Green tea in Japan is more than just a drink—it’s a cultural experience. The tea picking season begins around Hachijūhachi-ya (八十八夜), the 88th day after the start of spring on the traditional calendar. This day, usually in early May, signals the perfect time to harvest the first flush of green tea leaves, prized for their fresh taste and aroma. Tea picking is called “chatsumi” (茶摘み) in Japanese and is a cherished tradition across the country.
Famous green tea regions such as Uji (Kyoto), Wazuka, Shizuoka, Sayama (Saitama), and Yame (Fukuoka) offer hands-on green tea picking experiences during this season.
In this article, we explore what chatsumi is, when to enjoy it, and where in Japan you can experience picking your own fresh green tea leaves.
Table of Contents
For other seasonal places to visit, check below.
Chapter 1: What is a Green Tea Picking Experience?
A green tea picking experience lets you step into a tea farm, touch real tea trees, and enjoy the fresh scent of the tea fields. You walk through rows of green tea bushes, pick tender leaves by hand, and get a feel for how green tea begins—right at the source.
The tea picking season follows three main harvests:
Ichibancha (一番茶) – First harvest (late April to early May)
The most flavorful and high-quality tea. This is the best season for tea picking experiences.Nibancha (二番茶) – Second harvest (June)
The flavor is lighter compared to Ichibancha, but still refreshing.Sanbancha (三番茶) – Third harvest (July to August)
Used mainly for tea blends or everyday tea.
Many tea farms let you wear traditional tea picking clothes, making the experience feel even more special. Some places give you freshly picked green tea to take home as a souvenir. It’s a great activity for families, too—kids can join in, and everyone gets to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the tea fields.
Chapter 2: Top Places in Japan for Green Tea Picking
Japan has many beautiful places where you can enjoy green tea picking. Each area has its own style, flavor, and charm. Here are five popular regions known for their green tea and tea-picking experiences:
Shizuoka
Shizuoka is Japan’s largest green tea producer. You’ll find wide tea fields with views of Mt. Fuji and the ocean. Many farms offer hands-on tours, where you can pick leaves, taste fresh green tea, and learn how it’s made.
Kagoshima
Located in southern Japan, Kagoshima is known for its rich soil, warm climate, and bold green tea flavor. While not all tea farms offer a view of Sakurajima volcano, some do have scenic spots where you can enjoy tea picking with beautiful natural backdrops. The mild weather makes outdoor experiences here especially pleasant.
Saitama (Sayama area)
Sayama, just outside Tokyo, is famous for its strong-flavored tea. It’s one of the most accessible tea regions from the city, making it a great spot for a quick weekend getaway.
Kyoto (Uji and Wazuka)
Uji is known for high-grade matcha and long tea history. Nearby Wazuka has rolling hills of tea fields and many small farms that welcome visitors. This area gives you a peaceful, traditional countryside feel.
Fukuoka (Yame)
Yame is famous for gyokuro, one of Japan’s highest-quality green teas. You can pick leaves, taste rich gyokuro, and join farm tours that explain how farmers grow tea with special shading techniques.
Chapter 3: Easy and Fun Green Tea Picking Spots in Japan
1. Shizuoka
CHANOMA
Chanoma has six locations across Shizuoka, from the foothills of Mt. Fuji to mountaintops with sweeping views of the sea of clouds. Each spot offers a private terrace surrounded by nature. What makes Chanoma special is that every location has a different plan. Some offer hands-on green tea picking, while others let you enjoy a peaceful picnic in the middle of a tea field, sipping fresh Japanese tea. You can choose the plan that best matches what you want to do—whether that’s harvesting tea leaves, relaxing with a view, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
2. Saitama
CHANOWA
Located in Iruma City, Saitama, Chanowa offers several tea picking plans across different tea farms. Each farm has its own unique experience. For example, Sakamotoen offers fresh green tea picking, while Yamakyu Nakajimaen lets you enjoy special sweets and tea on a terrace overlooking the tea fields. Iruma is easy to reach from Tokyo, making it a great option for a relaxing day trip.
3. Kyoto
FUKUJUEN
Founded in 1790, Fukujuen is a long-established tea company based in Kyoto. They offer a variety of Japanese tea experiences at different locations across the region. At CHA Experience Park in Kizugawa, you can try green tea picking, learn how to process tea leaves, and even join a tea ceremony. As a historic tea brand, Fukujuen provides authentic and in-depth experiences that reflect its long tradition and expertise.
