Shiraore belongs to the category of “twig tea” (kukicha), that is, green tea made with parts of the tea plant that is not used for making regular green tea such as sencha or gyokuro. For making shiraore, tea producers blend together stems, stalks, and twigs, coming from the production of gyokuro.

As a result, it is the best kind of kukicha in terms of quality. Shiraore is appreciated for its unique nutty and sweet flavor and aroma. Its sweetness comes from its high contents in theanine, which is produced in the roots of the tea tree and then distributed to the leaves.

In other regions of Japan, this type of tea is also named “Kukicha”(茎茶, twig tea) or “Karigane” (雁が音, wild goose) in Kyoto.

Explore the benefits of Shiraore

Because gyokuro is shaded to avoid loss of theanine due to sunlight, the theanine contents are even higher in shiraore. As it is naturally very low in caffeine, this tea is not bitter — well suited for children (straight or mixed with juice) or as a calming drink before going to sleep. Shiraore is another specialty of Kyushu island.

Embrace the purity of organically grown Shiraore

From the start, IKKYU Shiraore teas have been cultivated with a deep respect for the environment and the health of the tea trees. Grown by dedicated producers, our IKKI, JIN and JUNICHI teas are nurtured with minimal or no use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

This natural approach strengthens the roots and structure of the tea plants, helping them thrive in harmony with their surroundings. The result is a leaf that captures the full essence of its growing region, which is pure, nutrient-rich, and unaltered by synthetic treatments.

Delight in premium packaging crafted for your Shiraore tea

Each Shiraore tea you receive is carefully packed by the producer to preserve its flavor and freshness. This direct-from-farm approach ensures optimal conservation from the moment it leaves Kyushu. Once prepared, your tea is wrapped by IKKYU in elegant materials that reflect the beauty of Japanese tea culture.

Our karigane tea can also be wrapped and packaged in Japanese washi paper, available as a premium add-on to enhance the experience of gifting or enjoying premium tea. The texture, color, and feel of each sheet are selected to match the quality of the tea inside. Whether you're buying for yourself, for family, or as a thoughtful gesture to a friend or colleague, every order becomes something to savor.

We encourage you to reuse the washi paper in your own creative way. It’s part of the charm and care that comes with every IKKYU delivery.

Shop Shiraore tea with IKKYU

Explore our curated Shiraore collection and discover why this premium kukicha tea stands out among Japanese tea lovers. Want to learn more before you buy? Feel free to explore our latest insights about tea or check the answers to some of our customers’ most frequently asked questions. For help with your order or personalized advice, reach out to our team — we’d love to help.