Yame vs Uji — Why We Chose Yame
When Japanese matcha is discussed, the name Uji consistently comes up. But in the professional tea world, another name circulates with particular reverence: Yame.
🏯 Uji — The Historical Cradle
Located south of Kyoto, the Uji region is considered the historical cradle of tea in Japan. It is here that tea cultivation and ceremony traditions have taken root for centuries. Uji remains a noble region with an exceptional heritage, and its name has become synonymous with quality matcha worldwide.
⛰️ Yame — The Exceptional Terroir
Yame is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, on the island of Kyushu. It is a mountainous region where morning mists envelop the plantations, creating a natural shade that complements the artificial shading (kabuse).
What makes Yame unique is the combination of three factors:
🌋 Volcanic soils
Rich in minerals, they deeply nourish the tea plant and give matcha a complexity found nowhere else.
🌁 Natural mists
They create a double shading — natural and artificial — which encourages the tea plant to concentrate its amino acids, particularly L-theanine, responsible for the umami flavor.
🌡️ Temperature variations
The differences between day and night force the plant to slow its growth and concentrate its nutrients even further.
🏆 Result: Yame regularly wins the highest distinctions in national tea competitions in Japan, ahead of Uji and Shizuoka. The region is the leading producer of gyokuro, Japan's most precious green tea.
📊 Yame vs Uji Comparison
| Yame (Fukuoka) | Uji (Kyoto) | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Kyushu, mountainous | Near Kyoto, plains |
| Terroir | Volcanic soils, natural mists | Alluvial soils, temperate climate |
| Umami | Very intense | High |
| Bitterness | Very low | Moderate |
| Profile | Sweet, deep, complex | Classic, balanced |
| Reputation | No. 1 in national competitions | Historical world reference |
| Specialty | Gyokuro, ceremonial matcha | Matcha, sencha |
🌱 Why We Chose Yame
Uji remains a noble region with an exceptional heritage. But Yame offers a unique terroir that we consider superior for ceremonial matcha: more umami, more complexity, more character.
It is for this reason that we have chosen to work exclusively with a local producer, established in Yame since 1940. Three generations of expertise, an exceptional terroir, and a commitment to quality that you can taste in every cup.
🍵 In summary: If Uji gave the world the culture of matcha, Yame perfected it. And that's exactly what you'll find in our selection.
