The tea fields of the Yakushima Tobucha farmers' collective are located in Anbo, in the very eastern part of Yakushima Island. It is a region abundant with crystal-clear mountain water owing to the Anbogawa River, which originates directly in the Yakushima cedar mountains. The tea fields are located close to the ocean, allowing the fresh sea breeze to circulate through them. The teas are grown entirely without the use of artificial pesticides.
New
Yoshi En has recently grown out of Sunday Natural to become an independent premium tea store. As part of this transition, some products may still be shipped in Sunday Natural packaging.
Hashiri Shincha 2026
Sofu Pest.Free
Super Premium 97 P.
The very first Shincha of 2026. Grown pesticide-free on the southern Pacific island of Yakushima, Japan, crafted from the rare gourmet Sofu cultivar. 80g
| Character | Maritime umami, elegant, grassy-hay, highly refreshing with a lingering sweetness |
| Tea Farm | Yakushima Tobucha farmer collective |
| Terroir | Anbo, Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan |
| Harvest | 1st harvest (Ichibancha): 10 April 2026 |
| Cultivar | Sofu |
| Elevation | 108m above sea level |
| Steaming | Between asamushi and chumushi (35 seconds) |
| Shading | No shading necessary due to weather conditions |
| Cultivation | Cultivated without the use of pesticides |
| Laboratory Tests | Radioactivity (annual test of region) and pesticides |
| Grade | 97/100 p. (Shincha category); Super Premium |
€19.90
80g
Ferme de thé
Arôme & Caractère
Tasting Notes
Full-bodied, maritime umami and substantial depth lend this tea a nourishing character, with an elegant, refined bitterness. This is accompanied by a striking freshness, strength, and grass-fresh notes typical of the Sofu cultivar. Like the other Shincha, the 2026 harvest displays a pure, intense sweetness due to the weather conditions. With its robust maritime character, Sofu represents the island terroir of Yakushima like no other, with its millennia-old, moss-covered cedar forests and impressive maritime flora and fauna – making this tea particularly fascinating for comparative tastings.
Leaf
Interplay of light and dark needles, smaller leaf pieces
Cup
Delicate green-yellow
Shincha 2026
Shincha, which translates from Japanese as "new tea", marks the start of the tea season in Japan and is eagerly awaited every year. For the Japanese tea world, it is considered the highest quality tea of the current season and embodies the perfect freshness of Japanese green teas thanks to its extensive aroma spectrum. Only the tea buds and young leaves, the first shoots of spring, are harvested. Their wealth of valuable nutrients is decisive for the unmistakable freshness and strength that makes shincha so exceptional. Small harvest quantities and high demand make this special first harvest a highly limited, seasonal tea.
Yoshi En
Premium Organic Teas
Our comprehensive portfolio focuses on organic, single-origin teas sourced directly from renowned farms. We believe in creating partnerships with farmers who share our values and are committed to sustainable, responsible tea cultivation. Thanks to these strong relationships our exciting range is constantly growing and evolving. As an international team of dedicated and passionate tea experts, we are committed to preserving centuries-old tea culture while ensuring it remains relevant and continues to bring joy in the present. About Yoshi En.
Culture et transformation
Culture et transformation
Special features in location, cultivation and processing
Yakushima is renowned for its unique, pristine natural environment and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 1993. Around 90% of the subtropical island is covered by the Mononoke rainforest, making it a highly popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, with approximately 300,000 visitors each year.
Due to its dramatic terrain, Yakushima is often referred to as the “Alps on the Ocean”. At 1,936 metres, the snow-capped Mount Miyanoura is the highest peak in Kyushu. The average annual temperature is 19.4°C, while the differences between day and night (around 6–7°C) are quite pronounced due to the island’s high mountains, making for ideal conditions for green tea cultivation. The island has the highest rainfall in Japan (4,400mm per year), resulting in numerous streams, rivers and springs that generate large amounts of mist.
Clear water, abundant mist, and significant day–night temperature variations in a subtropical climate provide the perfect conditions for cultivating the earliest and highest-quality Shincha.
Single Origin
This tea is sourced exclusively from the above-mentioned tea fields in Yakushima, directly purchased from the farmer.
Préparation
Préparation
Brewing Guide
2-3 heaped teaspoons (approx. 5-8g) per 100–300ml water, 55–60°C. Steep for 2 minutes.
We recommend enjoying this tea in several infusions in order to fully savour the special character of Shincha:
1. 60°C, 120 sec.
2. 65°C, 10 sec.
3. 70°C, 20 sec.
4. 70°C, 30 sec.
5. 80°C, 20 sec.
For a particularly strong infusion that brings out the full character of the Sofu cultivar, we recommend almost boiling water (90-100°C) and a brew time of 1 minute.
Packaging
Packed in a high-quality, airtight, resealable zipper pouch with nine protective layers to preserve flavour and prevent oxidation. After opening, press out as much air as possible when snapping shut.
Recommended Teapot
To highlight the aromatic balance of umami, freshness, and delicate bitter notes, we recommend using a Banko Kyusu for this year's Shincha, which enhances the tea's character and emphasises its sweetness. Alternatively, a black Tokoname Kyusu can also be used, which has a more neutral effect on the tea.
Tests en laboratoire
Tests en laboratoire
We go to great lengths to identify the finest organic tea farms across the world’s most celebrated terroirs. All our teas are sourced directly from the farmer and, with a few exceptions, are certified organic or come from pesticide-free farms. Each batch of tea for every harvest is tested for pesticides and other pollutants in an independent German lab to ensure they meet our strict quality standards as well as HACCP food safety requirements. Likewise, the regions of Japan from which we source our teas are tested for radioactivity for every harvest.
Sunday Natural
Sunday Natural
Our philosophy
For thousands of years, cultures all over the world have been using a variety of plants and nutritious foods to naturally foster vitality and good health.
With our products, we try to emulate this ancient wisdom as much as possible.
Consequently, our philosophy is simple: in everything we produce, we strive for the highest standards of quality and purity, with a focus on organic and natural ingredients.
We follow this philosophy with meticulous care on all levels, down to every last detail.