Kagoshima Matcha

Kagoshima is the southernmost of Japan's major matcha regions, on the island of Kyushu, and the second-largest tea-producing prefecture in the country.

Volcanic soil and a warm subtropical climate make Kagoshima ideal for high-yield production, and most of the prefecture's output goes into commercial sencha rather than matcha. The matcha that does come out of Kagoshima (concentrated in Satsuma, Shibushi, and Kirishima) tends to be cleaner and lighter than Uji, with less of the heavy umami concentration that comes from longer shading.

Newer-generation matcha brands often source from Kagoshima because the supply is reliable and the quality is consistent. A good region for an everyday matcha that drinks well both whisked and as a latte.