Horii Shichimeien, a Japanese tea business based in Uji, carries a unique mission: they honor the legacy of Uji tea by nurturing the Okunoyama Tea Garden. During the Muromachi period (1336-1573), Shogun Ashikaga’s fondness for tea spurred the creation of seven esteemed tea gardens, known as the "Uji Shichimeien”. These gardens thrived because Uji is renowned for its ideal tea-growing conditions. However, as urbanization crept in, only one out of the seven gardens survived: the Okunoyama Tea Garden.
Horii Shichimeien cultivates varietals that are rich in amino acids to produce smooth, flavorful tea. They strictly adhere to the time-tested methods of using shade-grown, first-harvest leaves, and a traditional millstone for grinding matcha. However, Horii Shichimeien isn't merely bound by tradition; they also embrace innovation. The visionary third-generation leader, Chojiro Horii, developed the Horii-style tencha dryer, a revolutionary machine that could produce high-quality tencha in a fraction of the time. This dedication to both heritage and progress has cemented Horii Shichimeien's place as a cornerstone of Uji's tea history. Dear Tea Co is honored to offer Horii Shichimeien matcha to our dear customers.