Matsudaira Fumai and the Tea Culture of Matsue
An essential figure in the history of Izumo’s tea culture is Matsudaira Harusato, the seventh lord of the Matsue domain during the Edo period. A renowned tea practitioner, he is better known by his tea name, Fumai, and promoted his own style of tea ceremony, known as Fumai-ryu.
As tea ceremony culture spread throughout Matsue and the surrounding area, drinking tea became an established part of daily life in Shimane. This tradition has continued into the present, and Izumo Meicha offers a taste of the tea culture that developed through this long history.
A Mellow Flavor with Deep Sweetness and Gentle Bitterness
Tea from the Izumo region is characterized by deep sweetness balanced by a subtle bitterness, followed by a smooth and mellow finish. Its rich aroma gradually reveals more of the tea’s character as you take the time to savor it.
Izumo tea is also known for its ability to be brewed repeatedly, and is sometimes described as a high-quality tea that can produce several flavorful infusions. By enjoying a second or third infusion, you can discover different aromas and flavors that are not as apparent in the first cup.
From Sencha to Matcha: Different Ways to Enjoy Izumo Tea
In and around the castle town of Matsue, carefully selected tea leaves are used to produce sencha and matcha, each offering a different way to experience the region’s tea traditions.
Sencha allows you to appreciate the natural aroma and flavor of the tea leaves, while matcha is closely connected with the region’s long-standing tea ceremony culture. When exploring Matsue, enjoying tea together with traditional wagashi sweets is a wonderful way to experience the local culture of tea and confectionery.
Autumn and Winter Bancha and the Local Dish “Pote-pote-cha”
In Izumo, bancha harvested in autumn and winter is also known for its pleasant flavor. The region has preserved distinctive traditions involving bancha, offering a glimpse into a style of tea culture that goes beyond simply drinking tea.
One notable example is “Pote-pote-cha,” a local dish made by whisking bancha until it becomes lightly foamy, then adding a small amount of rice and other ingredients according to preference. Rather than being served only as a beverage, the tea becomes part of a meal, making Pote-pote-cha a distinctive expression of Izumo’s local food culture.
Tea as Part of Everyday Life in Izumo
Izumo Meicha represents more than the flavor and aroma of locally enjoyed tea. It also reflects the tea ceremony culture promoted by Matsue lord Matsudaira Fumai and the tradition of enjoying tea as part of everyday life in Izumo.
Enjoy several infusions of tea with its deep sweetness and gentle bitterness, pair it with Matsue’s traditional wagashi, or experience the unique local dish of Pote-pote-cha. Through a single cup of tea, you can discover the rich food culture and tea traditions that have been passed down through the Izumo region.