Shizuoka

Japan

Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's largest tea-producing region, accounting for roughly 40% of the nation's output. The combination of volcanic soils from nearby Mount Fuji, warm Kuroshio ocean currents, and generous rainfall creates ideal conditions for growing the Yabukita cultivar that dominates Japanese sencha production. Shizuoka pioneered the deep-steamed (fukamushi) processing technique in the 1960s, which produces a richer, more full-bodied sencha with a vibrant green color. The Makinohara Plateau and Kawane mountain district are particularly noted for their premium orthodox sencha with clean, brisk character.