All of Waka's matcha is single-origin, grown on our own farm and the family farms we partner with, all in one corner of Nara, within the historic Yamato tea region — one of Japan's oldest tea-producing areas. Every step of cultivation, processing, and export happens with our team. Our New York-based team provides on-the-ground support.
We're closer to a single estate than a cooperative. Waka is single-origin and fully traceable: our own farm together with a small circle of partner family farms we work with directly, all in one corner of Nara. We can trace every grade back to the farms that grew it.
Nara Prefecture is in Japan's Kansai region, next to Kyoto. It was established as Japan's first permanent imperial capital in 710 AD — before Kyoto, before Tokyo. Ancient temples where deer roam freely, sacred cedar forests, quiet landscapes ringed by mountains. The origin point of Japanese culture, and the place where all our matcha is grown.
Yamato is the historic name for the Nara region — the origin of Japan, and one of its oldest tea-producing areas. The Yamato tea region sits in Nara's higher elevations, where cooler temperatures, mountain altitude, and mineral-rich soil produce matcha with deeper umami, richer color, and natural sweetness. All Waka matcha is grown and processed within the Yamato region.
Waka is currently served at select cafés in New York that put high-quality sourcing at the center of their menu. We are expanding selectively with partners who want matcha they can serve with confidence.
"Ceremonial grade" isn't a recognized standard in Japan. There's no official definition, certification, or governing body — it's a marketing label created by overseas importers. In Japan, matcha quality is determined by cultivation method, harvest timing, cultivar selection, and processing technique. Waka's five grades are organized around those actual production criteria.
We offer five grades: Uguisu (鶯), Hibari (雲雀), Seiran (青嵐), Chitose (千歳), and Tokiwa (常磐). They span from Limited Premium for traditional ceremony to House Select grades built for café latte programs.
Each grade is blended from cultivars selected for its flavor profile — predominantly Yabukita, with Okumidori and Samidori in select grades. Detailed cultivar information is available for any grade on request.
Our matcha isn't organic-certified. The cultivation methods that produce the best matcha — Yamato shading and traditional fertilization — don't meet organic certification requirements. Our practices are fully transparent, and we're happy to share details about how each grade is grown.
Request a complimentary sample kit. You'll get all five grades with a tasting guide so your team can evaluate. We also support recipe development and pour-cost analysis once you've tasted.
Typical lead time is 2–3 weeks. Air-shipped from Nara via FedEx International Priority. Your matcha arrives weeks after milling, fresh from production.
Bulk wholesale ships in 1 kg nitrogen-flushed foil bags — protection against the three things that degrade matcha: oxygen, light, and moisture. Stored properly, sealed bags hold peak quality for 12 months from milling.
Wholesale pricing is shared with the sample kit. Per-kilo pricing varies by grade and quantity. Matcha is duty-free into the United States. Payment is due in full before shipment. Wire, ACH, and credit card accepted.
Yes — barista training, recipe development, pour-cost analysis, and seasonal menu support are all part of working with Waka.
Email info@wakamatcha.jp with a short note about your café and program. We'll send a complimentary sample kit, tasting guide, and wholesale pricing within a few business days.