Learn about the different tea regions of Shizuoka, the main tea growing region of Japan. Each region has unique topography, climate and tea cultivation focus. We were fortunate to have been invited to Shizuoka by the Japanese tea organizations to visit and meet a number of tea farmers. This video was presented to us as part of our visit.
Shizuoka
Tea Map – Shizuoka
Shizuoka is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chubu region on Honshu island. Mt. Fuji is located on the northern border of Shizuoka Prefecture and provides picturesque views. Shizuoka, meaning ‘tranquil hills’, is a mountainous terrain rising to 3,000 meters. The climate in the area is very conducive to growing tea, especially due to its rain and mist. Tea in Shizuoka has a long history of more than 800 years. It is the largest tea region in Japan with 40% of the nation’s tea plantations. Many tea plantations are small, family-run operations which have remained in the same family for many generations. Each plantation may grow several varietals of tea in various plots, and most of it is made into green tea.