Shizuoka

One of the most prominent tea regions is Shizuoka prefecture, which has a long history of tea cultivation—thought to have begun as early as the 1200s Shizuoka is widely known as the green tea capital of Japan, and is responsible for over 40% of Japan’s tea production.

Shizuoka is only 30 kilometres from Mt. Fuji, whose past eruptions have created areas of mineral-rich soil. Microclimates can greatly affect the flavour of tea, and the strength of the sun, duration of the morning mist, and the amount and frequency of precipitation all subtly influence the final crop. Each plantation has its own advantages and challenges and adjusts its cultivation process to grow the best possible tea plants.

 Some areas in Shizuoka may get more sun, other areas may have extreme temperature differences, while still other areas are covered in a mist until late morning. All of these factors, as well as cultivation and production methods—as well as the time of harvest—give the teas a distinct flavor, not only particular to the area they were grown but also the specific farm.

Shizuoka’s teas have won gold medals in the World Green Tea Contest and the Monde Selection Awards, and have received a long list of special accolades and industry prizes from national ministries.

Places to visit in Shizuoka’s Green Tea

The opening of the Shizuoka Tea Museum in 2018 gave tea enthusiasts a place to explore the science, culture, and history of their favourite beverage