SHIKIBU-NO-MUKASHI Matcha by KOYAMAEN – Premium Uji Japanese Green Tea | MatchaJP

Shikibu-no-Mukashi Matcha – Yamamasa Koyamaen High-Grade Usucha from Uji

Shikibu-no-Mukashi is Yamamasa Koyamaen's highest-grade usucha — positioned above the best-selling Ogurayama and just below the premium koicha grades. For those who want the pinnacle of Koyamaen thin tea: rich, refined, and deeply expressive.

OriginUji, Kyoto, Japan
GradeHigh-grade · Usucha
StyleRich umami, refined, complex
ShippingDirect from Japan
Shikibu-no-Mukashi Matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen – high-grade usucha from Uji, Kyoto
Uji, Kyoto High-grade ceremonial Premium usucha Tea ceremony

Shikibu-no-Mukashi (式部の昔) is named after Lady Murasaki Shikibu — the Heian-era author of The Tale of Genji, and a figure deeply associated with classical Kyoto elegance. This name reflects the grade's character perfectly: refined, layered, and deeply rooted in the Uji tea tradition. The flavor profile offers rich, full umami with greater depth and complexity than Ogurayama, a more pronounced sweetness, and an elegant, lingering finish. It represents the highest expression of Koyamaen usucha — the grade chosen by those who have worked their way through the lineup and want the best thin tea the house has to offer.

Producer Yamamasa Koyamaen (山政小山園)
Region Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Grade High-grade Ceremonial – Usucha (thin tea)
Flavor Rich umami, deep complexity, elegant sweet finish
Best for Premium usucha, formal tea ceremony, seasoned matcha drinkers

Choose your size

100g pack Ideal for regular use. Roughly 50 servings of usucha — enjoy the full character of Shikibu-no-Mukashi at a comfortable pace.
150g can Best value for frequent preparation. Resealable can preserves freshness — best if Shikibu-no-Mukashi is already your preferred grade.

How does Shikibu-no-Mukashi compare?

Two steps below
YOMO-NO-KAORI
Intermediate grade with refined aroma and fuller body than entry-level grades.
One step below
OGURAYAMA
The best-selling balance point — deep umami and smooth texture for daily tea ceremony use.
Currently viewing
SHIKIBU-NO-MUKASHI ✓
Highest-grade usucha — rich, complex, and deeply refined. The pinnacle of Koyamaen thin tea.
Next: koicha grade
TENNOUZAN
Premium thick tea (koicha) grade. For formal koicha preparation and high-level tea ceremony use.

Want to explore the full Koyamaen lineup?

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About Shikibu-no-Mukashi Matcha

Product info

Shikibu-no-Mukashi (式部の昔) is the highest-grade usucha in the Yamamasa Koyamaen ceremonial lineup — positioned above the best-selling Ogurayama and just below the premium koicha grades (Tennouzan, Kaguraden). Its name is a reference to Lady Murasaki Shikibu, the Heian-era author of The Tale of Genji, evoking classical Kyoto elegance and refinement.

Among Koyamaen's usucha grades — which progress from Matsukaze and Samidori through Yomo-no-Kaori and Ogurayama — Shikibu-no-Mukashi represents the final and most refined expression of thin tea. The flavor delivers rich, layered umami with greater depth and complexity than Ogurayama, a more pronounced natural sweetness, and a long, elegant finish. It is the choice for seasoned matcha practitioners who have explored the lineup and want the best that Koyamaen's usucha range has to offer. Available in 100g packs and 150g cans, shipped directly from Japan.

All Yamamasa Koyamaen matcha → Uji matcha collection → Premium matcha → How to choose matcha →

Frequently asked questions

What is Shikibu-no-Mukashi matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen? +
Shikibu-no-Mukashi is the highest-grade usucha (thin tea) in the Yamamasa Koyamaen ceremonial lineup, positioned above the best-selling Ogurayama. Named after Lady Murasaki Shikibu, it represents the pinnacle of Koyamaen's thin tea range — rich, layered umami with greater complexity and a more elegant, lingering finish than lower grades.
What is the difference between Shikibu-no-Mukashi and Ogurayama? +
Both are Yamamasa Koyamaen ceremonial usucha grades. Ogurayama is the best-selling balance point — deep umami, smooth texture, and excellent for daily tea ceremony use. Shikibu-no-Mukashi is one step above, with richer, more layered flavor, greater complexity, and a more pronounced sweetness. If Ogurayama is your regular grade and you want to experience the next level of Koyamaen usucha, Shikibu-no-Mukashi is the natural step up.
Is Shikibu-no-Mukashi suitable for beginners? +
Shikibu-no-Mukashi is best appreciated by those who have already explored ceremonial matcha and want a more refined, complex experience. If you are new to ceremonial matcha, we recommend starting with Samidori or Matsukaze, then working up through Ogurayama before trying Shikibu-no-Mukashi — its depth is best appreciated with some matcha experience.
Can Shikibu-no-Mukashi be used for koicha (thick tea)? +
Shikibu-no-Mukashi is classified as a high-grade usucha grade — it is designed and optimized for thin tea (usucha) preparation. For formal koicha use, we recommend stepping up to Tennouzan or Kaguraden, which are specifically produced for thick tea preparation at the highest level.
Where can I buy Shikibu-no-Mukashi matcha by Yamamasa Koyamaen? +
MatchaJP ships Shikibu-no-Mukashi matcha directly from Japan to over 80 countries worldwide. Available in 100g packs and 150g cans — all listed on this page.

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