Origin Spotlight / Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture (Sashima Tea) / Mr. Masahiro Yoshida of "Yoshida Tea Garden"

Sashima tea, produced in Ibaraki Prefecture, is known as the first tea to be exported overseas from Japan.

Yoshida Tea Garden has been producing tea in Koga City, Ibaraki Prefecture, for over 180 years. The current 6th-generation owner, Masahiro, is a pioneer who, in addition to continuing the family tradition of sencha production, has also taken on the challenge of producing black and oolong teas.

His teas are now extremely popular, winning numerous awards at various competitions. However, it wasn't always smooth sailing from the start.

He gradually learned tea-making from various people, made continuous improvements, and continues to research how to make even better tea.

At Shirasagi Sabo, we offer a fukamushi sencha (deep-steamed green tea) of the "Hokumei" cultivar.

Utilizing tea processing techniques that bring out the best characteristics of the cultivar, it has a very fruity aroma and a full-bodied, robust flavor.

It's excellent served hot, of course, but you can also enjoy its wonderful taste on the rocks or as cold brew.

Furthermore, his three sons are also involved in the tea garden, each leveraging their respective strengths.

In March 2025, they will also open a tea room called Saryo HANARE, offering a very elegant experience.

It's less than an hour from Tokyo, so why not pay them a visit?