Welcome my fellow tea enthusiasts to the world of Japanese tea farms, where tradition and innovation meet to create some of the world’s most exquisite teas. As a tea lover, you may already know that Japan is renowned for its high-quality tea, with a tea culture that dates back centuries(It seems pretty obvious to us). But did you know that Japan is also home to some of the most unique and stunning tea farms in the world? I don’t know why but when I ask people about Japan, all they talk about is Tokyo and some other cities. They speak about the technological innovations or the samurai culture but never the tea. I never understood this because tea culture goes back thousands of years. There are even some tea farms that are still in existence that date back over 800 years! I guess it’s partly my fault. The audience I speak to doesn’t think about tea the way I do. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through some of Japan’s famous tea farms, exploring their unique attributes and the types of teas they produce. From the serene hills of Shizuoka to the misty valleys of Uji, get ready to discover some of Japan’s most beloved tea farms.
Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, LLC
If you’re looking for a truly authentic and immersive tea experience in Japan, then this is the place to be.
The farm is located in the scenic Wazuka area of Kyoto, and is run by a group of passionate and knowledgeable tea experts who are dedicated to preserving the traditional art of Japanese tea farming.
Tea produced
They grow and produce a range of delicious teas, including sencha, genmaicha, and matcha, all of which are made using traditional, artisanal methods.
What sets this tea farm apart is their commitment to education and community-building. They offer a range of tea tours and workshops that allow visitors to learn about the tea-making process, from field to cup. You can even pick your own tea leaves and learn how to brew the perfect cup of Japanese tea.
The farm also has a unique “tea club” membership program, which allows tea enthusiasts to receive regular shipments of their favorite Kyoto Obubu teas, along with exclusive access to special events and discounts.
Tour information
If you’re planning a visit to Japan, be sure to add Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, LLC to your itinerary. They offer tea tours throughout the year, and booking is easy via their website (https://obubutea.com). And if you can’t make the trip in person, don’t worry – you can still enjoy their delicious teas by ordering online.
Moriuchi Tea Farm
Moriuchi Tea Farm, a hidden gem tucked away in the mountains of Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture. This family-owned tea farm has been producing high-quality teas for generations, and their commitment to traditional farming methods has earned them a reputation for some of the best tea in Japan.
What sets Moriuchi Tea Farm apart from the others is their focus on shading their tea plants. By using traditional techniques such as “tana” or “yama-zumi,” they are able to create a delicate and refined tea with a unique umami taste.
Tea Produced
Their specialty is Gyokuro, a highly sought-after Japanese green tea known for its sweetness and depth of flavor.
Tour information
For those who are interested in seeing the tea-making process firsthand, the Moriuchi Tea Farm offers tours during the harvest season. Visitors can learn about the art of tea farming and processing, and even participate in tea picking themselves. It’s a truly authentic experience that is not to be missed.
To book a tour, simply visit their website (https://www.moriuchitea.com) or contact them directly. If using the website, you may need a translation app as the website is in Japanese. And be sure to bring your appetite – they also offer a tea-tasting experience with a variety of their finest teas to sample.
Wazuka Tea Plantation
Let me introduce you to the stunning Wazuka Tea Plantation, one of the most unique and picturesque tea farms in Japan. Located in the Wazuka-cho district of the Kyoto Prefecture, this tea farm has a long history of producing some of the finest Japanese green teas.
One of the unique features of this tea farm is its location in a mountainous area, surrounded by hills and valleys, which gives the tea plants a very distinct and unique flavor profile. The farm is situated at an altitude of 300 to 500 meters above sea level, which makes for a cooler climate that slows down the growth of the tea leaves, resulting in a richer, more complex flavor.
Tea produced
Wazuka Tea Plantation produces several types of high-quality teas, including Sencha, Gyokuro, and Matcha, which are some of the most popular Japanese green teas. Sencha is a type of steamed green tea with a refreshing aroma and a delicate taste, while Gyokuro is a premium shade-grown green tea that has a sweet, mild taste and a vegetal aroma. Matcha, on the other hand, is a finely ground green tea powder that is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Tour Information
Wazuka Tea Plantation is open to visitors and offers tea tours that allow you to learn about the tea-making process, experience a traditional tea ceremony, and even pick your own tea leaves. The tea tours are held throughout the year, with each season offering a different perspective on the tea-growing process. To book a tea tour at Wazuka Tea Plantation, you can visit their website (https://wazukanko.com)or contact them directly. Remember the website is in Japanese so you’ll need a translator if you cannot read Japanese
Wazuka Tea Plantation is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore tea farms in Japan. Its unique location, high-quality teas, and immersive tea tours make it an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss.
Conclusion
Japan is known for producing some of the finest teas in the world, and its tea farms are an integral part of that reputation. Each tea farm in Japan has its unique attributes and offerings, making it a must-visit destination for any tea enthusiast. Whether you’re interested in the traditional methods of tea production or the latest tea innovations, there’s a tea farm in Japan that will pique your interest. From the picturesque Wazuka Tea Plantation to the welcoming Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, there’s no shortage of tea farms to explore in Japan. So, pack your bags, book a tea tour, and get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of tea farms in Japan!
