Kagoshima tea leaves hold strength and gentleness at once. They possess a vivid depth, a poised sweetness, and a vitality that feels as though it carries the very breath of the land.
Kagoshima has long been a place associated with samurai who sought revolution. That spirit still lives on today in the earnest discipline of producers who do not seek the spotlight, but devote themselves wholeheartedly to perfecting their craft.
霧島
KIRISHIMA
Saemidori first-flush.
The single-origin source for Mirai.
知覧
CHIRAN
Smooth first-flush grown in a warm climate.
Used in the Kizuna blend.
鹿児島
KAGOSHIMA
The terroir of Kagoshima,
shaped by volcanic blessings and abundant nature.
The Shirasu Plateau and Volcanic Blessings
Kagoshima is surrounded by volcanoes including Sakurajima. The Shirasu plateau formed from accumulated volcanic ash has excellent drainage and is rich in minerals. This unique soil gives Kagoshima tea leaves their powerful umami and vivid green color.
The Mists and Pure Waters of Kirishima
True to its name, the Kirishima foothills are frequently shrouded in mist — ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Pure spring water, moderate sunlight, and the natural shade provided by mist bring out the full delicate umami of the Saemidori cultivar.
The Gentle Climate of Chiran
Chiran is a tea-growing region blessed with a warm climate and abundant nature. Soft sunlight and adequate rainfall nurture the smooth harmonious flavor of the tea leaves used in our Kizuna blend.
Our Commitment to First Flush
We use only first-flush tea leaves — the first harvest of spring. First-flush buds release the nutrients accumulated over winter all at once. Soft, aromatic, rich in umami and low in bitterness. This is the foundation of SALON DE MATCHA's quality.
KAGOSHIMA · JAPAN
Where is Kagoshima?
Kagoshima sits at the southern tip of Kyushu, approximately 1,200km from Tokyo.
a land of extraordinary nature, home to the active volcano Sakurajima.
CULTURE & CRAFT
The Art & Culture of Kagoshima
Beyond tea, Kagoshima is home to some of Japan's most extraordinary artistic traditions.
Honba Oshima Tsumugi
本場大島紬
One of the world's three great textiles. Its intricate patterns and deep colors have been refined over centuries.
Satsuma Kiriko
薩摩切子
A masterwork of colored glass from the Satsuma domain, born in the late Edo period. Its luminous gradations of color continue to captivate collectors around the world.
Satsuma Ware
薩摩焼
A ceramic tradition with over 400 years of history. The delicate painted designs of white Satsuma and the bold beauty of black Satsuma embody the aesthetic spirit of Japan.