Varieties of Shizuoka tea

The tea producing area in Shizuoka can be divided in eight areas. 1. Fuji Numazu Estates are located Southwest side of Mt. Fuji foot side. Rich volcanic soil can nourish the growth of roots of tea trees. Unique breed teas are also cultivated using this special environment. 2. Shimizu, Haibara Along Okitsu River and Nihondaira for the center of tea cultivation, from the hillside to flat area, tea farms are widely spread. Farms on the hillside are searching the best cultivation method suitable for their land. 3. Honyama Along Abe river, near the headwaters is a homeland of fine green tea "Honyama". This area has long history of tea cultivation. Total tea farm space in this area is the largest in Shizuoka prefecture. Their producing tea has great balance of bitterness and sweetness in taste. 4. Shitacha Mountains in Fujieda, Shimada and Okabe. Near the headwater of Asahina river is the famous area for producing Gyokuro. Most of the farms are located near the rivers. Deep steamed green tea is produced in Shimada. The farms in hillside and flatland are producing tea suitable for their location. 5. Kawane cha Traditionally famous for producing fine quality tea. Starting from South of Alps, tea farms are spread over the hillside. The area constantly receives morning mist, which is great for the tea cultivation. Tasty handpicked teas are also famous here. 6. Makinohoara Largest tea estate in Japan is located on the flatland of Westside Ooi River. Efficient and productive cultivation style produces large amount of deep steamed sencha with fresh condition. 7. Nakaencha Many farms are located on the hillside. This place is famous for producing extra deep steamed tea, and deep-steamed tea. Recently, advanced automation style of tea cultivation has introduced in this area and large amount of tea is productively produced. 8. Tenryu, Mori, Haruno Upper and Medium grade fine teas are produced along Ota and Tenryu river. Sencha is produced in hillside, and deep steamed sencha is produced mainly in South. Family running farming produce high quality handpicked teas.