Tea-Picking Experiences in Shizuoka — A Journey to Discover the Charm of Japanese Tea at Its Source
Shizuoka Prefecture is widely known as one of Japan’s major tea-producing regions.
Blessed with a mild climate and abundant natural beauty, this area produces high-quality tea leaves and is famous nationwide as “Shizuoka tea.”
In Shizuoka, there are many spots where you can actually try picking tea leaves in the fields, making it a popular activity for tourists.
This article will introduce the appeal of tea picking, recommended spots in Shizuoka, and useful information for travelers in detail!
The Deep Connection Between Shizuoka and Tea
1. Why Shizuoka Is a Major Tea-Producing Region
Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest tea-producing area, accounting for about 40% of the country’s tea leaves.
There are several reasons this region can produce such excellent tea leaves:
- Mild climate and moderate rainfall: Tea plants prefer mild temperatures and moderate humidity, making Shizuoka’s climate ideal.
- Steep slopes in the mountain areas: Tea fields at higher elevations experience larger day–night temperature differences, which enhances the sweetness of the leaves.
- Spring water from Mount Fuji: Nutrient-rich soil and high-quality water help grow delicious tea leaves.
2. What Is Tea Picking?
Tea picking is the work of harvesting tea leaves by hand.
To protect the quality of the leaves, the key is to select and pick only the young leaves.
The common method is called “one bud, two leaves,” where you pick the new bud and the two leaves immediately below it.
When you pick by the traditional method, it feels like experiencing a piece of Japan’s traditional culture!
Tea-Picking Spots to Enjoy in Shizuoka
1. Greenpia Makinohara (Makinohara City)
A tourist tea garden boasting one of Shizuoka Prefecture’s largest tea fields.
In the vast tea fields, you can wear traditional clothing and experience tea picking.
After the experience, you can taste tea brewed from freshly picked leaves.
- Access: About 40 minutes by car from JR Shizuoka Station
- Highlights: You can also try tea-leaf processing experiences!
2. Fujinokuni Tea Capital Museum (Shimada City)
An interactive museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Japanese tea. During the new tea season, they hold tea-picking experiences at the Makinohara Great Tea Fields and tea-brewing workshops.
- Access: About 10 minutes by car from JR Kanaya Station
- Highlights: Learn comprehensively about the world of Japanese tea through outdoor tea fields and exhibits
3. Obuchi Sasaba (Fuji City)
A spot famous for its spectacular tea fields with Mount Fuji as a backdrop.
Although it’s not a tourist tea garden, it is popular as a photo spot.
- Access: About 30 minutes by car from JR Fuji Station
- Highlights: The tea fields covered in early-morning mist are magical
What to Expect During a Tea-Picking Experience
- Reception and Costume Rental
- Some facilities let you wear traditional tea-picking clothing.
- Tea-Picking Lecture
- An instructor will teach you the “one bud, two leaves” picking method.
- Actual Tea Picking
- You’ll spend about 30 minutes to an hour harvesting the new tea buds.
- Tasting and Processing the Picked Leaves
- Some places offer hands-on tea-making using the hand-rolling method with freshly picked leaves!
Ways to Enjoy the Tea-Picking Experience
1. Take Commemorative Photos in Traditional Tea-Picking Clothes
Many locations let you wear Japanese-style tea-picking clothing (monpe trousers and a sugegasa straw hat), which is perfect for social media photos!
2. Make Your Own Japanese Tea with a Hand-Rolling Experience
You can finish the leaves using the hand-rolling method to create your own original tea blend.
3. Enjoy Tea-Based Sweets
After tea picking, it’s also recommended to try tea-based sweets like matcha soft serve or hojicha lattes!
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 Seasons for Tea Picking
- April–June: Spring picking (shincha/new tea season)
- September–October: Autumn picking (tea leaves with a richer aroma)
3. What to Bring and How to Dress
- Comfortable clothes and shoes (for walking in the fields)
- Hat and sunscreen (the sun can be strong in spring and summer)
- Water bottle (so you can enjoy tea while you take part)
Summary and Frequently Asked Questions
Summary
- Shizuoka is Japan’s largest tea-producing region, and you can enjoy tea-picking experiences there.
- The basic picking method is “one bud, two leaves.”
- You can wear traditional clothing and try tea-leaf processing experiences.
- The new tea season from April to June is the most recommended time to visit.
- Combining a tea-picking experience with other Shizuoka sightseeing makes the trip more enjoyable!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can beginners participate in tea picking?
A: Absolutely! Instructors will carefully teach you how to pick.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Comfortable clothes and sneakers are recommended.
Q: Can I take the tea I pick home?
A: It depends on the facility, but some offer processing experiences so you can take your tea home.
In Closing
Tea-picking experiences in Shizuoka offer a deep cultural experience of Japan.
Enjoy the beautiful tea-field scenery and taste the depth of Japanese tea!
For a memorable Shizuoka trip, why not try brewing tea with leaves you picked yourself?
