Tea Regions of the World - Japan

The three largest producing regions for Japanese tea are Shizuoka, Kagoshima and Mie .  Tea is produced almost everywhere in southern Japan, but a few of the most popular areas are Kagoshima, Shizuoka and Uji. Around 40% of Japan’s tea plantations can be found in Shizuoka. The most widespread Japanese tea is  sencha. With around 40% of Japan’s tea plantations, Shizuoka is the largest tea-producing area in Japan. Tea cultivation in this area is said to have begun as early as the 1200s. The area has very rich volcanic soil and plenty of fresh water. However, your tea may taste differently depending on where you purchase it from due to the varying climate. Some areas in Shizuoka may get more sun, while still other areas are covered in a mist until late morning. All of these things, along with cultivation and production methods, give the teas from this area a very distinct flavor. Kagoshima is the second largest producer of unprocessed tea after Shizuoka. It is on the southern tip of Japan’s southern Kyushu Island. Kagoshima green tea and some of the best  Sencha,  Bancha teas are grown here. Uji produces some of the best shade-grown Gyokuro & Matchas available. In fact, Uji gyokuro is the highest grade of all green tea varieties. Why choose a shade-grown green tea over others? The shade increases chlorophyll content in the tea leaves to give them a bright green colour, also the shading makes special chemicals that give the tea more body (or a creamier mouth feel) and sweetness.

Japan has now surpassed China as the largest consumer of green tea in the world, celebrated as the most culturally significant beverage. The Japanese tea ceremony known as Chanoyu, Sado or Ocha holds great spiritual relevance. The whisking of Matcha and the meticulous preparation of each stage of the ceremony is a sight to behold and be part of . Japanese teas are unique, robust and flavourful. Teas like matcha , genmaicha and gyokuro have gained global fame. Tea ceremonies inspired from the Japanese way are being conducted worldwide.