Hôjicha, Dark Roast, Familia Sugimoto

Every year the Ochatsubo Hoken Hokokusai festival is held on November 26nd at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, with masters from many tea schools in Japan bringing offerings of precious teas to this temple. The Sugimoto family of the Shohokuen tea company have the honour of opening the first ceremonial vessel, demonstrating the enormous prestige of the Shohokuen house.

It is no wonder; since 1645 this family has produced tea of ​​the highest quality, over fourteen generations. On their plantation in Kohata, Uji, Kyoto province, the birthplace of the tea tradition in Japan, they remain faithful to traditional practices.

Following the time-honoured tradition of Isshin Sannyou, or “picking three leaves from one sprig', they harvest only once a year to ensure the highest quality of tea. With a rich history of awards and recognition, it is a privilege for us to work with such an honourable and venerable tea house.