Hiraguri Tea Garden where we making Hand Pick Tea

Location: Kawane, Shizuoka

Elevation: 630m

Between the serene streams of the Oi River and Warashina River lies the enchanting Hiraguri Tea Garden, perched on the slopes of Mt. Chisya (1291m). This quaint settlement, now home to only a handful of families, is where the journey of Urushibata Tea began.

A Symphony of Nature and Cultivation

For over half a century, the art of natural cultivation has flourished here, untouched by pesticides or even organic fertilizers. The tea garden is a sanctuary for small creatures like insects and birds, while deer and wild boars roam freely, their presence a testament to the thriving ecosystem. This natural cycle nourishes the soil, allowing us to practice fertilizer-free cultivation. To preserve the land's vitality, we harvest only once a year.

The Magic of the 2024 Harvest

On a misty morning of May 8th, 2024, the first & only harvest of the year unfolded. Three of us, including the seasoned Yumi, an expert in the age-old "Kawane picking" method, hand-picked approximately 30kg of fresh leaves. Yumi, a master of her craft, guided us with wisdom and grace.

While machine picking is efficient, it often feels too much mechanical. In contrast, hand-picking is a joy, a timeless ritual passed down through millennia. Yumi's words echoed in my heart: "Hand-picking is not work; it's a delight and a continuation of an ancient tradition."

As I immersed myself in the gentle act of picking tea leaves, surrounded by birdsong and the whispering spring breeze, I felt a profound sense of peace, as if in a meditative trance. This serenity is a gift unique to here Hiraguri and the method.

Traditional Craftsmanship

The freshly picked leaves are delicately spread out in bamboo baskets for shade withering. They are then placed on shelves above spring water, left to wither overnight. This meticulous process enhances the leaves' aroma, capturing the essence of the terroir.

The Purest Brew

The resulting tea is a testament to purity and clarity. The absence of fertilizers allows the true flavor of the tea to shine, offering a unique sencha with a restrained umami, an expansive aroma, and a long-lasting, crisp finish.

Our creation, Sencha Tezumi Hand Pick, is a reflection of the calm and peace we experienced on that day. Each sip transports you to the tranquil slopes of Hiraguri Tea Garden. <Get it online> https://www.urushibata-tea.com/product-page/sencha-signature

Only 8kg limited