Nanaya Shizuoka

In October I had the opportunity to revisit Nanaya/ななや Shizuoka.  When I first visited the shop in 2015, they were one of the first to introduce matcha gelato in grades from lightest to strongest flavor.  Since then, Nanaya has opened new shops across Japan as well as expanded their product line and distribution.  They even offer worldwide shipping!

Since my visit, the shop has moved to Gofukucho-dori, downtown Shizuoka City's main shopping street which also happens to be part of the Old Tokaido Road.  The new location allows more retail space for a wide range of tea products as well as a small casual seating area near the front.

For this visit, I picked up a beautifully packaged seasonal tea and three scoops of delicious gelato: No. 7 matcha (the boldest), hojicha, and sweet potato.

Address:
〒420-0031　静岡県静岡市葵区呉服町2丁目5-12
2 Chome-5-12 Gofukucho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0031, Japan

Hours:
11:00am to 7:00pm
Closed Wednesdays

Tea Review: Akishiage Shinshuncha (Nanaya/Marushichi Seicha)

Akishiage Shinshuncha/秋仕上新旬茶 (Autumn-finished New Seasonal Tea)

Nanaya/ななや/Marushichi Seicha
Type: Green
Origin: Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture
Product Description:

Tea fields are cultivated using an abundance of organic fertilizer rich in animal protein and sea minerals, which encourages the growth of bacteria in the soil and makes the capillaries grow deeper, thereby strengthening the tea plants' vitality.

By the end of September, the temperature is similar to that of early May, making it a pleasant season to enjoy tea with a fragrance similar to that of the first tea of spring.

We deliver tea made from tea leaves grown in an abundance of natural bounty with a fresh seasonal flavor.

Enjoy the deepening autumn with some delicious tea.

Temperature: 175° F
Amount: 3 grams
Steeping Time: 1 - 2 minutes

The dry leaves have a savory aroma of freshly ground nuts and sweet grass.

The pale jade green liquor has an aroma of macadamia nuts, edamame and sun-warmed grass.  The taste has notes of nuts and edamame with a long and refreshing sweet green finish.

I purchased this tea during a visit to Nanaya in Shizuoka last November and I'll admit to being drawn to the beautiful, bright autumn packaging.  Happily this sencha more than delivered, reminding me of spring and freshly cut grass warming in the sun.  I prepared this tea by steeping it for 2 minutes followed by 2 1-minute steepings.  The liquor color deepened by the second steeping, and sweetness moved to the front by the third.  I especially enjoyed the refreshing finish that seemed to go on and on.  

This tea was purchased by me.