Kyotanabe Matcha

Kyotanabe is a small but historically important matcha-producing area in southern Kyoto, just north of Uji.

Kyotanabe shares the same Yamashiro basin terroir as Uji and is often grouped with Uji in commercial labeling. Production is small (a handful of family farms), but the area has a centuries-long association with tencha and is recognized within Japan as a traditional matcha region alongside Uji, Nishio, and Yame.

Kyotanabe matcha typically shows the savory umami profile of Uji-region tea, with subtle differences in finish that depend on the individual farmer. Production is small enough that you will mostly see it on single-origin offerings rather than blends.