Shincha Diary 2026
Shincha 2026 will be here in about a few months. While we wait patiently for its arrival, we start to wonder what this character of tea this year’s harvest will bring. In the meantime, check back here from time to time to see the progress of the tea trees growing.
- Arriving Soon
May 30, 2026｜Weather: Sunny
This year the Large Can and Medium Can formats of Shincha were only available as pre-orders.
We are grateful for the customers who have waited patiently for their orders to arrive.
At our facility in Kyoto, we wrapped each package carefully before shipping. Just a while longer until orders arrive.
- White Curtains
May 25, 2026｜Weather: Sunny
In the afternoon, the temperatures grew quite hot, and it felt like the middle of summer in Kyoto.
The clear blue sky was beautiful behind our shop and its white curtains (noren).
Today, with a bright energy, we welcomed our customers.
- A Moment to Cherish
May 24, 2026｜Weather: Sunny
When enjoying Shincha, we observe the leaves opening in the pot and the vigorous freshness of the fragrance. We taste how the balance of sweetness and astringency evolves over three brews. The experience is a distinct pleasure.
And yet the pleasure is so fleeting: Shincha’s taste and fragrance will fade in the months to come. We encourage you to experience it yourself, while you can.
Shincha, with wagashi sweet ￥1,980
At Kyoto Main Store Kaboku Tearoom and Aoyama Store
*Cold Shincha is also available. Shincha will be offered on the menu while supplies last.
- Late May
May 21, 2026｜Weather: Rainy
Ahead of release, we were able to sample this year's Shincha.
Fresh, verdant, fragrant.
Powerful liveliness - this was our first impression.
Shincha 2026, we're happy to say, is another classic year!
- First Look
May 20, 2026｜Weather: Sunny, then cloudy
This year we updated the Shincha packages just a little.
The rushing breeze that flows through mountains.
The lively fragrance of new tea buds.
The vibrant, shining light of the sun.
We hope to convey these sights, fragrances, and tastes,direct from the tea fields, to everyone around the world.
This was our thinking behind the design.
- Sunny in May
May 19, 2026｜Weather: Clear
Look at the soaring blue sky in the tea fields today!
In the afternoon the sun was glaring, like in the height of summer. But, in these mountains the mornings were cold, chilly even, by contrast.
This stark difference between day and night temperatures here brings a rich fragrance and hearty flavor to the sencha tea leaves.
- Day 88
May 2, 2026｜Weather: Sun, and clouds
In the traditional calendar, the tea harvest begins 88 days from the start of spring. In the tea fields, the harvest is just about to commence.
This year, we will release our Shincha on May 23rd. We are eagerly awaiting its arrival.
- The First Market
April 24, 2026｜Weather: Sun followed by clouds
Early sprouting tea fields have been harvested and processed, and in the Uji area in Kyoto, today was the first market for tea this year. For a tea shop, it’s like New Year’s. From today, the start of a new year!
- After the Rain
April 21, 2026｜Weather: Showers give way to sun
This morning’s rain cleared up, and the blue of the sky began to poke through.
The new buds are flourishing, having taken in the nourishing sunshine and rain. In the forests nearby, the mountain wisterias are also blooming.
It's almost harvest season.
- Grain Rain
April 20, 2026｜Weather: Sun followed by clouds
Today is the season, "Grain Rain," from the traditional calendar.
Recently there have been a lot of rainy and cloudy days here.
In the expansive fields, the leaves of the tea plants shine with a beautiful luster.
We can sense the changing of the seasons.
- Radiant Spring
April 11, 2026｜Weather: Sun followed by clouds
Encouraged by radiant beams of sunlight pouring over the fields,
the new buds are popping up, one by one.
- New Buds
April 4, 2026｜Weather: Sunny
The new tea buds’ growth was officially announced. This announcement comes one day earlier than the average year.
With the chilly mornings and evenings continuing, we hope the buds will grow healthy and strong!