Shizuoka, Japan

Renowned for its unparalleled views of Mt. Fuji, Shizuoka is a prefecture situated on Honshu's Pacific coast. As the largest tea producing region in Japan, Shizuoka is responsible for growing approximately 40% of the ocha, or green tea.

Shizuoka is home to unique terrain, mineral rich soil, four distinct seasons, and adequate rainfall with dense coastal fog; all of the necessary elements for growing exceptional tea. Green tea plantations in Shizuoka date back to 1241 when a monk by the name of Shoichi Kokushi planted green tea seeds there that he has obtained while on a trip to China.