Ima Mukashi - Yabukita Ceremonial Matcha from Uji, Kyoto

Ima Mukashi is a single-cultivar Yabukita ceremonial matcha from Uji, Kyoto, produced by Shogyokuen - a family-run tea factory established in 1827. It sits at the entry point of the Chaseki ceremonial range: clean, fresh, naturally sweet, and priced to make quality matcha accessible. It is the most approachable starting point for anyone new to ceremonial matcha, and a reliable everyday option for cafés that want a lighter, cleaner matcha presence in their drinks and recipes.

About Ima Mukashi

Ima Mukashi is part of our Ceremonial Matcha collection and is made exclusively from Yabukita cultivar tencha, sourced from Uji, Kyoto. Yabukita is Japan's most widely cultivated tea variety - reliable, honest, and clean in character. It produces a matcha that is bright, fresh, and easy to work with across latte and bakery applications.

At the entry point of Shogyokuen's ceremonial range, Ima Mukashi delivers a step up from culinary grade in refinement and freshness, while remaining accessible in price and forgiving in use. For home drinkers exploring ceremonial matcha for the first time, or for cafés seeking a clean ceremonial option at a lower cost per gram, it fills that role well.

Taste Profile

Mouthfeel: Light to medium, clean Finish: Medium, refreshing Umami: Moderate Bitterness: Slight, balanced by natural sweetness Flavor Notes

Ima Mukashi opens with a refreshing, light character and a clean medium finish. Fresh-cut grass defines the entry note - bright and direct - followed quickly by the gentle vegetal sweetness of young green pea. A slight natural bitterness sits across the mid-palate, never sharp, and resolves cleanly into a pleasant sweetness on the finish. The overall impression is honest and uncluttered - a matcha that shows its cultivar clearly without pretension.

How to Use Ima Mukashi

Best suited for:

• Matcha lattes (hot and iced)
• Bakery and baked goods
• Everyday home preparation

Ima Mukashi performs well in milk-based preparations where its clean, fresh character adds a bright matcha presence without heaviness. In lattes, it delivers a clear green flavor and color. In bakery, its mild bitterness and natural sweetness complement rather than dominate. For those who want to explore drinking matcha straight, Ima Mukashi is a gentle introduction - though for a more expressive usucha experience, Toyo Mukashi or Izumi No Shiro will go further.

How Ima Mukashi Compares

Ima Mukashi sits at the entry point of the Shogyokuen ceremonial range. One step up, Izumi No Shiro (Okumidori) brings more vegetal depth, a clean saline edge, and a fuller structure. Toyo Mukashi (Samidori) adds pronounced umami and a smoother, richer mouthfeel. For those who want to stay in the latte and bakery space but upgrade smokiness and body, Seifu (Kanaya Midori, culinary) is the more powerful option. Ima Mukashi is the honest, accessible starting point in the range.

Origin & Sourcing

Ima Mukashi is produced by Shogyokuen, a family-run tea factory established in 1827 and led today by master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi. The Yabukita tencha originates from Uji, Kyoto - the historical heart of Japanese matcha - and is refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, where generations of blending and production expertise shape every batch.

Chaseki holds exclusive Thailand distribution rights for Shogyokuen's full matcha range. This direct relationship means transparent cultivar information, consistent harvest quality, and no intermediaries between the source and your cup. Every can and pouch of Ima Mukashi sold in Thailand traces back to a single, verified producer.

Trusted by Thailand's Matcha Community

Ima Mukashi is used daily across cafés, bakeries, and teahouses throughout Thailand. Chaseki has specialized in Japanese matcha since November 2018 and has supplied Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020, training more than 2,500 students through workshops on matcha preparation, sourcing, and business. Its accessible price point makes it one of our most reordered entry-level ceremonial matchas across our B2B client base.

Sizes & Packaging

Ima Mukashi is available in multiple formats:

• 40g can for home preparation
• 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g pouches for cafés and professional kitchens

Starting at THB 605 for the 40g can. Wholesale pricing available for verified B2B accounts.

How to Store Matcha

Store Ima Mukashi in the fridge or freezer, sealed in its original packaging or an airtight container. Keep away from strong-smelling foods. Return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation. See FAQ 4 below for full storage guidance.

Learn More

New to matcha or exploring the ceremonial range for the first time? Visit our educational library and video tutorials to build your matcha knowledge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ima Mukashi good for beginners?

Yes. Ima Mukashi is one of the most accessible ceremonial matchas in the Chaseki range. Its fresh, clean profile and natural sweetness make it approachable for first-time matcha drinkers, and its price point makes it easy to explore without commitment. For those ready to step deeper into ceremonial matcha, Toyo Mukashi or Izumi No Shiro are natural next steps.

What makes Yabukita suitable for this matcha?

Yabukita is Japan's most widely cultivated tea variety, valued for its reliable freshness, bright green character, and clean structure. In Ima Mukashi, it delivers a straightforward, honest profile - fresh-cut grass, young pea, and a natural sweetness - without the heavier umami complexity of premium cultivars. That simplicity is an asset in lattes and bakery where a clean, bright matcha character is preferred.

How does Ima Mukashi compare to Seifu?

Both are suited for lattes and bakery, but they are different grades and characters. Seifu is a culinary grade Kanaya Midori matcha with bold smokiness and a distinct bitter edge. Ima Mukashi is a ceremonial grade Yabukita matcha with a fresher, cleaner, and more refined character. Ima Mukashi is the better choice when you want a lighter, more delicate matcha presence in your drinks or recipes.

Can I use Ima Mukashi for usucha?

Ima Mukashi can be used for usucha. Its Yabukita character - fresh, slightly bitter, naturally sweet - produces a clean bowl. For a deeper, more umami-forward usucha experience, Toyo Mukashi or Izumi No Shiro are stronger choices.

What is the difference between Ceremonial, Daily, and Latte Matcha?

At Chaseki, matcha is categorized by intended use rather than by a single quality label. Ceremonial Matcha is crafted for traditional preparation such as usucha and koicha, offering depth, balance, and refined structure. Daily Matcha is designed for regular enjoyment, combining good umami with freshness and versatility. Latte Matcha is selected for milk-based and cold preparations, where clarity, smoothness, and consistency are key.

Is this matcha suitable for beginners?

Yes. All Chaseki matcha is suitable for beginners, though different styles suit different preferences. Daily Matcha and Latte Matcha are especially approachable, while Ceremonial Matcha offers a deeper experience for those interested in traditional preparation.

How should I choose the right matcha for my use?

If you enjoy traditional preparation with water, start with Ceremonial or Daily Matcha. If you plan to prepare matcha lattes, cold whisk matcha, or mixed drinks, Latte Matcha or Daily Matcha is the best choice. Each product page includes preparation recommendations to help you choose confidently.

How should I store matcha properly?

Matcha should be stored in the fridge or freezer to protect it from light, heat, and oxygen. Proper cold storage helps extend shelf life significantly. In the fridge, matcha stays fresh for up to four months after opening. In the freezer, it can maintain quality for over one year if kept unopened or well sealed. Always store in an airtight container and allow matcha to return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

Does matcha contain caffeine?

Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine as well as L-theanine, which contributes to a calmer, more sustained energy compared to coffee. The exact caffeine level depends on the cultivar, harvest, and preparation style.

Is Chaseki matcha sourced directly from Japan?

Yes. All Chaseki matcha is sourced from established tea producers in Japan, working with small and medium-sized tea farms and factories. We focus on transparency, cultivar information, and long-term relationships with our partners.

Is this matcha suitable for cafes and professional use?

Yes. Many Chaseki matcha products are available in larger formats and are used by cafes, restaurants, and professional kitchens. Daily and Latte Matcha are especially suited for consistent performance in high-volume environments.

What is the difference between single-cultivar and blended matcha?

Single-cultivar matcha is made from one tea cultivar and highlights its specific characteristics. Blended matcha combines multiple cultivars to achieve balance, consistency, or a specific flavor profile. Both styles are used intentionally, depending on the desired result.

Related Products

• Izumi No Shiro - one step up: Okumidori ceremonial matcha with more vegetal depth and structure
• Toyo Mukashi - Samidori ceremonial matcha with pronounced umami and a smoother mouthfeel
• Seifu - culinary grade Kanaya Midori for high-volume café and bakery use
• How to Prepare Matcha at Home - our full beginner's guide