Tea producing areas in Shizuoka prefecture

Tea cultivation in Shizuoka started in 1241 after Shouichikokushi had returned from the overseas study from the country of Song (China). He brought the tea seeds back to Japan and introduced them in Shizuoka. The second year of Meiji era, Makinohara land was dramatically developed for the large tea cultivation. 1. Fuji and Numazu Tea is produced widely in Southwest of Mt.Fuji foot land. Automation style of tea cultivation can be seen at the large tea estates in Susono and Aitaka. 2. Shimizu and Haibara Both Shimizu and Haibara have long history of producing tea. Well known tea "Suruganokitami" is produced in Nihondaira along the Okitsu River. 3. Shizuoka Near Abe River, the high quality teas are produced. At headwaters area produce one of the finest quality tea "Honyama" is produced. 4. Shita Tea farms are reasonably spread to mountain hillside of Fujieda, Shimada, and Okabe. Near the headwaters of Asahina river is famous for producing fine Gyokuro. 5. Kawane Near the headwaters of Ooi River, tea is largely produced. This place is also famous for traditionally producing fine quality tea. 6. Makinohara Second year of Meiji era, the land was maintained for the large tea cultivation. Now Makinohara tea estate is known as the largest estate in Japan (5000 hectares) 7. Cyubu Tea estate around Ogasawara and Makinohara also spread to Iwatahara. Most of the farms are located on the hillside. Extra deep steamed green tea and deep steamed tea are famous there. 8. Hokubu and Ensyu Tea is cultivated near the Ota River and Tenryu River. Famous for producing good quality teas 9. Seibu Seibu area has a long history of tea cultivation. Tea is produced mainly in Mikatahara.