A Legacy Rooted in Uji and Honored by the Shogun
In the heart of Japan’s sacred tea region, Uji in Kyoto, stands Kanbayashi Shunsho Honten—the oldest surviving tea house in Uji, with a history spanning over 450 years. Among its most treasured creations is Baba Mukashi (祖母昔), a matcha whose heritage is as profound as its taste.
According to tradition, during the early Edo period, the powerful shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu developed a deep admiration for a tea specially prepared by the grandmother of Kanbayashi’s first head. Impressed by its excellence, the shogun rewarded the Kanbayashi family with the Wakemori Tea Garden, where the leaves for this exquisite matcha were cultivated. The tea was thereafter named Baba Mukashi—literally, “Grandmother’s Old Time”—a title reserved exclusively for the Kanbayashi lineage.
Thus, Baba Mukashi is far more than a tea; it is a ceremonial bridge to samurai culture, a symbol of shogunal recognition, and a living testament to centuries of Japanese tea artistry.
For American tea lovers who appreciate legacy, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling, this matcha invites you to experience the same ritual green powder once cherished by a shogun himself.
Unveiling the Flavor and Craftsmanship
So what does a matcha with such a distinguished legacy taste like? Baba Mukashi reveals a creamy, velvety sweetness with no bitterness, layered with gentle notes of dried dates, tender spring greens, and a hint of vanilla. Each sip embodies refinement and quiet strength.
Key Details:
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Crafted from select tencha honored at the Jōyō Tea Competition (城陽茶品評会), using premium cultivars such as Asahi (for rich aroma and depth) and Samidori (for vibrant color and balance).
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Stone-milled in small batches, preserving the centuries-old Uji method that defines true ceremonial-grade matcha.
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Perfectly suited for koicha (濃茶, thick tea)—a dense, smooth preparation that accentuates umami and texture, reserved for formal tea gatherings.
A Final Reflection
In today’s world—where “matcha” is often reduced to a wellness buzzword or café trend—Baba Mukashi stands as a reminder of what authentic matcha truly represents: ritual, respect, and refinement.
It is not simply a drink but a story in a cup—a continuation of a legacy that once graced the table of Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu.
For the art-loving, history-curious, and quality-seeking tea enthusiast in Portland, Baba Mukashi can be more than just a tea—it can be a conversation between past and present, East and West, master and admirer.
You can explore and purchase Baba Mukashi – Premium Ceremonial Matcha by Kanbayashi Shunsho here:
Baba Mukashi Product Page
