Tea-Growing Regions
Of Japan's 47 prefectures (provinces), Shizuoka, Kagoshima and Mie are the three major tea-producing regions. Shizuoka, located in the area between Mt. Fuji and the Pacific coast west of Tokyo, is Japan's most prolific tea-growing region, accounting for over 40% of Japan's commercial production each year. Next is Kagoshima, in southern Kyushu in the far southwest of Japan's main archipelago, which produces about 20% of Japan's tea. Third is Mie, in central Japan, famous for its long history of tea cultivation. Other important tea-growing regions include the areas of the ancient capitals—Nara and Kyoto—where Japanese Buddhism has its roots, and various parts of Kyushu, with its comparatively mild climes.
Main Tea Growing Regions in Japan
