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Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

$47.90
$0.00 $47.90
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Learn all the secrets of the Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

The Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto is a masterpiece from Mr. Sakamoto, one of Japan’s most innovative organic tea farmers. This gyokuro is crafted from tea plants shaded for more than three weeks, allowing the leaves to develop an exceptionally high level of umami and natural sweetness.

The name Sou (蒼) can be translated as “blue-green”, a tribute to both the vibrant liquor of the infusion and the lush color of the leaves. Expect a tea that combines a deep savory richness, balanced minerality, and subtle notes of seaweed and steamed greens, finishing with a smooth, velvety texture.

Taste

Discover the results of Nio Teas’ 4 step tea tasting method

When tasting the Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto, we don’t just look at aroma and flavor — we explore how the tea behaves on the palate, its texture, and how each note evolves throughout the sip.

Step 1 - Observing the Appearance

The dry leaves are tightly rolled into elegant, dark green needles. Once placed in the teapot, they reveal a glossy sheen, a sign of careful shading and precise rolling.

Step 2 - Assessing the Aroma

When the leaves are infused, they release a complex fragrance: a wave of warm umami mixed with oceanic seaweed notes, hints of steamed spinach, and a delicate sweetness reminiscent of fresh flowers.

Step 3 - Tasting the Tea

The first sip begins with adeep, savory umami burst, coating the tongue with richness. This quickly transitions into layers of sweetness, with subtle flavors of sugarcane, young vegetables, and a refreshing cucumber-like note. The finish carries faint mineral touches and a lingering smoothness that makes each sip memorable.

Step 4 - Evaluating the sensation on the palate

The texture is full-bodied and silky, almost broth-like. This density allows the flavors to unfold gradually, with the savory and sweet elements perfectly balanced. Despite its power, the tea remains elegant, leaving a clean aftertaste that invites another sip.

100% Organically grown and Ethically Sourced

Like all teas we source from Mr. Sakamoto, Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto is produced without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Instead, he uses a unique organic fertilizer made from natural compost and minerals, which strengthens the tea plants at their core.

This results not only in exceptional tea but also in healthier soil, thriving microorganisms, and biodiversity in the fields. Supporting organic cultivation means supporting a more sustainable tea industry and protecting the environment for future generations.

JAS Certified

When you see the JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) seal on our teas, you can trust that they’ve been cultivated with the strictest organic methods. Soil testing and inspections ensure zero reliance on chemicals.

For smaller farmers unable to afford JAS certification, we also proudly support teas under our “pesticide-free” label, but with Mr. Sakamoto, you are guaranteed authentic, certified organic gyokuro.

How to prepare the tea

Gyokuro is best enjoyed with lower water temperatures and longer brewing times, which allow its sweetness and umami to shine without bitterness.

  • Step 1

    Heat your water to 60°C (140°F).

  • Step 2

    Add 5 grams of Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto to a kyusu teapot or shiboridashi.

  • Step 3

    Pour 150 ml of water over the leaves and let them brew for 2 minutes.

  • Step 4

    Pour and enjoy. If using a kyusu, the built-in filter will keep the leaves from entering your cup.

  • 2nd brew

    Don’t discard the leaves after the first infusion. You can brew them again, shortening the time to 20–30 secondsfor each subsequent infusion. The second and third brews reveal lighter, sweeter note

  • Cold brew

    For a refreshing twist, Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto also works beautifully as a cold brew. Steep 5–10g of leaves in 500ml of cool water for 3–6 hours and enjoy a smooth, sweet, and cooling cup.

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Necessary teaware

The kyusu teapot remains the most practical choice for everyday brewing, thanks to its side handle and mesh filter.

For a more ceremonial experience, however, we recommend a shiboridashi, perfect for brewing small, concentrated servings that highlight gyokuro’s umami.

If you don’t have specialized teaware, a simple strainer will do, though the flavor won’t be as rich as with a kyusu or shiboridashi.

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Location of production and farmer

Information about the farm

The Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto is produced in Shibushi, Kagoshima, a region blessed with rich volcanic soils and clean air. Here, Mr. Sakamoto has perfected his craft over decades, becoming one of Japan’s most respected pioneers in organic gyokuro production.

By refusing shortcuts and investing in natural soil enrichment, he cultivates tea plants that thrive without chemicals. His dedication results in teas that not only taste exceptional but also preserve the health of the land and ecosystem.

With Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto, you taste more than tea, you taste the results of a lifetime of innovation, care, and respect for nature.

Sourced in Kagoshima

Japan

The Gyokuro Sou Sakamotocomes from the fertile volcanic soils ofShibushi in Kagoshima, a region renowned for producing Japan’s sweetest and richest gyokuro teas. Sou was designed by Mr. Sakamoto to highlight depth and layered complexity, made possible by the area’s subtropical climate and nutrient-dense soil.

Cultivar and tea plant variety

  • Saemidori

    Saemidori is a prized cultivar in Japan, valued for its naturally smooth and sweet flavor. It produces a vibrant green liquor and a gentle umami that is less astringent compared to other varieties. Farmers appreciate Saemidori for its early harvest time, which allows them to capture the first flush of nutrients at the peak of spring. For gyokuro, this cultivar delivers a refreshing sweetness alongside a subtle marine note, making it especially well suited for long shading periods.

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Free Worldwide Shipping & Delivery

At Nio Teas, we provide free shipping on all orders above $49, choosing the most reliable and cost-effective carrier depending on your country. Deliveries usually take 5–7 days in the U.S. and E.U., while other regions may take up to 10 days. Need it sooner? Express delivery options are available for a small additional fee.

Order issues

If you encounter any issues with your order, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll resolve it as quickly as possible. For the fastest response, email us at info@nioteas.com. If it’s just a quick question, you can also reach us on Instagram at @nio_japanese_green_tea.

Payments

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and Apple Pay. Bank transfer is also available — just select this option at checkout and we’ll send you the details. Once your payment is confirmed, your order will be shipped immediately.

Returns & Refunds

We want every tea session with Nio to be a positive one. If you’re not satisfied with the tea you receive, let us know and we’ll send you a replacement. There’s no need to return the original tea — feel free to share it with a friend instead.

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 / 5 from 14 reviews.

Customer photo review of Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

I must admit: for the price point, I would never have tried this tea except for the fact that I got it for free as part of the anniversary sale. Nearly $50 for 30 grams of tea is a bit out of my price range. As such, this will become a special occasion tea for me, since gyokuros can be aged longer than senchas. The aroma is deceptively mild, with classic sencha notes of steamed vegetables, but also hints of corn and sweet cream just under the surface. This isn't an extremely aromatic tea, but compensates for that by giving enjoyable complexity in the flavor. When you take your first sip, the mouthfeel gives some minerality and a thick, brothy texture that coats the tongue. It greets you with a brisk umami and a very mild bitterness that quickly fades into floral sweetness with a hint of sweet corn, then lingers as a mild rocky mineral aftertaste with recurring hints of vegetal umami. And when I say that aftertaste lingers, it REALLY lingers. I was still tasting it a solid 10 minutes after my first cup, and the aroma remained even longer, which is insane, I've never had a Japanese tea linger that long. I highly recommend not only brewing this tea at very cool temperatures (as gyokuro should be), but I also recommend using much less water than usual as well. This allows the tea to have that stronger, syrupy texture and bold flavor. If I had to compare it to anything, I'd say it's like a more umami version of the Cha Meijin, if you've been a Nio Teas customer for a while. My only real complaint is the price point. Again, $50 for 30 grams of tea is a bit on the excessive side. I understand gyokuros are more labor-intensive and are carefully blended, but in this economy, not too many people are going to be able to truly afford that price. If it were $40 or less, I could see myself repeat-buying because it's otherwise a very solid tea.

Jacob 4/5

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Customer photo review of Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

I’ve never had proper Japanese green tea before. Nio Teas has been a wonderful introduction. They added this Gyokuro as a gift and it really is something unique. It’s one of those things in life that keeps your attention because there is so much to explore every time you experience it. I enjoy those moments. Thanks guys!

Jeremy G. 4/5

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Customer photo review of Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Amazing tea experience. Powerful taste and nice mental clarity afterwards. The secret is less water for the 5g tea leaves. Loving it!

Cristian U. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

It's the second gyroku green tea I've tried and I am really impressed. Thank you!

Andrew S. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

My fave Gyokuro. Deep dark taste full of flavor. Similar to matcha in many ways but in a more customary green form ❤️

David E. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Very pleased with this Gykuro green tea. I've only just gotten into drinking green tea and this is one of the best so far, thank you.

Andrew S. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

It isn’t anything you need to improve. I didn’t like the flavor. I guess I didn’t understand the flavor profile I studied your different teas for at least 3 months to get a better grasp of what I might want. This is all new to me. My first order of any green teas. I haven’t been able to give it a second chance. The taste didn’t agree with me! I will give it another chance. Too expensive not to try to acquire a taste for it. I thought since this was a more expensive tea it would have a better taste lol. I like the roasted Hojicha so much better! When your samplers are back in stock I would love to try other flavors!

Sharon F. 1/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Taste is good but not awesome. Love the smell of freshness. I would buy it again.

Henry S. 4/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Pricey, not as potent as I would have liked

Miguel M. 4/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Amazing flavorful tea! True delicious flavor.

Stephanie W. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

The first steeping could not have tasted better; perhaps my favorite green tea. However, the second steeping did not exceed the second steepings of other, less extraordinary teas.

Stuart L. 4/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Such a pleasant flavour and sweetness!

Francisco C. 5/5 Verified

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto

Gyokuro Sou Sakamoto learning plateform

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