One of the most common questions we hear at Nara Tea is:
"Which matcha should I buy?"
If you've visited our Marukyu Koyamaen collection, you've probably noticed that there are many different options—Aoarashi, Isuzu, Yugen, Wako, Choan, Tenju, and more.
All of them are authentic Japanese ceremonial-grade matcha, but each has its own unique flavor profile.
The good news? There is no wrong choice.
The best matcha is simply the one that matches your taste preferences.
To help make choosing easier, we've created a Matcha Flavor Profile Chart that compares sweetness, umami, aftertaste, bitterness, and astringency.
If You're New to Matcha
Try Aoarashi (青嵐)
Aoarashi is one of the most popular entry-level ceremonial matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen.
It offers a pleasant balance of sweetness and umami while remaining approachable and affordable.
Perfect for:
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First-time matcha drinkers
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Daily matcha
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Matcha lattes
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Customers looking for great value
If You Want a Traditional Tea Ceremony Matcha
Try Isuzu (五十鈴)
Isuzu is widely used by tea ceremony practitioners and is one of Marukyu Koyamaen's most beloved matcha.
It offers a classic balance of sweetness, umami, and a clean finish.
Perfect for:
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Tea ceremony practice
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Traditional usucha (thin tea)
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Daily ceremonial matcha
If You Love Smooth, Rich Umami
Try Yugen (又玄)
Yugen is known for its richer umami and smooth mouthfeel.
Many customers choose Yugen when they want to experience a noticeable step up in refinement and depth.
Perfect for:
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Matcha lovers seeking more complexity
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Customers who enjoy smooth, rich flavors
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Premium daily matcha
If You Prefer Sweetness and Elegance
Try Wako (和光)
Wako is one of the most elegant matcha in the Marukyu Koyamaen lineup.
It offers exceptional sweetness, a lingering aftertaste, and very little bitterness.
Perfect for:
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Customers who prefer sweeter matcha
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Special occasions
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Premium usucha preparation
If You're Looking for One of the Finest Matcha Available
Try Choan (長安), Kiwami Choan (極長安), or Tenju (天授)
These are among the highest grades offered by Marukyu Koyamaen.
They are prized for their extraordinary smoothness, rich umami, and remarkable balance.
Perfect for:
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Experienced matcha drinkers
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Formal tea gatherings
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Those seeking the highest expression of Uji matcha craftsmanship
Still Not Sure?
Here's our quick recommendation:
Best Matcha for Beginners
Aoarashi
Best Matcha for Tea Ceremony Practice
Isuzu
Best Balance of Umami and Sweetness
Yugen
Best Sweet and Elegant Matcha
Wako
Best Premium Matcha
Tenju or Kiwami Choan
Need Help Choosing?
At Nara Tea, we're always happy to help.
If you're not sure which matcha is right for you, simply tell us:
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Your experience level
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Whether you drink matcha straight or as a latte
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Your budget
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Whether you prefer sweetness or umami
We'll be happy to recommend the perfect matcha for your taste.
After all, the best matcha isn't the most expensive one—it's the one you'll look forward to drinking every day.
