The Story of Shizuka Tea and Matcha from Shizuoka & Kagoshima

Japan’s tea culture is built upon centuries of dedication, craftsmanship, and reverence for nature. Among its most celebrated regions, Shizuoka and Kagoshima stand at the heart of this tradition, each offering a distinct expression of Japanese green tea.

Shizuoka, nestled between the towering slopes of Mount Fuji and the Pacific coast, is the historic home of Japanese tea. Its mist-shrouded valleys, pure mountain waters, and generations of artisan growers create teas prized for their refined balance, gentle sweetness, and smooth umami. With a history spanning over 800 years, Shizuoka remains the soul of Japan’s tea heritage.

Kagoshima, Japan’s southern jewel, thrives on rich volcanic soil and a warmer climate that nurtures bold, vibrant tea leaves. Here, the flavors are deeper, the colors more vivid, and the character unmistakably lively. Kagoshima’s innovative cultivation methods and pristine environment make it a rising star of premium Japanese tea.

Together, Shizuoka and Kagoshima embody a harmony of tradition and terroir. Their leaves are crafted into loose-leaf sencha, gyokuro, and other fine teas, as well as ceremonial-grade matcha, stone-ground to perfection. Brilliantly green, velvety in texture, and rich in antioxidants, matcha from these regions captures the true spirit of Japanese tea—meditative, nourishing, and full of life.

Whether enjoyed in a quiet moment of reflection, whisked ceremonially, or reimagined in modern creations such as lattes and desserts, Shizuoka and Kagoshima teas invite you to experience the elegance and depth of Japan in every sip.