Shizuoka

Some of the finest teas in the world are grown in the gardens of Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, where tea cultivation and a love of tea began as far back as the year 1200. Although ideal natural conditions allow 40% of Japan’s tea to be produced here, quantity does not mean lower quality. On the contrary, at the 2016 World Green Tea Contest, teas from the region won most of the awards, confirming their quality. The area has access to rich volcanic soil and numerous rivers with clear, fresh water, while some tea fields offer a clear view of beautiful Mount Fuji. However, climate is what influences the flavor. Some areas of Shizuoka receive more sunshine, others experience extreme temperature differences, while still others remain covered in mist until late morning. All these factors, together with cultivation and production methods and the timing of the harvest, give the teas different flavors.