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Shizuoka Matcha

静岡抹茶

8.0/10 editor's score

Matcha from Shizuoka, a prefecture known for supplying most of Japan's tea. One of the regional brands Japan promotes for export.

MatchaShade-grownShizuoka
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this teaCompare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dry leaf of Shizuoka Matcha, top-down

What you need

2 g powderShizuoka Matcha
70 ml water75 to 80°C
Whisk 0:301 steep
LiquorOpaque jade green
Served inChawan (tea bowl)

At a glance

Matcha from Shizuoka, a prefecture known for supplying most of Japan's tea.

CaffeineHigh~30 to 70 mg a serving, our estimate
Beginner fit7.5 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestMay (first flush)Tencha for the best matcha.
Pairs withWagashi, Lattes, Ice creamLess good with heavy spice
Grown atHills and plateausShizuoka, Shizuoka Prefecture
Served inChawan (tea bowl)Whisked and drunk from the bowl

About Shizuoka Matcha

What sources say about the taste

Sources say shade growing gives matcha its bright green colour and strong umami 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

ShizuokaShizuoka PrefectureJAPAN
Region
Shizuoka Prefecture 2
Known for
Supplying most of Japan's tea 2
Brand
A regional matcha export brand 1
Standard
Shaded 2 to 3 weeks before harvest 1

More from Shizuoka and Japan.

History and culture

When the Uji monopoly on shade growing ended, the method spread to other regions 1.

Editor's score

8.0/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 8.0Origin & heritage: 8.5Availability: 8.0Value: 7.5Beginner-friendliness: 7.5Versatility: 8.5Flavour 8.0Heritage 8.5Availability 8.0Value 7.5Beginners 7.5Versatility 8.5
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Shizuoka Matcha~30 to 70 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. You drink the whole leaf. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

The finest matcha uses first-flush tencha 1. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Shade-grown Camellia sinensis, made into tencha 1.

How it is made
01Shading

2 to 3 weeks before picking 1.

02Steaming

Leaves steamed.

03Drying

Dried as tencha 1.

04Milling

Stone-milled to powder 1.

Dry leaf and liquor
Dry leafFine bright green powder.
LiquorOpaque jade green.
After steeping
Wet leafFrothy green.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Wagashi
  • Lattes
  • Ice cream

Best avoided

  • Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
  • Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
  • Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.
Grades and fakes

"Ceremonial" and "culinary" are marketing terms, not official grades.

First-flush matcha was historically reserved for tea ceremonies 1.

How to spot a poor or fake one

  1. Bright green, not yellow or brown.
  2. Avoid sugar-added mixes.
FAQ
Ceremonial or culinary?

These are marketing terms. Choose by colour, smell and harvest.

Find it inGreen teasTeas from JapanShizuokaMatchaShade-grownShizuoka

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Matcha". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha
  2. Wikipedia, "Shizuoka Prefecture". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_Prefecture
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.