Our Organic Teas from Shizuoka
In the Mountains of Shizuoka
While the market is filled with green tea, truly organic cultivation remains rare in Japan: accounting for only around 5% of total production.
Our organic loose-leaf teas come from the misty hills of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan’s most celebrated tea-growing region, where mountain air, mineral-rich soil, and patience shape every leaf.
Meeting the Kinezuka Family
I must admit — I barely noticed the breathtaking forest views as Tamiko-san drove us up the narrow mountain road toward the tea fields.
Our small van curved along cliff edges so tight that I found myself wondering, half seriously, if I might give my life in pursuit of good tea.
At the summit, however, everything became still.
The Kinezuka family has cultivated tea in these mountains for decades, guided by one simple belief:
"The taste of good organic tea is made half of tea leaves and half of the hearts of their farmers."
Standing in their fields, you understand exactly what they mean.
>> Our Organic Loose Leaf Tea Collection
Farming with Nature, Not Chemicals
Their tea grows along steep mountain slopes near the base of Mt. Fuji, within a living, breathing ecosystem. Here, biodiversity replaces intervention.
Spiders, birds, and praying mantises naturally manage pests. Mycorrhizal fungi enrich the soil beneath the surface, strengthening the roots and vitality of each plant. Rather than forcing growth, the Kinezuka family works with balance — trusting in the intelligence of the land.
The Character of Mountain-Grown Tea
Mountain cultivation is not easy. Compared to flatland farms, these tea bushes endure cooler temperatures, shorter hours of sunlight, and the stress of growing on steep terrain.
This natural stress slows growth and produces thinner, more delicate leaves rich in aromatic compounds. Because of their fine structure, the leaves require only light steaming, preserving their clarity, complexity, and natural sweetness.
The result is a cup that is clean, nuanced, and deeply layered.
By contrast, flatland-grown tea — exposed to abundant sun and rapid growth — develops thicker leaves that require longer steaming, often resulting in a darker liquor with stronger bitterness and opacity. Mountain tea, by nature, is more refined and expressive.
A Community Rooted in Tradition
The Kinezuka family not only cultivates their own organic fields, but also works closely with neighbouring family farms, sustaining traditional methods and supporting regenerative agriculture throughout the region.
Their commitment extends beyond certification. It is a philosophy, one that protects the soil, honours the seasons, and respects the people who tend the land.
By choosing our Shizuoka loose leaf teas, you’re supporting more than just a cup of green tea. You’re investing in sustainability, craftsmanship, and a way of farming that respects both the earth and the people who work it.
