Marukyu Koyamaen Principal Matcha
Founded during Japan’s Genroku era (1688–1704), Marukyu Koyamaen has cultivated and refined tea in Uji, Kyoto for more than three centuries. Beginning with Kyujiro Koyama’s dedication to producing exceptional tea, successive generations have advanced the company’s cultivation and processing methods while preserving the traditions of authentic Ujicha.
Today, Marukyu Koyamaen is recognized as one of Japan’s foremost producers of fine matcha, trusted by tea practitioners and matcha enthusiasts in Japan and around the world.
What Is Principal Matcha?
“Principal Matcha” is Marukyu Koyamaen’s designation for matcha created primarily for traditional tea preparation. These teas are intended to be whisked with water and enjoyed as usucha (thin tea), koicha (thick tea), or both, depending on the variety.
Unlike broad marketing terms such as “ceremonial grade,” Principal Matcha refers to Marukyu Koyamaen’s own collection of traditionally prepared matcha. Each variety offers a distinct balance of aroma, umami, sweetness, bitterness, body, and finish.
More expensive does not necessarily mean better for every purpose. Higher-level Principal Matcha often reveals its most delicate qualities when prepared with water. When combined with milk, sweetener, or other ingredients, some of those subtle characteristics can become difficult to appreciate.
For matcha lattes, baking, and desserts, explore our Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha for Lattes & Culinary Use collection.
A Tradition of Quality
Marukyu Koyamaen’s philosophy—“Making teas with quality as the highest priority”—guides every stage of production, from cultivation and selection to processing and stone grinding.
Its teas have received numerous honors, including 22 first prizes at Japan’s National Tea Competition and nine first prizes at the Kansai Regional Tea Competition. With certifications including ISO 22000 and JAS Organic, Marukyu Koyamaen combines centuries of craftsmanship with modern quality and food-safety management.
Luna Matcha is an authorized U.S. importer and retailer of Marukyu Koyamaen matcha. Our products are officially imported from Japan, stored under appropriate conditions, and fulfilled within the United States to protect their freshness and authenticity.
Choosing Your Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha
Eiju
Elegant and refined, with deep umami and a smooth, concentrated finish. Recommended for both koicha and usucha.
Unkaku
A soft, sweet aroma followed by a rich and layered flavor. Suitable for both koicha and usucha, including more formal tea occasions.
Kinrin
Full-bodied and complex, with generous umami and a lingering freshness. Enjoy as usucha or as a lighter preparation of koicha.
Wako
A bright aroma and gentle flavor with a smooth, clean finish. An excellent choice for usucha and particularly enjoyable with Japanese or Western confections.
Isuzu
Balanced and approachable, combining mellow umami with a pleasant degree of bitterness. Recommended primarily for usucha and everyday traditional preparation.
Aoarashi
Light and refreshing, with a pleasant bitterness and a crisp finish. An accessible choice for everyday usucha and for those beginning to explore traditionally prepared matcha.
How to Choose
For koicha, begin with fuller and more rounded varieties such as Eiju, Unkaku, or Kinrin.
For refined usucha, Wako offers an elegant balance of aroma and smoothness.
For approachable everyday usucha, Isuzu and Aoarashi provide more noticeable bitterness and a refreshing finish.
The best matcha is not simply the most expensive one. It is the variety that best suits your preparation method and preferred balance of umami, sweetness, bitterness, and body.
Why Buy Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha from Luna Matcha?
Authenticity
Luna Matcha is an authorized U.S. importer and retailer offering officially imported Marukyu Koyamaen products.
Freshness
Our matcha is imported regularly, stored under appropriate conditions, and shipped promptly from within the United States.
Guidance
We help customers select matcha based on preparation method and flavor preference—not simply price or popularity.
From everyday usucha to formal koicha, Luna Matcha brings the craftsmanship of Marukyu Koyamaen to customers across the United States while supporting an informed appreciation of authentic Japanese tea culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “Principal Matcha” mean?
Principal Matcha is Marukyu Koyamaen’s designation for its matcha intended primarily for traditional preparation with water. Depending on the variety, it may be suitable for usucha, koicha, or both. It is not a universal grading standard.
Is Principal Matcha the same as “ceremonial grade”?
No. “Ceremonial grade” is not a standardized Japanese matcha classification. Principal Matcha is the terminology Marukyu Koyamaen uses for its own collection of matcha designed for traditional tea preparation.
Can Principal Matcha be used for a latte?
Yes, but it may not always be the best value or produce the strongest result. Milk and sweetener can obscure the delicate aroma and umami found in higher-level Principal Matcha. For lattes, we recommend choosing from our Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha for Lattes & Culinary Use collection.
What is the difference between usucha and koicha?
Usucha, or thin tea, is prepared with a smaller amount of matcha and more water, producing a lighter texture with a layer of fine foam.
Koicha, or thick tea, uses more matcha and less water. It is kneaded rather than whisked into foam, creating a dense, concentrated preparation. Because koicha magnifies bitterness and astringency, it is generally prepared with matcha specifically recommended for koicha.
Which Marukyu Koyamaen matcha should I choose?
Choose according to how you plan to prepare it. For koicha, consider richer and more rounded varieties such as Eiju, Unkaku, or Kinrin. For refined usucha, Wako is an excellent starting point. For more approachable everyday usucha, consider Isuzu or Aoarashi.
How fresh is Marukyu Koyamaen matcha?
Marukyu Koyamaen matcha generally carries a maximum best-before period of six months. Luna Matcha imports regularly and ships fresh inventory from within the United States. The best-before date of the currently available inventory can be provided upon request.
Is Luna Matcha an authorized seller of Marukyu Koyamaen matcha?
Yes. Luna Matcha is an authorized U.S. importer and retailer of Marukyu Koyamaen matcha. Our products are officially imported from Japan, stored under appropriate conditions, and fulfilled within the United States.
