Ujihikari 2025: A Tea Worth Waiting For
From our journal · 18 November 2025
From early in 2025, I knew we might face higher tea prices. Production costs and several other factors had risen many times over.
Alongside that, I heard that some teas from certain producers would be noticeably better that year. These producers understood the situation and were doing everything they could to bring the quality up to the price. Unusual weather in early spring also helped produce a remarkable harvest.
I may be taking a little time to introduce it, but this 2025 Ujihikari (うじひかり) was one of the teas I had been looking forward to most since the start of the season. Hearing that it had won several awards that year made me even more excited.
Once I tasted it, I immediately understood what the producer wanted to express, and why this tea had won so many awards in a single season. No description really replaces tasting it for yourself.
Thank you to the producer and everyone whose care went into this special tea. And thank you to all our customers for your continued support.
About the tea
Ujihikari (うじひかり), from Gokasho, Uji, Kyoto.
33 days of double-layer shading.
Natural garden form.
100% hand harvested, selected by hand and stone milled.
Our impression
A sweet, pure fragrance. An elegant palate and a richly creamy mouthfeel. Fresh, delicate, savoury umami.
Fresh vegetal notes with a complex green aroma: lightly grilled nori, cooked edamame with cheese, green tomato, cucumber, shio kombu and sesame oil. Creamy sweetness with marine and savoury depth, followed by sweet malt, sweet vanilla and a custard-like quality on the palate.
Original release details
Service began at all branches on Friday, 21 November 2025. Repacked 20 g portions were available at Ari and Sukhumvit 23. The original menu listed Usucha at THB 450, Koicha at THB 600 by appointment at Ari only, and a 20 g pack at THB 2,950. These prices and availability belong to the original announcement.
