Uncovering Nishio Prefecture: The hidden path to exceptional Japanese matcha

One area of production that has long been on my radar is Nishio. While it is not as well-known, and in some cases associated with more commercially processed teas, I have always been drawn to uncovering the smaller, quality-focused producers working in the region.

For years, I assumed this would mean working directly with a tea grower, as we do in many other parts of Japan. However, the culture of tea sales in Nishio doesn’t typically support this kind of direct buying model. At first, this felt perplexing. Over time, though, I realized that the path to the best tea here lies in building relationships with inspired tea manufacturers and gaining access to the trusted networks of growers they work with.

Two of our most celebrated matcha offerings, Seion and Suiteki, reflect this approach. Their raw materials are purchased at the tea market and carefully blended to create a stunning cuvée—much like a wine from Bordeaux. Because of this process, referencing individual growers can be challenging. While this may initially suggest a compromise in quality, it actually reflects the regional structure of the tea trade rather than the quality of the leaves themselves.After more than fifteen years sourcing tea across Japan, one lesson has become clear: the path to the best tea is not always the most obvious one.

While the path behind these teas looks a little different from many of the relationships we share across Japan, our admiration for them is just as strong. The matcha coming from Nishio continues to impress us with its balance, depth, and unmistakable sense of place. Teas like Suiteki and Seion are beautiful examples of what this region does so well—thoughtfully crafted, expressive, and deeply satisfying in the cup. We feel fortunate to be able to share them and hope they offer a meaningful glimpse into one of Japan’s most important matcha-producing regions.