Not Just Kyoto? Tea-Producing Areas in Japan

When you think of Japanese tea culture, Kyoto is often the first place that comes to mind. Indeed, Kyoto is known as a sacred place for Japanese tea, with a rich history and tradition. However, it is worth knowing that there are many other wonderful tea-producing regions in Japan besides Kyoto. In this article, we will take you on a journey through the tea regions of Japan. In addition to the attractions of Kyoto, we will also discover some unexpected regional gems.

1. Kyoto Prefecture: The Tea Capital Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Kyoto is famous for its matcha, a powdered green tea. Kyoto green tea, especially Uji tea, attracts tea lovers from all over the world thanks to its long history, sophisticated production methods and unique flavor.

Properties: Unique rich taste and aroma
Recommended teas: Matcha, Gyokuro

2. Shizuoka Prefecture: Japan's largest tea producer

Shizuoka Prefecture is known as the largest tea producer in Japan. Shizuoka's mountainous geography and favorable climate allow for the production of a wide range of green teas.

Characteristics: fresh aroma and mild taste
Recommended teas: Sencha Fukamushi, Sencha Futsumushi

3. Kagoshima Prefecture: Japan's second largest tea-producing region

Kagoshima Prefecture is the second largest tea producer in Japan, after Shizuoka Prefecture. The region is characterized by a climate favorable to tea, with abundant sunlight on plantations and fertile volcanic soils. Kagoshima produces high-quality tea with a unique, unique flavor. It is usually Kagoshima Prefecture that is the first to begin tea harvesting in Japan, and gradually other prefectures located in the eastern part of the country join it.

Characteristics: Rich flavor and vibrant light green color
Recommended teas: Sencha, Chirancha

4. Fukuoka Prefecture: The tea capital of Kyushu, famous for its Yame tea

The Yame region in Fukuoka Prefecture is famous for its high-quality gyokuro and sencha teas. The misty, mountainous region provides a unique tea flavor. It is worth mentioning that the oldest tea garden in Japan (established in the Kamakura era) is located there.

Characteristics: Mild taste and rich aroma
Recommended tea: Gyokuro, Sencha

5. Mie Prefecture: famous for Ise tea

Mie Prefecture is known as the home of Ise Shrine, but it is also famous for its tea cultivation. It is the third largest prefecture in terms of tea production in Japan. Ise green tea is popular for its unique aroma and flavor.

Characteristics: Fresh aroma and full flavor
Recommended tea: Sencha, Kabusecha

The world of Japanese tea is vast. From traditional matcha from Kyoto to innovative sencha from Kagoshima, tasting different teas from different regions and plantations will allow you to better understand its charm. And thus find your favorite variety of green tea.

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