[Tea Picking Experience in Shizuoka] Pick and taste authentic Japanese tea by yourself

Tea Picking Experience in Shizuoka—A Journey to Discover the Charm of Japanese Tea in Its Heartland

Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned as a major production area of Japanese tea.

Blessed with a warm climate and rich nature, this region produces high-quality tea leaves, famous nationwide as "Shizuoka Tea."

In Shizuoka, there are many spots where visitors can actually experience tea picking in the tea fields, making it a popular activity among tourists.

This article will introduce the charm of tea picking, recommended spots in Shizuoka, and information for travelers in detail!

The Deep Connection Between Shizuoka and Tea

1. Why Shizuoka is a Major Production Area for Japanese Tea

Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's largest tea production area, producing about 40% of the nation's tea leaves.

There are several reasons why this region can produce excellent tea leaves.

• Warm climate and moderate rainfall: Tea trees prefer warm temperatures and moderate humidity, making Shizuoka's climate ideal.
• Steep slopes in mountainous areas: In high-altitude tea fields, the large temperature difference between day and night enhances the sweetness of the tea leaves.
• Spring water from Mount Fuji: Nutrient-rich soil and high-quality water nurture delicious tea leaves.

2. What is Tea Picking?

Tea picking is the process of hand-picking tea leaves.

The key is to select and pick only young leaves to maintain the quality of the tea leaves.

The common method is called "Isshin Niba," where you pick the new bud and the two leaves below it.

Picking in the traditional way feels like touching a part of Japan's cultural heritage!

Tea Picking Experience Spots in Shizuoka

1. Greenpia Makinohara (Makinohara City)

A tourist tea garden boasting the largest tea fields in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Amidst the vast tea fields, you can experience tea picking in traditional attire.

After the experience, enjoy tea brewed with freshly picked tea leaves.

• Access: About 40 minutes by car from JR Shizuoka Station
• Highlight: You can also experience processing the tea leaves!

2. Greenpia Yame (Shimada City)

This facility offers experiences to learn about the charm of Japanese tea, including tea picking, brewing methods, and processing experiences.

The souvenir shop also offers high-quality tea from Shizuoka.

• Access: About 20 minutes by car from JR Shimada Station
• Highlight: There's a café with a panoramic view of the tea fields.

3. Obuchi Sasaba (Fuji City)

A spot with beautiful tea fields spread against the backdrop of Mount Fuji.

Although not a tourist tea garden, it is popular as a photo spot.

• Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Fuji Station
• Highlight: The tea fields covered in early morning mist are enchanting.

The Process of Tea Picking Experience

1. Reception & Costume Rental

• Some facilities allow you to wear traditional tea-picking attire.

1. Tea Picking Lessons

• Instructors teach you the "Isshin Niba" picking method.

1. Actual Tea Picking Experience

• Spend about 30 minutes to an hour picking new tea leaves.

1. Tasting and Processing Experience of Picked Tea Leaves

• Some facilities offer experiences making tea using the hand-rolling method with freshly picked leaves!

Enjoying the Tea Picking Experience

1. Commemorative Photos in Traditional Tea-Picking Attire

Some places allow you to wear Japanese-style tea-picking attire (monpe and sugegasa), perfect for social media photos!

2. Creating Original Japanese Tea with Hand-Rolling Experience

You can finish the picked tea leaves using the hand-rolling method to create your unique tea leaves.

3. Enjoying Tea Sweets

After the tea picking experience, indulge in tea-based sweets like matcha soft ice cream or hojicha latte, which are highly recommended!

Useful Information for Travelers

1. Access to Shizuoka

• From Tokyo: About 1 hour by Shinkansen
• From Nagoya: About 1 hour by Shinkansen
• From Osaka: About 2 hours by Shinkansen

2. Best Season for Tea Picking Experience

• April to June: Spring picking (new tea season)
• September to October: Autumn picking (richly aromatic tea leaves)

3. Tips for Clothing and Belongings

• Comfortable clothes and shoes (for walking in the fields)
• Hat & sunscreen (strong sunlight in spring and summer)
• Water bottle (enjoy tea while experiencing)

Summary and Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

• Shizuoka is Japan's largest tea production area where you can enjoy tea picking experiences.
• The basic tea picking method is "Isshin Niba."
• Wear traditional attire and experience tea leaf processing.
• April to June during the new tea season is highly recommended.
• Visiting as part of Shizuoka sightseeing makes it more enjoyable!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can beginners participate in tea picking?

A: Of course! Instructors will teach you how to pick the leaves carefully.

Q: What should I wear?

A: It's recommended to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers.

Q: Can I take home the tea I picked myself?

A: It depends on the facility, but some offer processing experiences for take-home tea.

In Conclusion

Experience the depth of Japanese culture through tea picking in Shizuoka.

Enjoy the profound charm of Japanese tea along with the beautiful tea field scenery!

Why not savor the tea from the leaves you picked yourself as a memorable part of your Shizuoka visit?