Ike no Shiro
Hoshinoen
$42.00
Ike no Shiro 池の白 (Hoshino Seichaen)
Meaning: “White of the Pond”
Origin: Yame, Fukuoka, Japan
Producer: Hoshino Seichaen 星野製茶園
A silky, mellow matcha with gentle sweetness and indulgent nutty depth.
Flavor Profile:
Balanced & round — rich umami and subtle toasted sesame or roasted soybean nuances linger smoothly on the palate
Soft aroma — a delicate sweetness reminiscent of marshmallow or steamed greens, with a high-tone fragrance unique to Hoshino matcha
Low bitterness & astringency — easy-drinking and approachable, even for new matcha lovers
Ike no Shiro is a refined ceremonial matcha from Yame, one of Japan’s most prized tea regions. Carefully shaded and stone-milled, it offers a bright, clean flavor with a silky froth and smooth finish. Compared to Hoshi no Tsuyu, Ike no Shiro is considered a higher-grade matcha, with more depth, a softer umami, and a lingering natural sweetness.
First-harvest leaves from the Hoshinomura region of Yame, Fukuoka—an area known for nurturing rich, slow-grown teas with elevated amino acid content (umami)
Hoshi no Tsuyu → approachable, smooth everyday ceremonial
Yame no Tsuyu → richer umami, terroir-focused
Ike no Shiro → premium, refined balance of umami + sweetness
Seihō → luxury/high-grade, maximum depth, elegance, almost no bitterness