Obukucha Teabags (Teapot Size) - 9 Bags

Obukucha is a special release genmaicha, made with higher-grade green tea leaves than our year-round genmaicha. The result is a tea with a fuller-bodied, sweeter green tea character, while its roasted rice fragrance is softer and more soothing. Just like our other genmaicha blends, this tea is pleasant to enjoy throughout the day and pairs well with meals.

We filled these larger pyramid-shaped teabags with the same Obukucha tea leaves as the loose-leaf version. Use these teabags to easily brew a batch of Obukucha when serving guests this winter.

In Japan, the important New Year's holiday is an occasion to gather with family—which of course, calls for tea. We release this Obukucha exclusively around the holiday season, as a tea to drink in celebration of the arrival of a new year.

The tradition of enjoying Obukucha at New Years goes back to the 10th century. In 951, a serious epidemic swept through Kyoto. In an effort to relieve the suffering, a Buddhist priest, Kuya, distributed tea to the people. It has been said that Emperor Murakami ushered in the New Year with a special cup of tea that year. Since then, it has been a Japanese tradition to drink Obukucha (which means "Good Fortune Tea") around the New Year. We hope that you and your loved ones enjoy this tea in happiness and health while looking towards the new year.