About Us
Green tea is healthy and tastes unique. That is no longer a secret. Even in the coffee metropolis of Vienna, you can now find premium green tea in specialist shops and cheap alternatives in drugstores. You can also visit tea houses and tastings. Many people appreciate the invigorating effect of Japanese green tea, especially matcha. Lifestyle blogs show us how it's done: get up early in the morning, do yoga, drink a matcha and then get to your desk.
It works - but tea is so much more than self-optimization.
“Shinkoko” is Shinko and Koryu, or Andreas and Susanne: two native Austrians and ordained Buddhist Zen priests and priestesses. We see it as our life's work to make Japan's wisdom tangible for our own culture. Green tea and Zen have always belonged together. Did you know that a Zen monk spread the tea culture in Japan? Many people are also familiar with the formal tea ceremony. It can last for hours and every detail has meaning.
At Shinkoko you will find tea for beginners as well as for connoisseurs. We have accessories in all quality and price categories. Green tea can be an elitist lifestyle - but it doesn't have to be. We want to make Japanese green tea accessible to everyone and return to the true spirit of tea: alert relaxation, like in Zen meditation.
All of our teas come from the Shimane prefecture. It is not as world-famous as the Uji province, and it doesn't want to be. Most Japanese tea is sold in the country itself. This also applies to these types of tea. They are uncomplicated, authentic, fresh - exactly what ends up in the cups of most Japanese people every day. We work closely with small family businesses and rely on trust and mutual respect. Finding something special in everyday life - that is our way.
Let's be honest: Most of us had our first matcha as a matcha latte. Thanks to the sweet and creamy drink, matcha became famous outside of Japan practically overnight a few years ago. Some people are inspired by curiosity, buy a cheap matcha from the drugstore, prepare it themselves at home and are initially disappointed. The brew tastes bitter and fishy. Frustrated, many give it up at this one attempt.
We invite you to start your personal green tea journey with us. In our experience, people in Europe first have to get used to the taste of green tea, especially matcha. It's a process of working towards it, discovering it, trying it out. We're happy to accompany you. With online questionnaires, Zoom consultations and live tastings, we'll find a tea that you like and show you how to prepare it according to your individual wishes. You can order online or immerse yourself in the world of tea with all your senses in our showroom in Vienna Hietzing - whatever suits you best.