Travel Through Japan with Tea

Dear tea lovers,

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting tea farms across Japan, meeting master artisans, and tasting teas that reflect the land and hands that crafted them. So when the opportunity came to share my tea knowledge and journey, I knew exactly where to begin—by inviting others to travel through Japan with tea!

Sencha is one of Japan’s most beloved green teas. While many recognize the name, few realize just how diverse its flavours can be. Factors like climate, soil, elevation, and geography shape each tea’s unique character—meaning a sencha from the southern fields of Kagoshima can taste entirely different from one grown in the northern landscapes of Ibaraki.

For this workshop, I wanted participants to experience this firsthand. Our mode of transport? The Sencha 100, an imaginary limited express train that took us on a sensory journey through three renowned tea regions: Nagasaki, Kyoto, and Shizuoka.

While we “travelled” from stop to stop, I shared insights into each region’s geography, tea traditions, and hidden gems—including a tea-specific travel recommendation for each destination. Through photos, videos, and personal stories, we explored the rolling tea fields of Sonogi in Nagasaki, the historic tea town of Wazuka in Kyoto, and the expansive plantations of Makinohara in Shizuoka—all while savouring senchas from each region.

As the “conductor” of Sencha 100, I loved sharing not just the flavours in our cups but the stories of the farmers and landscapes behind them. I hope this journey sparked curiosity and opened new doors for those who joined me. After all, tea is so much more than leaves steeped in water—it’s a world waiting to be explored.

Until our next adventure,
Jan