About Yoshida Tea Garden

A long-established tea farm with over 185 years of history

Yoshida Tea Garden is a long-established tea farm that began in 1839 in the "Sashima Tea" production area of Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture. For over 180 years, we have continued to make tea.

While preserving tradition, Yoshida Tea Garden continues to challenge itself to create new value. In particular, we have revived "Izumi," known as a "phantom cultivar," and the Japanese black tea made from its leaves has been highly praised in domestic and international competitions. This black tea preserves the tradition of Japanese tea while featuring an unprecedentedly elegant aroma and flavor.

Yoshida Tea Garden is also committed to creating a space that aims to be a "tea garden where you can play." We are creating opportunities for people to experience the charm of tea through diverse experiences, such as tea field tours, introductions to the tea production process, and tasting experiences. We also offer "Saryo HANARE," where you can enjoy tea in a traditional Japanese house, and "Sauna NAYA," where you can enjoy tea with all five senses.

Yoshida Tea Garden's tea making consistently follows a series of steps: growing, finishing, and communicating. This includes cultivation that respects the natural state, minimizing fertilizers and pesticides; tea production that brings out the individuality of each cultivar; and creating experiences that convey the time and background behind the tea. This accumulation of efforts melts into a deep flavor in each cup we drink.

Yoshida Tea Garden will continue to explore the value of a new era while preserving historical techniques.

6th Generation Head of the Garden, Masahiro Yoshida

Born in 1969. Graduated from Tokyo University of Agriculture.

I am always drawn to things that are "one of a kind," not limited to the field of tea.

Things that have been passed down through generations in Japanese culture, subtly changing form over time. Things that are born from the transformations of a new era and continue to evolve.

These are things that are loved for a long time, and whose charm never fades with age, but rather shines even brighter. I pour this sentiment into my tea making, and the teas I create become more refined and reach greater heights with each passing year.

I will continue to strive for "one-of-a-kind" tea making, always taking on new challenges.

My farming philosophy

The flavor of Sashimacha, and specifically Yoshida Tea Garden's tea, begins with the "terroir" of this region. It comes from the fertile Kanto Loam soil and abundant groundwater. But what truly sets it apart is the harsh climate of this area. In winter, temperatures can plunge to -10 degrees Celsius, and in summer, they can soar above 40 degrees Celsius, making it one of the hottest places in Japan. This extreme temperature fluctuation is precisely what cultivates tea with a robust flavor and aroma, and a distinctive character. Based on the belief that "good tea comes from good fields," we use a minimal amount of carefully selected organic fertilizers to maximize the vitality of our tea plants. We are committed to cultivation practices that are gentle to the tea, to people, and to the environment. We carefully preserve the natural umami inherent in the tea, while fully unleashing its aroma. We deliver a cup that is dignified and strong, nurtured by a challenging climate.

Our Commitment to Tea Production

We believe that the most important factor in tea production is the quality of the raw tea leaves themselves, prior to processing. "Good tea comes from good fields." We cultivate healthy tea plants, assess the condition of the harvested tea leaves, and then, based on the experience and knowledge of our artisans, we refine our five senses to process the tea according to the specific characteristics of those leaves. At Yoshida Tea Garden, our tea production is about genuinely drawing out the natural goodness of the raw materials through our craftsmanship.

Our commitment to the Japanese tea experience

Yoshida Chaen is also taking on the challenge of creating a space that aims to be an "interactive tea garden." Through various experiences, such as tea field tours, introductions to the tea production process, and tasting experiences, as well as "Saryo HANARE," where visitors can enjoy tea in a traditional Japanese house, and "Sauna NAYA," where they can experience tea with all five senses, we are creating a place where people can discover the charm of tea.

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Playable Tea Plantation

Tea plantation tour

The "Tea Farm Tour" offers a chance to explore a tea garden, learn about the tea production process, and enjoy a tasting experience. Immerse your senses in the charm of the tea farm, from the tea fields to historical buildings and the tea-making facilities.

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SAUNA NAYA

This sauna facility is supervised by Yoshida Tea Garden, based on the concept of "tea sauna that engages all five senses." Experience a new way to enjoy tea, as proposed by a long-established tea garden, through a sauna.

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Saryo HANARE

You can enjoy Yoshida Tea Garden's tea at "Saryo HANARE." We also offer lunch sets (reservations required) made with ingredients grown at Yoshida Tea Garden, as well as sweets.