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Taste this delicious example of Shizuoka green tea
Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Shizuoka is the largest tea producer in Japan, growing an estimated 40% of all the tea cultivated in the country. It is thought that tea cultivation in Shizuoka began as early as the 1200s.
Gotemba City is highly recommended for experiencing green tea. Gotemba is a highland city which lies at the foot of Mount Fuji and has a rich natural environment. You can experience tea ceremonies or tea factory study tours, which include tea plantation tours and tea harvesting/hand-processing experiences. Participants learn about the history of the tea industry; the differences between green tea, hojicha, black tea, and oolong tea; and the benefits of each type of tea. They also experience the hand-finishing process, which has been preserved to this day. After learning about the traditional tea production process, participants tour a tea factory to learn about modernized tea production.
The tour also introduces the little-known powers and charms of green tea, which are attracting renewed attention both in Japan and abroad. These include its sterilizing power, fat-dissolving ability, and the relaxing effect of its fragrance. Participants can also take home tea made by hand as a souvenir.
How to get there
From Tokyo Station, head to Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen (one hour). From Mishima Station, head to Katsumata Tea by car or taxi (30 minutes).
469 Komakado, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken
