrivals!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"readmore-text\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eCelebrating shincha season\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the verdant fields of Kyushu, the arrival of shincha season weaves together tradition and agriculture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first tea harvest season is rich with unique customs and special dates passed down through generations, notably the Hachijuhachi (88th Day). This movable feast occurs on the 88th day after the start of spring, according to the Chinese calendar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is believed to be the ideal and most favourable time for harvesting, celebrated with festivals and events across regions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eDiscovering the elegance of shincha\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShincha is celebrated for its profound umami, delicate sweetness and vibrant green hue. Shincha tea can refer to two products:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA premium first-flush tea, Shincha is made with a gentle steaming process akin to Sencha and is released right at the start of the harvest. This limited-edition tea graces shelves only briefly each season, just after picking commences.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProducers also call ‘shincha’ the new edition of their premium teas (sencha, gyokuro, tamaryokucha, etc.), made only from first-flush leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst-flush tea is coveted for its exceptional flavour and rarity. It boasts higher levels of amino acids and theanine than second-harvest tea. This is due to the young buds having more time to absorb nutrients throughout the winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eExperience premium Japanese green tea at IKKYU\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLearn why we’re the preferred choice for both enthusiasts and newcomers to Japanese tea making.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommitment to transparency\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLike all our teas, our shincha tea follows a traceable path from cultivation to processing. By knowing the exact origins of your tea, you can appreciate not only the quality but also the heritage behind every sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExpert guidance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're looking for a specific variety of green tea or seeking guidance to begin your tea journey, we're here to assist. Our knowledgeable team is on hand to answer your questions and guide you in making the ideal selection. Additionally, we provide detailed brewing instructions for each type of tea, allowing you to enjoy the fullest flavours of every cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique blends\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/ikkyu-tea.com\/\"\u003eIKKYU\u003c\/a\u003e is a haven for Japanese tea lovers. We offer exclusive and sought-after tea specialties you won’t find elsewhere. Our green teas are directly sourced from dedicated farmers and producers, ensuring a unique and unforgettable tasting experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshness you can rely on\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe essence of a perfect cup of tea lies in its freshness. At IKKYU, we understand this deeply, which is why we refresh our stock monthly, guaranteeing that the tea delivered to your doorstep is as flavorful as possible, and goes directly from the producers to your cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWorldwide shipping\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEvery year, IKKYU receives among the first and finest shincha tea in Japan and delivers it anywhere in the world. Simply place your order online, and we'll handle the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eRevel in the flavours and aroma of shincha tea\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmbark on a journey with IKKYU to experience the exquisite taste of shincha. Each cup offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and delicate craftsmanship of Japanese tea making.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't miss the opportunity to try this limited seasonal delight. Order now and enjoy in the pure, soothing flavours of our curated green teas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"mitsumi","title":"MITSUMI","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026 First Harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMITSUMI is a stunning example of a deep-steamed (fukamushi) sencha made by Nagayama san in Chiran. A first-harvest shincha that showcases the beauty of an early-picked tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMade with a blend of the Yutaka Midori and Yabukita cultivars, this sencha has a nice balance of light aromatic and vegetal characteristics. Notes of bean sprouts and watercress are accented by notes of wildflowers and kumquat peel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea is a wonderful daily drink or a refreshing afternoon brew.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188884574443,"sku":"CHSEN-05W","price":1782.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188884541675,"sku":"CHSEN-05W","price":2050.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Chiran Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":44115322077419,"sku":"CHISEN-05W","price":2350.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Gift Box (4x50g)","offer_id":47142661292267,"sku":null,"price":7120.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/ikkyu-tea-washi-new-obi-mitsumi.jpg?v=1777602915"},{"product_id":"mitsue","title":"MITSUE","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2026 First Harvest \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA fukamushi sencha of the highest quality, presented to national competitions. After harvest, leaves are deep-steamed so that both umami and sweetness can be fully expressed. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe love the rich and buttery taste of its liquor, with its almond notes!\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMITSUE is a blend of two rare cultivars, sae midori and yukata midori, that easily thrive in the mild and warm climate of Chiran area (Kagoshima). It is one of the earliest new teas of the year of our collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts rich taste, freshness and lack of bitterness makes it a true jewel that will bring you real pleasure and happiness. Its high theanine contents will allow your body to relax and its very low amounts of caffeine will let you enjoy this unique and incredible tea all day long.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188884836587,"sku":"CHSEN-06W","price":2650.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188884803819,"sku":"CHSEN-06W","price":3050.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Chiran Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":44115320701163,"sku":"CHSEN-06W","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Gift Box (4x50g)","offer_id":47142661456107,"sku":null,"price":10600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/ikkyu-tea-washi-new-obi-mitsue.jpg?v=1777602798"},{"product_id":"ren","title":"REN","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026 first harvest \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom Chiran, Kagoshima, Shimono san expertly blended four cultivars (Yutaka Midori, Yabukita, Sae Midori, and Asatsuyu) to create this high-quality, deep-steamed (fukamushi) sencha. REN has a light body with notes of steamed broccoli, pine nut, and water chestnut.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubtle floral notes of dried gardenia and spring flowers balance with underlying umami characteristics. Its silken and sweet finish comes through beautifully with multiple steeps as you taste more of what Chiran has to offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSold now in 100g bags and available in bulk quantities!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 100 GR (3.62 OZ)","offer_id":42188885623019,"sku":"CHSEN-03","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.62 OZ)","offer_id":42188885590251,"sku":"CHSEN-03W","price":3400.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Chiran Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.62 OZ)","offer_id":44115330302187,"sku":"CHSEN03-W","price":3600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 x 100g bundle (-15% off)","offer_id":48166074974443,"sku":"CHSEN03-P","price":12750.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 x 1kg bulk (-20% off)","offer_id":48166075007211,"sku":"CHSEN03-B","price":24000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/ikkyu-tea-washi-new-obi-ren.jpg?v=1777602283"},{"product_id":"kazuya","title":"KAZUYA","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2026 First Harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003eWith its light green and golden color, the competition-grade organic sencha of Tsuru san comes from the first haverst of the year and blends asatsuyu and yabukita together.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFull-bodied, fragrant and packed with umami, this deep-steamed sencha balances sweetness and bitterness in a perfect manner, and leaves a wonderful clear honey taste on your palate.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188890013931,"sku":"SASEN-01W","price":2070.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":42188889981163,"sku":"SASEN-01W","price":2370.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Saga Washi Wrapped 50 GR (1.76 OZ)","offer_id":44116575060203,"sku":"SASEN-01W","price":2670.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bulk bag 250 GR (8.8 OZ) (15% off)","offer_id":46239862882539,"sku":"SASEN-01B","price":8798.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Gift Box (4x50g)","offer_id":47142661849323,"sku":null,"price":8280.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/ikkyu-tea-washi-new-obi-kazuya.jpg?v=1777602678"},{"product_id":"rei","title":"REI","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e2026 first harvest \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis premium, first-harvest sencha hails from Chiran area, Kagoshima prefecture, the largest tea production area of Japan, and is one of the leading products of Shimono-en. REI is a bright and refreshing sencha made with a blend of four cultivars (Yutaka Midori, Yabukita, Sae Midori, and Asatsuyu).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sencha has notes of zucchini, buttered spinach, and sweetgrass, and a lingering sweetness and rich umami characteristics. Subtle notes of snap pea and marjoram support its fragrant liquor. This deep-steamed (fukamushi) sencha should be brewed for about 60 seconds at 70°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe very fresh fragrance of this sencha and its pleasing and beautiful green color make it a real jewel. You can still enjoy its quality and complexity after a second and third brews.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 100 GR (3.52 OZ)","offer_id":42188959744235,"sku":"CHSEN-04","price":4000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.52 OZ)","offer_id":42188959678699,"sku":"CHSEN-04W","price":4300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Chiran Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.52 OZ)","offer_id":44115324764395,"sku":"CHSEN-04W","price":4600.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"5 x 100g bundle (15% off)","offer_id":48166087524587,"sku":"CHSEN-04P","price":17000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"1 x 1kg bulk (20% off)","offer_id":48166087557355,"sku":"CHISEN-04B","price":32000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/ikkyu-tea-washi-new-obi-rei.jpg?v=1777602221"},{"product_id":"isami","title":"ISAMI","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026 first harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsami is a remarkably sweet competition grade sencha that hails from the misty vales of Okuyame. The keyword for Isami is relaxation: with Kakuda Seicha’s signature \u003cstrong\u003ehigh levels of theanine\u003c\/strong\u003e and a smooth mouthfeel, you’ll want to sink into a comfortable chair as you sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe method used to cultivate their tea boasts a theanine concentration of a whopping \u003cstrong\u003e2%, comparable to high-grade matcha\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKakuda san recommends pairing this tea with a traditional Japanese red bean jelly or an equivalent, slightly sweet and refreshing treat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIsami is a combination of Yabukita, picked in its earliest stage, and the rarer variety Ooiwase, creates a strong sweet taste that is accompanied by the aroma of young leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotes of blackcurrant and cassis spread over the tongue during the first brew, and the second remains unblemished, a sippable harmony of umami and light fruit. There is absolutely no bitterness to be found. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 100 GR (3.5 OZ)","offer_id":45426957746411,"sku":"YASEN-09","price":3000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.5 OZ)","offer_id":45428790657259,"sku":"","price":3300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yame Washi Wrapped 100gr","offer_id":45428790690027,"sku":"","price":3500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bulk 5 x 100g (15% discount)","offer_id":45650450940139,"sku":"","price":12750.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Gift Box (2x100g)","offer_id":47142679576811,"sku":null,"price":6000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/Ikkyu_tea_kakuda_sencha_competition-white_washi.jpg?v=1717030637"},{"product_id":"iyoko","title":"IYOKO","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: justify;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2026 first harvest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIyoko is a premium sencha from Kakuda Seicha in Okuyame. Versatile and smooth, Iyoko can be brewed cold or hot, to be enjoyed alongside meals or as a strong, umami-forward standalone beverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith a sweet opening, the typical Yame astringency and umami will develop at the aftertaste. Well-balanced, Iyoko is a blend of the fresh aroma of Yabukita with the deliciousness of Tsuyu Hikari.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeep-green and highly aromatic. Owing to the special cultivation methods developed by Kakuda Seicha, Like her sister \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/shop.ikkyu-tea.com\/products\/isami\"\u003eIsami\u003c\/a\u003e, Iyoko has a \u003cstrong\u003ehigh level of theanine\u003c\/strong\u003e with a concentration \u003cstrong\u003eof a whopping 2%, comparable to high-grade matcha\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e A relaxing focus boosting tea enjoyable at all times of day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ikkyu Tea","offers":[{"title":"Plain bag 100 GR (3.5 OZ)","offer_id":45431245177067,"sku":"","price":2000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.5 OZ)","offer_id":45431245209835,"sku":"","price":2300.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Yame Washi Wrapped 100 GR (3.5 OZ)","offer_id":45431245242603,"sku":"","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"Bulk 5 x 100g (15% discount)","offer_id":45650459197675,"sku":"YASEN-08","price":8500.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true},{"title":"White Gift Box (2x100g)","offer_id":47142659490027,"sku":null,"price":4000.0,"currency_code":"JPY","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/files\/Ikkyu_tea_kakuda_sencha_premium-white_washi.jpg?v=1717058200"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0608\/9834\/5195\/collections\/ikkyu-tea-shincha-2023_header.jpg?v=1777253918","url":"https:\/\/shop.ikkyu-tea.com\/en-int\/collections\/shincha-2026.oembed","provider":"Ikkyu Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}