Participate in the tea harvest in Japan at unusual places

2019年 05月14日


Still many harvests are handmade in Japan; the tea-picking of Uji (Kyoto), Saitama, Shizuoka are perhaps the most famous regions today. These three regions of Japan make the taste and incomparable quality of Japanese tea, which present in the traditions, the daily life, and even in the gastronomy. Although Japan produces only 7% of the world's production volume, it does care about the incomparable quality of its crops. Come and meet these gatherers who for thousands of years have allowed us to taste this natural treasure, and share with them the knowledge of ancestral traditions.
Harvesters wearing traditional costume in Wazuka plantations

The tea grows slowly during the winter, especially the Sayama plantation leaves, a region of high plateaus at low temperatures in winter, resulted in thicker, nutrient-rich leaves. The tea harvest usually takes place three times a year, but the quality of the first harvest in May and June, named Ichibancha or Shincha, is the most qualitative and the most envied of the amateurs. In southern Japan, as in Kyushu, the flavor of tea is very different due to milder temperatures throughout the year.
 
Tea plantation in Shizuoka, we can see high fans used to prevent freezing of leaves in winter


In the Saitama region of Wazuka, we can have the pleasure of meeting the gatherers and discover the secrets of a good harvest, but also learn how to serve the tea properly respecting the different brewing temperature for each kind Some tea. You can also participate in tea-making workshops, such as tempura, (usually tempura are vegetables, or shrimp, fish are deep-fied in batter). Putting on a traditional gatherer costume, and sharing this special moment with them will only enrich your trip and allow you to meet the people of the beautiful Japanese countryside. The job of picking requires patience and it is with the greatest care that each person dedicated to this task collects on average 6 to 8 kilos of leaves per day. Let's not forget that some regions such as Kyoto harvest Gyokuro tea in this way that can cost around 130 euros per kilo.

Participate in a tea harvest in a famous plantation!