About Makinohara

Makinohara is a picturesque plateau in Shizuoka Prefecture - the undisputed heart of Japanese tea cultivation. This region, which offers a gentle rise and fall of the landscape, stretches over an area characterized by its lush, green tea fields and enchants visitors with its understated but deliberately elegant charm.

The cultivation of tea in Makinohara has deep roots dating back to the 19th century. During the Meiji era, the then governor of Shizuoka, on the advice of British botanists, had large parts of this plateau cultivated in order to modernize and expand tea production. The mild climate, coupled with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, offered perfect conditions for growing high-quality tea varieties.

Makinohara is particularly well known for the cultivation of Sencha, probably the most popular green tea in Japan. Sencha from this region is characterized by its clear, emerald-coloured cup, its balanced taste and notes of fresh grassiness and subtle umami. It is these authentic, unmistakable characteristics that make the teas from Makinohara so highly prized.

The geographical nature of Makinohara, with its gentle slope, ensures optimal sunlight for the tea plants. This natural advantage promotes the synthesis of amino acids and catechins in the tea leaves, resulting in a robust yet gently balanced tea. Furthermore, it is the local tea farmers' attention to detail and the traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation that give the teas from Makinohara their remarkable quality.

In addition to Sencha, other remarkable teas such as Gyokuro and Genmaicha also thrive in the fields of Makinohara. Gyokuro, known as the most expensive and most exquisite Japanese tea, is only produced in small batches and grows in special, shaded conditions that promote its sweet and incomparably smooth taste. With its nutty aroma, rounded off by the sensually smoky scent of roasted rice, the connoisseur in Genmaicha appreciates the perfect balance of this tea specialty from Makinohara.

Makinohara is not only a place of tea cultivation, however, but also a cultural jewel that invites visitors to experience the centuries-old tradition of tea drinking in its purest form. The region's connection to this noble art is evident not least in the numerous tea ceremonies and festivals, which are cultivated with the fervor of regional pride. Whether you are a traveler exploring the quiet paths among the green fields or a passionate tea lover tasting the carefully produced leaves, Makinohara offers an unforgettable insight into the world of Japanese tea.