In recent years, matcha has evolved beyond a global trend to become one of the most recognizable symbols of Japanese culture. Yet the world of Japanese tea still holds many lesser-known treasures waiting to be discovered. One of them is gyokuro.

Founded in 1690, Japanese tea company Yamamotoyama is partnering with Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo for the first time from June 1 through July 9, 2026. Alongside a selection of limited-time menu items featuring gyokuro—the tea first developed by Yamamotoyama—a special gyokuro tasting event will be held on June 28.

Courtesy of Yamamotoyama

The Brand That Invented Gyokuro

Yamamotoyama traces its origins back to 1690, when founder Kahei Yamamoto established the business in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.

During the Edo period, the company became known as the first tea merchant to sell sencha in Edo. In 1835, the sixth-generation Kahei Yamamoto developed gyokuro, a tea now regarded as one of the highest expressions of Japanese tea culture. Renowned for its rich umami, delicate sweetness, and refined aroma, gyokuro remains one of Japan’s most celebrated teas.

Courtesy of Yamamotoyama
As matcha continues to gain international recognition, gyokuro may well become the next Japanese tea to capture global attention.

A Collaboration Connecting Nihonbashi and Kabutocho

The collaboration grew naturally from an existing relationship: Yamamotoyama teas are already served in guest rooms at Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo.

While Yamamotoyama's flagship store has long been rooted in Nihonbashi, Caption by Hyatt is located in Kabutocho, a neighborhood where Tokyo’s financial history intersects with a growing creative and culinary scene. Though only a short walk apart, both represent different facets of contemporary Tokyo culture.

Courtesy of Yamamotoyama
This project brings together centuries-old tradition and modern hospitality in a uniquely local way.

Not Just Drinking Gyokuro—Eating It

The hotel's social hub, Talk Shop, will offer a range of original menu items featuring gyokuro.

Among the highlights is the Gyokuro Poke Burger, which combines a fish-based poke-style patty with gyokuro-infused fried onions and a bun blended with tea leaves. The result is a savory interpretation of gyokuro’s distinctive umami character, evoking notes of seaweed and dashi. During lunch hours, the burger is served with fries dusted in gyokuro powder and accompanied by a gyokuro dip.

Courtesy of Yamamotoyama
Additional offerings include a Gyokuro Cold Brew steeped for 12 hours, a sparkling Gyokuro Ade, and a Gyokuro Cocktail crafted with Japanese gin. Together, the menu reimagines gyokuro through a contemporary culinary lens.

Discovering Gyokuro Through Tasting

On June 28, guests will have the opportunity to explore gyokuro in greater depth through a dedicated tasting event.

Participants will compare gyokuro and sencha while learning about their respective cultivation methods and flavor profiles. The tasting highlights gyokuro’s signature sweetness, umami, and aroma alongside the brighter, fresher character of sencha. Yamamotoyama’s signature seaweed rice crackers will also be served, offering a deeper introduction to Japanese tea culture.

Looking Beyond Matcha

Matcha lattes and matcha desserts have inspired growing interest in Japanese tea around the world. Yet the richness of Japanese tea culture extends far beyond matcha alone.

Gyokuro’s delicate balance of sweetness and umami, together with the centuries of craftsmanship behind it, reflects a distinctly Japanese aesthetic. Rather than presenting gyokuro simply as a traditional tea, this collaboration seeks to reinterpret it through contemporary dining and hospitality experiences.

From the crossroads of historic Nihonbashi and evolving Kabutocho, a new way of enjoying Japanese tea is emerging.