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Bold Grace in a Cup: My Thoughts on Kyo Hayashiya’s Hatsu Mukashi

There’s something about matcha from Uji that always makes me pause — like I’m holding a piece of Japan’s quiet elegance in a cup. Kyo Hayashiya’s Hatsu Mukashi is no exception. This one comes from a tea house with a long-standing tradition, and the name itself — Hatsu Mukashi (literally “First Ancient”) — already hints at something classic and well-respected.

From the moment I opened the packet, I could tell I was in for something different. The powder was a rich, jewel-toned green with a super-fine texture, and the aroma? Deep, earthy, and somehow bright at the same time. It smelled like fresh leaves, spring mornings, and just a bit of toasted warmth.

Once whisked, the froth came up beautifully thick and glossy. The first sip surprised me — this matcha is bold. It’s got that strong umami punch up front, but it doesn’t overwhelm. It’s followed by a wave of slight bitterness that quickly mellows into a clean, dry finish. There’s a pleasant depth to it — not too sweet, not too soft — just confidently balanced. It’s the kind of matcha that makes you sit up a little straighter while sipping.

If I were to describe the personality of Hatsu Mukashi, I’d say it’s poised, a little more traditional, and not afraid to make an impression. It’s definitely the kind of matcha I’d reach for when I want something more serious, meditative, or even ceremonial in feeling — though it still plays nicely with oat milk if I’m craving a more grounded latte.

All in all, Kyo Hayashiya’s Hatsu Mukashi offers a beautifully assertive Uji matcha experience that feels like sipping a piece of heritage. Not loud, not flashy — just quietly confident and deeply satisfying.

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My First Ceremonial Matcha Experience

There’s something unforgettable about your first ceremonial matcha — the anticipation, the curiosity, the “am I doing this right?” kind of moment. For me, that experience came in the form of Marukyu Koyamaen’s Chigi no Shiro, and I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better introduction.

This was my very first time trying ceremonial-grade matcha, and to say I was excited is an understatement. Marukyu Koyamaen is a trusted name in the matcha world, and Chigi no Shiro is one of their most well-known blends for a reason. As soon as I opened the tin, I was hit with a rich, vibrant green powder and an aroma that was earthy, sweet, and slightly nutty — it already felt special.

Whisking it felt like a little ceremony in itself. The powder bloomed into a thick, velvety foam that looked and smelled divine. On first sip, I was genuinely surprised — in the best way. It was smooth and round, with a mellow umami and a gentle sweetness that lingered beautifully on the tongue. No bitterness, no sharp edges — just a clean, balanced cup that made me pause and appreciate the moment.

What struck me most about Chigi no Shiro was its approachability. As someone who was just starting to explore ceremonial matcha, I didn’t feel overwhelmed or confused by its flavor. It wasn’t trying too hard to impress — it just was. Subtle. Steady. Centering.

Looking back now, I’m really glad this was my first ceremonial matcha. It set the bar high but also made me realize that high-quality matcha doesn’t have to be intimidating. It can be gentle, grounding, and quietly beautiful — just like Chigi no Shiro.

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A Cozy Shortcut to Matcha Fix

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from drinking matcha almost daily, it’s that not every cup needs to be a whole ritual. Sometimes, you just want to whisk something quick and comforting — no extra steps, no precision tools, no weighing or sifting. That’s where Marukyu Koyamaen’s Sweetened Matcha comes in. It’s the kind of matcha that doesn’t ask for much, but gives you a lot in return.

Coming from Marukyu Koyamaen, a highly respected and centuries-old tea house based in Uji, Kyoto, the quality is exactly what you’d expect — clean, vibrant, and dependable. This isn’t your ultra-complex ceremonial grade matcha with layers to decode. It’s more like your dependable, everyday bestie — always there when you need it.

What I really appreciate about this sweetened blend is how well-balanced it is. The sweetness doesn’t overpower the matcha at all — which, let’s be honest, is a common issue with many instant blends. Instead, it complements the grassy freshness and mild umami that matcha fans love, creating a smooth, slightly creamy profile that’s very easy to enjoy. It’s sweet but not too sweet, with just enough depth to still feel like you’re drinking real matcha and not a green sugar bomb.

It’s especially great for those lazy days when you’re craving matcha but don’t want to go through the full ceremonial prep. No sifting, no hunting for the perfect water temp — just scoop, whisk, and enjoy. Add hot water for a quick, cozy drink, or pour it over ice and milk for a refreshing, lightly sweetened matcha latte. Either way, it works.

If you’re looking for something approachable, reliable, and satisfying without compromising on flavor, the Marukyu Koyamaen Sweetened Matcha is definitely worth a spot in your stash. It’s proof that even quick matcha moments can still feel a little special. 💚

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Kanbayashi Shunsho – Mozo Mukashi Matcha

So I finally got to try Kanbayashi Shunsho’s Mozo Mukashi Matcha — not from a fancy tin, but from a humble little trial-size box that someone bought for me. This matcha comes from one of Kyoto’s most respected tea houses, with over 450 years of tea-making tradition behind it, so I was definitely curious to see what the hype was about. (Thank you, R, for buying me this matcha!)

Upon opening the tin, the powder had a beautiful, deep green hue and a soft, earthy aroma. I whisked it up and took my first sip… and the first thing that came to mind? Sweet potatoes. I don’t know if it’s just me, but there was this subtle, warm sweetness — not quite grassy, not quite nutty — that reminded me of roasted Japanese sweet potatoes. It wasn’t unpleasant at all; just super unexpected. The texture was smooth and easy to whisk, though the overall flavor was a little more mellow than I expected for a ceremonial matcha. Not too bitter, lightly umami, and very drinkable.

When I opened the packet, the powder had a rich green color and a slightly toasty, earthy aroma. I whisked it up and took a sip… and to my surprise, it had this oddly comforting taste that reminded me of sweet potatoes. Yup — sweet potatoes. There was a mild, natural sweetness and a warm, starchy undertone that caught me off guard in the best way. Maybe it’s just my taste buds, but that flavor note definitely stood out!

The texture was smooth and easy to whisk, though the overall flavor was a little more mellow than I expected for a ceremonial matcha. Not too bitter, lightly umami, and very drinkable.

All in all, I’d rate it a 7/10. It’s unique and enjoyable, especially if you’re into earthier, sweeter profiles — but maybe not something I’d reach for every day. Still, it was a fun little trial that made me appreciate how every matcha has its own personality.

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The Mystery Matcha from Japan

This might just be one of the best matchas I’ve ever tasted… and I don’t even know its name.

R got it for me from her friend who recently went to Japan — and with the matcha shortage hitting hard here in the Philippines, I couldn’t resist asking if they could grab me any matcha they could find. A few weeks later, I was handed a small tin — no English, no familiar brand, just minimalist Japanese text and a forest-green container that already looked promising.

As soon as I opened it, I could tell this was something special. The powder was bright, vibrant green — the kind that practically glows — and it smelled incredibly fresh and earthy. I whisked it traditionally with hot water, and the first sip had me shook. Rich umami, a natural sweetness, no bitterness whatsoever, and a creamy finish that lingered on the tongue. It was pure, balanced, and deeply satisfying.

I’ve honestly been trying to hunt it down since, scouring Shopee and checking out other pasabuy sellers here in the Philippines, but so far, no luck. The mystery matcha remains... well, a mystery.

One thing’s for sure though — this tin reminded me why I fell in love with matcha in the first place. Thank you, R, for scoring this gem for me! If any Japan matcha plugs are reading this… help a girl out! 🍵💚

[thematchamarble]

Trying Moonbug Matcha

₱850.00 for 30g

If you're even slightly into matcha, you've definitely heard the buzz around Moonbug Matcha — arguably the most famous and talked-about local matcha brand in the Philippines right now. From Instagram reels to TikTok taste tests, this brand has built a cult following almost overnight.I had been dying to get my hands on it for months, but every time I checked, it was either sold out or sitting in someone else's cart. Thankfully, R waited patiently for the restock, joined the frantic race to snag a tin, and bought it for me (you’re the real MVP — thank you, R! 💚). When it finally arrived, I wasted no time and brewed it right away. And let me tell you — it was worth the wait.

Now, let’s talk about the taste — because that’s what really matters, right? Moonbug’s Ceremonial Matcha delivers that rich, smooth umami flavor that matcha lovers crave. It’s got this natural sweetness and a subtle nuttiness that balances beautifully with just the right touch of bitterness — never harsh or overpowering. The creaminess of the powder when whisked with water creates a velvety texture that feels indulgent but clean on the palate. What really stood out for me was its lingering savory finish, which is a hallmark of high-quality matcha. Overall, it hits that perfect harmony between depth and delicacy, making every sip feel like a little moment of zen.

Overall, Moonbug’s Ceremonial Matcha impressed me with its authentic, rich flavor and smooth texture. It’s clear why this local brand has become such a favorite among matcha enthusiasts here in the Philippines. I loved how well it paired with oat milk — the natural creaminess of the oat milk complemented the matcha’s umami and sweetness perfectly, making for a comforting and delicious latte experience. If you’re looking to try a high-quality, locally made ceremonial matcha, Moonbug is definitely worth the hype.