Japan’s Mythical Home to Rare Matcha
Izumo Taisha (Grand Shrine), one of Japan’s oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, stands as a timeless guardian in Izumo, Shimane. Located near the Sea of Japan, Izumo is known for its beautiful sunset and for its deep history of Japanese mythology.
The Mythical Heart, the Land of Gods
Izumo is a captivating region in Shimane Prefecture, brimming with spiritual significance and folklore. At its heart stands Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines that is believed to have existed since the 700s (the current structure was built in 1744). It enshrines the god Ōkuninushi, the Shinto god of good relationships, agriculture, and nation-building, who played a vital role in shaping Japan.
Izumo serves as a place of gathering for Japan’s eight million deities, when they gather every year to discuss the fate of people for the upcoming year. Not only that, Izumo was also believed to be a link to the afterlife; the sun sets over the Sea of Japan, connecting this world with the next. Making it a place of divine reunions and blessings.
Beyond myths, breathtaking nature and culture come together in Izumo. From the centuries-old pine forests, to the vast Sea of Japan, tranquility and mysticism surround Izumo. The region is often referred to as the “mythical heart” of Japan, a nickname that truly reflects its essence. At Izumo, legends and modern life intertwine, inviting visitors to slow down, breathe, and connect with the timeless spirit of the country.
Living Traditions and Craftsmanship
Izumo is a home of tradition and craftsmanship, home to beautiful ceramics such as Fujina-yaki and Shussai-yaki that enhance the color and foam of whisked tea with their soft glaze. Izumo Washi, handmade paper crafted from gampi or mulberry fibers, adds a refined touch to menus, packaging, and tea notes, and traditional indigo-dyed textiles bring calming blues into the space. Urushi lacquerware tea caddies and trays add a subtle luster to the tea ritual.
The culinary heritage thrives here as well. Izumo Soba is a popular menu, crafted from whole buckwheat grains and traditionally served in stacked warigo bowls.
Izumo's community spirit thrives in seasonal festivals and sake breweries, reflecting the commitment to hospitality, quality, and its deep connection with the mystic land.
Centuries-Old Cultivation
At the heart of this culture is its matcha, crafted with the same devotion and legacy. Many local farms produce in small batches, relying on senses and time-honored techniques rather than heavy automation; some families have been tending their gardens for over a century. The result is truly artisanal matcha—quality over quantity.
Izumo has been cultivating tea for centuries, but always in small volumes; this is what makes Izumo matcha a rare gem. While many associate Uji or Shizuoka with green tea cultivation, Izumo has its own remarkable story and flavor.
What shapes its character is its unique climate and location. Izumo experiences limited sunshine and low UV levels, with some of the shortest annual sunshine hours in Japan. The tea plants here grow under gentle, naturally shaded skies, resulting in tender emerald leaves that are sweet and notably low in bitterness. In the bowl, expect a brilliant jade hue accompanied by a fresh, inviting aroma. The grassy sweetness and a well-balanced, rounded umami showcase Izumo's essence: calm, rich, and vibrant.
Experience Izumo’s Magic
Step away from ordinary teas and discover Izumo matcha, a rare find outside Japan. By choosing this unique blend, you join an elite group of tea enthusiasts savoring a new depth of flavor and culture beyond Uji or Shizuoka.
