Brought back to Japan from China by a Japanese Buddhist monk in the 13th century, green tea has been a crucial part of Japanese cuisine and culture ever since. Not only is it used widely in a wide array of foods ranging from ochazuke (hot green tea over steamed rice) to desserts and even cocktails, it is used to cultivate one’s spirit through the revered tradition of chanoyu (tea ceremony). Now, 45% of all green tea produced in Japan is produced in Shizuoka prefecture. Needless to say, there are some cool matcha-themed experiences you can partake in when you visit Shizuoka.

Without further ado, let’s get to them!¹

Situated at Shimada City, Ocha no Sato (The Tea Museum) transports tea connoisseurs to the world of tea by immersing them in an atmospheric tea ceremony house and garden which are faithful reconstructions of the architectural works of legendary tea artist, Kobori Enshu. Exuding tranquillity and elegance, the tea house offers tea ceremony demonstrations that help you be absorbed in the present moment and rejuvenate your soul. Also boost your cultural versatility by viewing an exhibition that showcases the myriad teas and tea rooms from around the world. Have fun comparing Japan’s tea culture with that of other countries and gain insights into the uniqueness of Japanese tea! To top it off, head to the terrace where the spellbinding sight of Mount Fuji, coupled with luscious tea fields, awaits you!

After learning about the intricacies of tea, won’t you want to have an immersive experience with matcha itself? Head to a farm called Kuraya Narusawa, you can get your hands dirty by picking tea leaves yourself! First, get into character by putting on the uniform worn by tea-picking female personnel (yes, men included!) Fret not though, guys. All male visitors will wear this uniform, so have fun letting go of your inhibitions and getting in touch with your feminine side. Admire the breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji while engaging yourself in tea picking alongside experienced staff and fellow participants. Bond over your shared love of tea as you then tour the processing facility and learn about the fascinating procedures Kuraya Narusawa have in place to make its tea top notch. Of course, you will get to relish a cup of steaming tea at the end of your one-hour tour - ample reward for your hard work!

When you’re in Shizuoka, even the mundane act of drinking tea gets elevated up a notch and then some. Conveniently located in Anzai in Shizuoka City, Chagama impresses you with their espresso machine that is used to brew tea. Since Chagama’s tea is brewed under high pressure, its natural fragrance is accentuated. So let this inviting fragrance invigorate your spirit as you sip the exquisite tea. Truly a multi-dimensional feast that delights your senses of sight, taste and smell! What’s more, the teas here are unlike any other as they hail from Marumo Mori, an esteemed company with more than 100 years of experience producing delectable teas. They offer more than 70 kinds of tea, so tea connoisseurs are spoilt for choice!

Do you know that even within green tea, there are various grades that each boast a distinctive taste and texture? More importantly, do you know that you can buy back the highest grade of green tea - also referred to as guokuro - as a souvenir? Check out for Fuji no sui, which is an artisanal brand produced by tea specialist Homme Asakichi Shoten. It is so awesome at what it does that it has garnered a multitude of awards for their fantabulous teas. Not to be missed out either is the Green Tea Yohan, a signature sweet by Miura Seika that fuses sencha with red azuki beans to yield a taste that delicately balances sweetness and bitterness. Itadakimasu!

Did you have a great time reading about all these experiences that help you get up close and personal with one of Japan’s most quintessential items? Experiencing stuff for yourself beats reading about them though, so be sure to include Shizuoka prefecture in your itinerary and try them out!