An Illustrated Japan / Saga / Culture & Tradition

Ureshino Tea Cultivation and Tea Culture

Also written: 嬉野茶の栽培と茶文化 · 嬉野茶的栽培与茶文化

Known for its uniquely rounded leaves, Ureshino tea is grown in scenic tea fields and offers traditional experiences such as tea picking and Japanese tea tastings that are popular with international visitors.

Saga Kyushu-Okinawa Culture & Tradition

About this place

Ureshino tea cultivation and tea culture centre on Ureshino City, Saga, extending into Nagasaki's Higashisonogi. According to tradition, a Ming potter who landed in Hirado came to Mt. Fudo Sara-ya Valley in 1440 to cultivate tea for personal use, later spreading through the area's fog-laden hills and diurnal temperature differences ideal for tea. Edo newcomer Kichibei Yoshimura laid the commercial foundation. The product is tamaryokucha, or guricha, characterized by its round, curled, glossy leaf recalling Chinese pan-fired styles, offering a strong aroma and umami. Originally pan-fired kamairi, most tea is now steamed, yet kamairi represents about 5% of output, maintained by a preservation society as a rare heritage. The region has won the Minister of Agriculture Award and the top Producing Area Prize for steamed tamaryokucha five consecutive years at the National Tea Competition. In 2008 the regional collective trademark 'Ureshinocha' was registered. Modern visitors can join Ureshino Tea Tourism, sipping tea on tencha terraces set at leaf height in the fields, where in December 2020 a single farm earned ¥480,000 from 500g through tourism versus 50 kg via wholesale. The Ureshino Tea Exchange Museum Chaosil offers picking, tea-dyeing, roasting and tasting experiences, embodying sustainable tea agriculture, local economy revival and scenic beauty beloved by international guests.