Hoshinomura, Yame Matcha

Hoshinomura is a mountain village inside the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, known for producing some of the finest gyokuro and tencha in Japan.

Yame produces less tea than Uji or Shizuoka, but a much higher share of it goes to premium grades. Hoshinomura, tucked into the Yabe River valley at higher elevation, is the most prestigious sub-region within Yame. Cool nights, narrow temperature swings, and a consistent mist line make for slow, steady leaf development.

Hoshinomura tencha tends to be sweeter and lighter than Uji, with softer umami and more pronounced sweetness from the amino acid balance. A useful counterpoint if you find some Uji matchas heavy or vegetal.