Ummon-no-mukashi Uji Matcha (20g)

Ceremonial-grade Uji matcha bought steps from where it's milled, at half the exported price — with tasting counters that let you learn the grades before committing.

Price: 4000 JPY (Ippodo Japan store pricing after 2025-26 matcha shortage price revisions)

Where to buy: Ippodo main store on Teramachi-dori, Kyoto (tasting counter attached), Ippodo Marunouchi Tokyo, or Kyoto Isetan; Marukyu-Koyamaen at Uji is the pilgrimage alternative.

Price checked 2026-07-03

• The global matcha boom caused real shortages — top ceremonial grades carry per-person purchase limits (often 1-2 tins); go early in the day.
• Unopened tins keep ~6 months; refrigerate after opening and drink within weeks — don't hoard beyond what you'll use.
• Japan prices run roughly half of what Ippodo's US site charges; sencha and hojicha from the same counter face no limits and make great secondary gifts.