Fragrant, soothing and rich in antioxidants, tea is the world’s second most consumed beverage after water. If your ideal tea experience is set against a Japanese backdrop, consider visiting Shizuoka, a historic tea-producing region that supplies more than a third of Japan’s tea. Located southwest of Tokyo and east of Nagoya, Shizuoka is about an hour by train from either city and offers a deep dive into Japanese tea culture and production.
© Explore Shizuoka
Currently, Shizuoka is enjoying its third harvest of the year. Visitors can learn about tea cultivation and harvesting by joining hands-on experiences such as tea picking at Kyoko-san’s Tea Farm. Nearby, Okakae Chaen tea farm offers intimate lessons with owner Shiratori-san, who explains the subtleties of preparing and serving tea. He demonstrates how water temperature, steeping time and leaf handling directly affect flavor, helping guests appreciate the delicate science behind each cup.
© Explore Shizuoka
A visit to the Tea Museum in Shizuoka provides a broader view of tea’s cultural and industrial story. Situated within sight of Mount Fuji, the museum houses a café that highlights local teas and a Tea Ceremony House (Shoumokurou) where you can enjoy a traditional matcha service accompanied by Japanese sweets and tea cakes. For a fuller appreciation of regional tea craftsmanship, tour nearby roasteries such as Tea Terrace Ichinose and Maruzen Tea Roastery.
At Tea Terrace Ichinose in Setonoya, relax with a pot of locally grown tea while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding tea fields and mountains. Maruzen Tea Roastery showcases the sweeter side of tea culture, offering a variety of ice creams made from different tea blends and flavors—perfect for sampling unique tastes and textures.
Whether you’re interested in hands-on harvesting, learning the ritual of tea preparation, or tasting innovative tea-based treats, Shizuoka provides immersive experiences for every tea enthusiast. The region combines scenic landscapes, time-honored techniques and modern creativity, making it an essential destination for anyone who wants to understand and savor Japanese tea.