In Japan, the 3 most famous teas are said to be those produced in Uji (Kyoto), Sayama (Saitama) and Shizuoka. Many years ago, we brought in green tea from Uji, Kyoto. Perhaps, it was only appropriate to start with Uji as it is known as the birth place of Japanese tea; but now, we think our customers are ready to try other green teas produced outside of Uji.
This year we travelled to Shizuoka and visited a local tea fair there. Shizuoka Prefecture is nestled at the foot of the Mt. Fuji. Just like Uji, tea culture is quite prevalant there, even tangible.
Mt. Fuji
Ladies on their way to a tea ceremony.
Many places selling different types/grades of green tea. Also selling all sorts of yokan (a sweet jellied red bean snack that goes well with green tea!)
Different varieties/grades of tea!
Yokan.
It was an educational trip where we saw how green tea is kneaded and rolled after the steaming process. We got to taste different teas as well!
“Massaging” tea leaves after steaming.
Tea tasting!
We introduce to you matcha from Asahina, Shizuoka! Asahina is an area of Shizuoka well-known for high quality matcha and gyokuro. We brought 3 different grades of matcha for you to try: culinary, superior, and premium.
Our Matcha line-up from Asahina, Shizuoka.
We also have a fukamushi (deep-steamed) green tea from Kakegawa, Shizuoka. Please try and compare the difference with our Uji tea! Kakegawa is the area of Shizuoka famous for fukamushi teas!
Kagoyose Fukamushi Tea from Kakegawa, Shizuoka.
The flower from Camellia Sinensis, the tea plant.
We hope to gradually introduce more green tea from Shizuoka. Please try them. We hope you will love them as much as our teas from Uji!