NAKANISHI TEA GARDEN

A 250-Year Legacy of Organic Matcha by the Nakanishi Family

The Nakanishi tea family garden, led by Yoshiaki Nakanishi and his son Yoshinori Nakanishi, has been a pillar of traditional Japanese tea-making for over 250 years. Located in the serene Fushimi district outside Kyoto along the Uji River, the Nakanishi tea garden has earned a prestigious reputation for producing premium organic matcha. This legacy of sustainable and organic tea cultivation continues to thrive, reflecting the family's unwavering commitment to quality and environmental stewardship.

Sustainable Organic Matcha Farming and Commitment to Quality:

Certified by the Japanese Agricultural Standard (JAS), the Nakanishi tea garden exemplifies a deep commitment to sustainable and organic farming practices. The farm exclusively uses natural fertilizers such as rapeseed meal and fish meal and employs natural insect deterrents like herbs and coconut oil, completely avoiding chemical pesticides. This environmentally conscious approach not only preserves the ecosystem but also ensures the production of high-quality, pure organic matcha. The Nakanishi family's dedication to these sustainable practices guarantees that each batch of matcha retains its authentic flavor and superior quality, staying true to traditional Japanese tea-making methods.

A Tradition of Excellence in Organic Matcha Production:

Since 1980, the Nakanishi family has embraced 100% organic cultivation. Yoshiaki Nakanishi, who began his journey into tea farming at the age of 17, has spent over six decades perfecting his craft. His vision has always been to share the exceptional quality of his organic matcha with tea enthusiasts worldwide. Through carefully selected international partnerships, Nakanishi matcha has reached connoisseurs across the globe. Despite the modest size of their 1.2-hectare fully shaded tea garden, the farm produces some of Japan’s finest organic matcha, with only 50kg sold annually under the Nakanishi name. This rarity and exclusivity underscore the family’s dedication to quality over quantity.

Preserving Tradition Through Meticulous Craftsmanship:

The Nakanishi tea garden is a living testament to the timeless traditions of Japanese tea culture. Every aspect of the matcha production process is carried out with deep reverence for heritage. Each tea leaf is hand-picked with exceptional attention to detail, ensuring only the finest leaves are selected. Traditional techniques, such as bamboo sieve sifting, are employed to preserve the integrity of the tea leaves and enhance the subtle flavors cherished by tea connoisseurs.

The farm also practice the traditional Japanese method known as Shizen-jitate (自然仕立て), allowing tea plants to grow in their natural, unpruned form. This method fosters a harmonious relationship between the plants and their environment, resulting in a tea that is both vibrant and robust. Combined with the hand-harvesting technique known as Tezumi (手摘み), only the youngest, freshest, and most nutrient-rich buds are selected, providing unmatched quality.

Nakanishi-san’s decision to harvest his tea plantations only once a year during the spring season highlights the garden’s dedication to quality over quantity. This deliberate choice allows the tea plants and soil to rest and rejuvenate, absorbing fresh nutrients that contribute to the next harvest. The result is a tea that is rich in flavor and embodies the essence of the land and the season. These meticulous cultivation methods ensure that Nakanishi matcha meets the rigorous standards of tea ceremony schools and the discerning tastes of connoisseurs, offering not just a beverage, but a true experience of traditional Japanese tea-making.

Meeting Global Demand for Organic Matcha:

As the global demand for organic products continues to rise, the Nakanishi tea garden, now led by Yoshinori Nakanishi, is well-positioned to meet this growing interest. Particularly popular in Europe and the United States, organic matcha has become a favorite among health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. The Nakanishi tea garden has emerged as a leader in this movement, providing high-quality organic matcha that resonates with the values of modern consumers.

Balancing Luxury and Simplicity in Japanese Tea Culture:

The Japanese tea ceremony, deeply influenced by Taoist and Zen Buddhist principles, embodies a balance of luxury and simplicity. Historically, tea culture evolved from grand displays to the humble "roji-sōan ippū no cha" style promoted by tea master Sen no Rikyū, who valued ethical and aesthetic education through Zen. However, elements of luxury have remained ingrained in aspects of tea culture.

This balance is perfectly embodied in Nakanishi’s rare Shiun variety of matcha, a tea that represents the farm's commitment to tradition and innovation. Offered in limited quantities to select specialists, Shiun matcha is the pinnacle of Nakanishi’s craftsmanship, designed specifically for Koicha preparation method, which requires a rich and thick consistency. As Japan's sole organic matcha suitable for Koicha in the Tea Ceremony, Shiun matcha is often reserved for tea teachers and is prepared exclusively as thick matcha, reflecting the luxurious and refined aspects of Japanese tea culture.

Sharing Japan’s Tea Heritage with the World:

Through the exceptional quality of their organic matcha, the Nakanishi family aims to introduce new generations of tea lovers to the rich heritage of Japanese tea. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with a commitment to sustainable and organic practices, ensures that the Nakanishi tea garden remains at the forefront of the industry. As the global demand for organic matcha continues to grow, the Nakanishi family's dedication to preserving time-honored methods will continue to attract enthusiasts eager to experience the unique flavors and qualities of this revered tea.

Organic Certification:

JAS Organic certified - 2007M7

* It is a privilege and an honour for us to collaborate with the Nakanishi family and support their ongoing commitment to maintaining a rich legacy of cultivating the highest quality Tencha leaf material without compromise.