SmoKYO – Smoky Matcha Born from a Phantom Dragon

2025/10/09 10:13

Born from a Phantom Dragon and Hidden Tea: SmoKYO – Smoky Matcha

Hello from WACHA 🌿
Today, we’re excited to share the story behind our newest green matcha series creation: SmoKYO – Smoky Matcha.

A Phantom Dragon and a Hidden Tea

At the end of his life, Katsushika Hokusai painted Fujikoshi Ryūzu (“Dragon Beyond Mount Fuji”).
A dragon cloaked in black smoke ascends over Mount Fuji—a powerful, mystical image.
But the work remains wrapped in mystery: was it truly Hokusai’s own brush, or did his daughter Ōi play a role?
Privately held and rarely displayed, this piece has become known as a “phantom dragon painting.”

Meanwhile, Kyoto has its own hidden cultural treasure: Kyōbancha.
Unlike sencha or matcha, it is crafted by roasting stems and leaves in a large iron kettle over fire, giving it a distinctive smoky aroma.
Though deeply rooted in daily Kyoto life—served to everyone from children to the elderly—Kyōbancha is little known outside the region.

The Birth of SmoKYO – Smoky Matcha

Bringing together the phantom dragon and the hidden tea, WACHA created SmoKYO – Smoky Matcha.
It is a blend of Kyōbancha, premium Uji matcha, and WACHA Green Matcha.

Just like a dragon rising with smoke, this tea delivers a layered experience:

The first impression is a gentle smoky note from Kyōbancha.
Then comes the rich umami of matcha, leaving a lingering, tranquil aftertaste.
Low in caffeine, it’s a perfect companion for evening relaxation or quiet moments.

WACHA’s “SmoKYO” is not about roasted aroma,
but the fusion of smoky fragrance (Kunko) with matcha —
the first attempt of its kind in Japanese tea.
This distinction in aroma lineage and production method
is the core reason behind its “world’s first” designation.

(WACHA internal research, as of October 2025: Based on our study of blends combining Kyoto Kyōbancha’s smoky aroma with matcha in Japan and major overseas markets.)

Q: What is Kyobancha?

A: Kyobancha: Kyoto’s Hidden Roasted Tea

Kyobancha is a unique, region-specific Japanese tea found only in Kyoto.

Unlike standard bancha or sencha, its leaves and stems are roasted in large iron pans over high heat, producing a distinct smoky aroma (kunko).

The flavor evokes campfires and hearths—rustic, toasty, and deeply comforting. In Kyoto, it has long been known as the everyday tea for all generations, enjoyed by children and elders alike.

Because of its limited production and distinctive character, Kyobancha has rarely been distributed nationwide, making it one of Kyoto’s hidden treasures of tea culture.

Unlike the well-known Hojicha, Kyobancha is a rare roasted tea traditionally enjoyed in Kyoto households. Made from mature tea leaves and stems harvested in early spring, it is slowly roasted to create a gentle smokiness, low caffeine, and a mineral-rich flavor.

Kyobancha offers a craft-like smoky character, reminiscent of wood-fire traditions, making it especially attractive to wellness seekers, tea connoisseurs, and even whiskey or craft beer enthusiasts looking for a non-alcoholic alternative.

Features

・Innovative blend of Kyobancha × Uji Matcha × WACHA Green Matcha

・Smoky, toasty aroma harmonized with matcha’s mellow umami

・Lower in caffeine, ideal for evening relaxation

・100% natural, additive-free, made in Japan

・Artistic design tin inspired by Japanese heritage—perfect as a gift

Recommended For

・A mindful break during work or study

・A calming evening ritual before bedtime

・A thoughtful gift for tea lovers and overseas friends

・Those seeking a new style of matcha experience with smoky depth

Who Will Love SmoKYO?

Tea lovers seeking a bold, new Japanese tea experience
Those who enjoy deep, smoky flavors in drinks
People looking for a calming tea with less caffeine
Gift-givers who want something unique, with a story to tell

A Unique Story in Every Cup

SmoKYO is more than just tea.
It’s a bridge between two hidden traditions: the mystery of Hokusai’s dragon and the everyday yet little-known soul of Kyoto’s bancha.
Together, they create a one-of-a-kind matcha experience—a sip of smoke, history, and mystery.

✨ Try SmoKYO at home, and let yourself be carried away by the dragon’s smoke.