Partners Information: From the green and black classics to tantalising unique brews, Japan is a tea-lover’s paradise! This Tsunagu Japan article will break down the different types of teas, the differences between the many varieties, introduce famous tea-growing regions in Japan and more.
After a brief history of tea in Japan, the article introduces the many types of teas by first dividing them into two groups: classic teas (ryokucha, matcha, houjicha, genmaicha, koucha, oolong and jasmine tea) and alternative teas (sobacha, mugicha, gobocha, amacha, sakuracha and kombucha). Interestingly, the teas in the latter group don't actually contain any tea leaves and are caffeine free.
The most famous tea-growing regions of Japan are then introduced. They are:
1. Sayama in Saitama Prefecture - the tea-growing region closest to the capital, Tokyo.
2. Shizuoka - Japan's largest tea-producing region.
Both photographs (above) provided by Shizuoka Prefectural Tourist Association
3. Kagoshima Prefecture - as it's located in the warmer southern island of Kyushu, its leaves are the first to be picked in the year (as early as April).
Both photographs (above) provided by Kagoshima Prefectural Visitors Bureau
4. Ise in Mie Prefecture - a tea-growing region with over 1,000 years of history.
5. Uji in Kyoto Prefecture - famous for their Uji matcha which is used in many matcha-based treats.
6. Yame in Fukuoka Prefecture - Yame and the surrounding regions account for approximately half of Japan’s gyokuro green tea.
Both photographs (above) provided by Fukuoka Prefecture Tourist Association
