SHIZUOKA CITY KANKO NAVI

　Shizuoka Prefecture accounts for 40% of Japan’s total tea plantation area and 35% of its raw tea production, making it number one in the country. Shizuoka City serves as the hub of this raw tea trade. That is why Shizuoka City is considered the capital of Japanese tea. Of course, this is not just about the numbers. What is particularly important to note is that, because competition here is fiercer than anywhere else in Japan and everyone is constantly striving to improve, the city boasts an exceptionally deep pool of talent.It is precisely in the high caliber of the tea masters who manage and refine the quality of the tea that Shizuoka City, the ancient capital of Sunpu, stands as Japan’s best.

　In fact, in this capital of Japanese tea—centered around the tea district of Aoi Ward in Shizuoka City—there are master tea artisans who know tea so thoroughly that one is tempted to call them gods rather than mere humans. While savoring the bliss of being soothed by Shizuoka tea, you are also blessed with the good fortune of encountering these gods. That is the true strength of Shizuoka City, the heart of Japanese tea.

This tea from Shizuoka City, in the Sumpu region, traces its origins to the 13th century and Saint Ikku. It is said to have originated in the Ashikubo area of Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City.

During Tokugawa Ieyasu’s retirement as the “Great Elder,” tea from Sunpu was highly prized and stored in the cool waters of the Ikawa River during the summer months. The transport of this aged tea to Sunpu Castle and Edo Castle marked the beginning of the “Tea Jar Caravan.”

The reenactment of the "Teapot Procession" has arrived at Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. This is the "Teapot Opening Ceremony," in which the teapot is opened.

When it comes to tea from Shizuoka City (formerly Sunpu), the first name that comes to mind is “Shizuoka Honyama-cha.” Shimizu Ward is also home to “Ryogo-uchi-cha,” which fetches the highest price every year at the Shizuoka Tea Market’s opening auction.

Tea picking takes place in early May. People who make their living from tea say, “Golden Week is the busiest time of the year.”

By April, the tea fields are blanketed with new shoots, and the color gradually shifts from deep green to a bright yellow-green. This is when the producers start to feel the pressure.

Where there are tea fields, there is a tea factory.

Freshly picked tea leaves being rolled. While machine rolling is becoming more common, the art of hand-rolling is still highly valued.

Some tea factories allow group tours if you book two weeks in advance. This is the Maeda Kinsaburo Shoten in Chamachi. We had the chance to hear from Japan’s top tea master.

The "Engawa Café," where tea farmers welcome guests. For a 300-yen cover charge, you’ll be served tea and snacks.

Tea fields on the Shimizu Port side of Nihondaira. The tea fields in Shizuoka City, not just here, are blessed with breathtaking views.

"Ichaya" is a café specializing in Shizuoka tea, located in the underground shopping arcade at the north exit of Shizuoka Station. It’s the first place you’ll want to stop by when you arrive in Shizuoka City by JR train.

・Shizuoka City, the City of Tea

・Shizuoka Tea Merchants and Manufacturers Cooperative

・Kissa Issa “Tea of the Week” (Shizuoka Tea Merchants and Manufacturers Cooperative)

・JA Shizuoka City

・JA Shimizu

・Ashikubo, the Birthplace of Shizuoka Tea

・Engawa Cafe (Osawa Promotion Association)

・Tea Town Concierge (Tea Town Shizuoka City) Facebook