Ureshino city in Saga is known for “Ureshino Tea”. It is said that tea cultivation started in this area during the Muromachi period when techniques came in from China. The entire area was surrounded with the fragrant aroma of tea leaves in early May when the harvest season begins. In most cases, the growers and wholesale producers are separate, but Soejimaen consolidates everything inhouse. |
Enjoying a quiet moment in an open air tearoom“The roots of Ureshino Tea is the steamed ‘tamarokucha’ also known as ‘guricha’ which looks like small balls (tama)”. |
“We walk among the tea fields where harvesting had just begun. Soejimaen fields are located on the side of a hill that overlooks the city of Ureshino. Our visit coincided with “hachiju hachiya”, the 88th day after the Lunar New Year, and it is said that drinking a cup of tea with leaves chosen on this day brings you good health. The entire Soejima family was out in the fields. |
“The flavor of tea varies greatly depending on the variety, how it’s produced and how it’s prepared. Yet, people don’t know much about it even though it should be more familiar than even sake. I want to expand my knowledge as well by studying more about it.” |
ACCESS
- Soejimaen
- Shimonoko, Ureshinomachi, Ureshino-shi, Saga 843-0302
- URL http://soejimaen.jp/