This spring we'll be meeting with growers and exploring the teas of Kyushu, in southern Japan.
Kyushu has a more tropical climate and the tea cultivars here tend to be sweeter in their leaf. There are also some lovely teas specific to the region, like kamairicha and guricha. Our Gokase Red also comes from this region (over in Miyazaki), and our Kukicha has Kyushu leaf as well.
On this trip, we'll be in Yame, Saga, and Kagoshima. Yame is a famous region for sencha and matcha, where the mountain valleys fill with morning mist. Saga, is a region known for its shade-grown senchas and gyokuro. It also has a unique tea locally called guricha in the Ureshino region.
Kagoshima is an active volcano region and the volcanic soil yields teas with a uniquely rich flavor profile. There are a few growing regions in the area, mainly Chiran and Kirishima. It's also a famous onsen area so we'll definitely be hitting the hot springs!
And before we head out we'll head over to Arita, which has a long history as a kiln town, so we'll seek out some new teaware as well.
Come along on our tea-filled adventures with us! Stay tuned for updates and good finds from our journey.
Peace and tea,
A& D
