Nishio

Nishio City in Aichi Prefecture is one of Japan's three principal matcha-producing regions (alongside Uji and Shizuoka). Nishio's matcha tradition dates from the Kamakura period and the city is home to a regional brand certification scheme; about 20% of Japan's tencha (the unground matcha base) is produced here. The cup tends slightly more vegetal and a touch less sweet than top- grade Uji, with consistency and accessible price as the local market positioning.