A Gyokuro That Does Not Exist Every Year

Hand-Picked Asahina Hon Gyokuro SAEMIDORI (Harvest 2025)

Did you know that we cannot say when we will be able to offer a Gyokuro of this quality again?

The hand-picked Asahina Hon Gyokuro SAEMIDORI released by Kanoa Tea in 2025 represents an exceptionally rare harvest. This level of quality cannot be produced every year, even under ideal conditions.

What is Hon Gyokuro?

Hon Gyokuro refers to Gyokuro produced using the most traditional and demanding method, where tana shading is essential.

Tana shading is a traditional Japanese technique in which a raised frame structure (tana) is built above the tea plants. Multiple layers of covering materials are then applied gradually, significantly reducing sunlight over an extended period. This method encourages the tea plant to produce high concentrations of amino acids, especially L-theanine, resulting in profound umami and sweetness.

Hon Gyokuro is therefore not simply shade-grown tea, but tea cultivated under a fixed, hand-built shading structure, reserved only for the highest-grade Gyokuro.

Competition-Grade Quality from Asahina

This Hon-Gyokuro SAEMIDORI was originally produced for Japan’s highly selective tea competitions, where only teas of exceptional precision are accepted. The leaves are remarkably dense, tender, and vibrant green, and display a delicate white amino-acid bloom on their surface — a visible sign of outstanding quality found only in the finest Gyokuro.

Even when grown in the same field from the same tea plants, competition-grade quality cannot be guaranteed every year. Climate conditions play a decisive role, requiring perfect balance between temperature, humidity, and light.

Can the 2025 Harvest Still Be Enjoyed?

A natural question.

Here is a lesser-known fact:

Ultra-high-quality teas such as true Hon Gyokuro and authentic ceremonial-grade matcha — cultivated with traditional tana shading, multiple coverings, processed in brick-built tencha ovens and stone-milled — are known to be suitable for ageing. When stored unopened in a dry, dark environment, their umami can deepen over time.

Much like fine wine.

The Hon-Gyokuro SAEMIDORI 2025 by Kanoa Tea is the most premium tea in our current lineup, and for good reason. It is entirely possible that we may not encounter this level of quality again for several years.

If you wish to experience Gyokuro at its absolute peak, this is a rare opportunity.