Ippodo’s First Sencha of the Season Is Here

Spring's first sencha is a much-awaited event among tea lovers. Courtesy of Ippodo

Green tea aficionados have anxiously been waiting for the first sencha of the season, harvested from the first flush of leaves.

Kyoto-based Ipoddo, which has been in operation since 1717, is now offering their 2018 shincha, shipped to customers within 10 days of being picked. While their regular sencha teas are more intense, this one is light and delicate, made from buds that survived winter and unfurled into life with spring’s arrival.