shizuoka tea plantation tour

Tea Fields ©️Marufuku

Marufuku tea Factory ©️Marufuku

Sencha Tea ©️Marufuku

Matcha Tea ©️Marufuku

Shizuoka Tea Fields Tour

• English, French
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This tour will take you to the tea fields of Shizuoka where you will discover the world of the infamous Japanese green tea, its production, its taste, and its cultural implications.

Shizuoka, land of tea

As a region best known for its green tea fields, Shizuoka is widely recognized in Japan for its tea cultivation.

Shizuoka Prefecture is located in the Chubu region of Japan, and it is one of the country's major tea-producing areas. Its varied terrain, which consists of both coastal and mountainous regions, places it southwest of Tokyo.

The area is the biggest producer of green tea in Japan and is well known for its green tea production. This area is ideal for producing premium tea leaves because of its climate, rich soil, and favorable topography for growing tea.

Many types of green tea are produced in Shizuoka, but the two most well-known are matcha (powdered green tea) and sencha (steeped green tea). Other varieties, such as gyokuro (shade-grown green tea) and hōjicha (roasted green tea), are also cultivated in Shizuoka.

During the Heian period in the ninth century, tea was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks who imported tea seeds from China. At first, the clergy and the nobility were the main consumers of tea.

Tea was first cultivated in Shizuoka during the Kamakura era (12th-14th centuries). The area was ideal for growing tea because of its varied topography, plentiful rainfall, and mild climate. And the tea plants thrived in the well-drained volcanic soil of the area.

Shizuoka's tea production significantly increased during the Edo period (1603–1868), making the area a major producer of tea. The encouragement and support of the Tokugawa shogunate , which ruled Japan at the time, contributed to this growth.

A natural getaway amid breathtaking scenery

Exporting to numerous nations, Shizuoka's tea is widely recognized for its superior quality. The area has long been known for producing some of Japan's best green teas.

Tea fields stretch across undulating hills and valleys, adorning Shizuoka's landscape . This region's landscape is frequently characterized by the sight of lush, well-cultivated tea plants.

The  combination of natural beauty and tea cultivation is a unique feature of the region of Shizuoka. Your breath will be taken away by the beauty of the landscapes. 

Throughout the year, Shizuoka organizes a number of tea-related festivals and events where guests can partake in tea tastings, see live cultural performances, and discover more about the significance of tea in Japanese culture.

A journey to explore the realm of Japanese tea

The tea fields of Shizuoka present a singular chance to delve into the world of Japanese green tea, encompassing its production and cultural implications.

From Shizuoka station, the tour will begin at 10 a.m . You will travel by taxi to the tea fields in the mountains, where you will see the plantations. If the conditions align, you will have the chance to pick tea leaves from the trees .  After lunch (soba noodles with a view of tea and wasabi fields), you will visit the tea factory, where you can observe the processing of tea leaves into the finished beverage.

You will have a tasting session and be shown how to make Hojicha, the roasted tea, and finally make your original blend. All this time, you will be attended by an interpreter and guide who is very knowledgeable about Shizuoka and his culture.

You can end the tour with a visit to the city by taxi or by foot.

It is very easy to do as a stop-over on your way from Tokyo to Kyoto, or vice versa.

Choose 4 or 6 hours tour

With the 4 hours tour, the taxi leaves you at the tea factory, and after the factory tour, you can go back to Shizuoka station or visit the area on your own.

The spots include Sengen Shrine, the numerous tea shops, shopping arcades, or the Parche Food Market. With the 6 hours tour, the taxi is chartered for you for two more hours, so you can use it to visit the area after the tea factory tour, and it will take you back to the station.

Included in the tour: 

- taxi transportation

- English-speaking guide

Not included in the tour:

Cancellation policy:

Up to 7 days before: 0%.

Between 7 days before and 17:00 the previous day: 50%.

After 17:00 the previous day and same day: 100%.

Max 3 participants

Please select your country on the list below:

• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Other countries

The Shizuoka Tea-Picking Experience: Learn All About Japan's Tea Culture

Shizuoka Prefecture is home to a number of famous landmarks , from Mt. Fuji to vast tea plantations. But to fully appreciate everything this tea production center has to offer, it's not enough to simply sip a cup and learn about its history. Travel just one hour away from either Tokyo or Nagoya Station on the Shinkansen Hikari Line, and you'll arrive at Shizuoka Station. Before you even arrive, the expanse of tea gardens let you know exactly where you are. To dig deeper into Japan's tea culture, we decided to try the Shizuoka Tea Picking Experience for ourselves. Today, we tag along with LIVE JAPAN editorial staff, Bella and Chia-chi as they visit the Tea Museum , Shizuoka. Join us as we explore the vast tea fields, and learn about Japan's tea culture through immersive and extraordinary experiences!

The secret behind Shizuoka's tasty teas is the surrounding natural environment!

Shizuoka Prefecture is home to Japan's tallest mountain peak, Mt. Fuji, as well as the Japanese Alps and clear, flowing rivers . Facing Suruga Bay, this fertile mountain region's mild climate and abundant water resources meet the perfect conditions for nurturing Yama no Ocha, a refined aromatic mountain tea. Another tea in the area in Sato no Ocha, a mellow brew made by steaming and processing leaves that have grown thick as a result of warm temperatures and lots of sun exposure. Shizuoka's unique and diverse topographic features play an integral role in Shizuoka's tea production as a whole, and varies by specific production area and type of tea being grown.

What's the Best Season for Shizuoka Tea?

Shizuoka tea is harvested four times a year. The first harvest season lasts from late April to early May. This harvest is called 'shincha' (lit. 'first tea of the season '), and produces sweeter, high-quality teas rich in amino acids. The second harvest (called 'nibancha') lasts from mid- to late June, and has more catechins, resulting in more bitter and astringent teas. As you can see, time and season factor greatly into the flavor and characteristics of the tea. If you're planning to try a tea-picking experience for yourself, you may want to plan your schedule according to your preferred brew!

The Tea Museum, Shizuoka: Everything You've Ever Wanted to Know about Shizuoka Tea!

To learn more about Shizuoka's tea culture and experience the harvest for ourselves, we visited the Tea Museum , Shizuoka, located near the Makinohara Plateau. Along the way, we pass tea gardens stretching out as far as the eye can see. To get to the Tea Museum , take the JR Tokaido Main Line to Kanaya Station. The museum is about 25 minutes on foot from there, or 10 minutes if you're driving. (Other public transportation methods may be available. Please see facility information at the end of this article for details).

At this museum , not only can you experience harvesting tea for yourself. You'll also learn everything you've ever wanted to know about Japanese tea culture, and appreciate the restored Japanese gardens and tea room designed in the likeness of artworks by Kobori Enshu, a famous feudal lord and tea master from the Edo Period.

The first Shizuoka tea seeds were said to have been imported from China by a monk named Enni Ben'en, and planted in Ashikubo, Shizuoka City during the Kamakura Period. Ashikubo is located in the Suruga region of central Shizuoka, which is quite famous amongst tea lovers for the high-quality teas produced there. Teas grown in the Suruga region have played an important role in the overall development of Shizuoka tea.

"During the Edo Period, Tokugawa Ieyasu had his samurai learn to cultivate Shizuoka tea. But after the Tokugawa Shogunate came to an end, many retainers lost their jobs. By having them develop the lands of Kanaya and Makinohara, which were considered to be barren, Katsu Kaishu (a Japanese naval officer and statesman) was able to support them," explains Assistant Director Shirai. Gesturing toward the Makinohara Plateau and tea fields before us, he continues to teach us about the history of what is now Japan’s greatest tea-producing region.

Shizuoka has so many teas! Which ones do you recommend?

The Yabukita variety, first discovered in Shizuoka, is not only high-quality, but easy to grow. Currently, about 75% of Japan's tea is of this variety, making it practically synonymous with Japanese tea. "Nowadays, Yabukita is one of the most popular varieties of Japanese tea." Assistant Director Shirai explains: "Due to Japan's long history of tea cultivation and ever-evolving developments, Shizuoka has also produced many new cultivars, such as 'Tsuyuhikari', 'Shizuka-7132', and 'Fuji-kaori'". Shizuoka Prefecture currently produces over 100 varieties of tea, each with their own characteristics, harvest yields and times, colors, aromas, and compositions.

Harvest your own tea leaves in Shizuoka!

You can harvest your own tea at the the Tea Museum , Shizuoka in all four tea harvesting seasons : late April to early May, late June, early August, and late September. The museum 's official website regularly updates with details and the teas' germination status. Be sure to check the website in advance, as the Tea Picking Experience varies by season . In general, the full experience costs 500 yen (tax included) and lasts about 30 minutes. All participants also receive a zipper bag with tea recipes and harvest instructions (available in Japanese and English), so you can pack up your pickings and take them home! (Please note that some countries may have restrictions on what you can bring in).

The gentle green hues of the fields are certainly eye-catching. Under the sun, the tea leaves appear a pale, yellowish-green, and the leaves themselves are moist and soft to the touch. Before starting, Assistant Director Shirai shares some important tips to bear in mind when harvesting the leaves. First, you should look for one stem with two leaves sprouting around the bud.

To pick the leaves, gently pinch the stem between your index finger and thumb. Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips to twist the leaves off. Bella, an editor from New Zealand, says, "It's actually really easy! You can feel the leaf pop right off!" As you can see, harvesting leaves is not as tricky as it may sound.

For Chia-chi, our editor from Taiwan, this is her first tea picking experience. She says, "The leaves you normally use when brewing your own tea are rough and dry to the touch. However, they're actually very soft and thin when you harvest them. I would've never imagined that this is what they feel like!"

"We're now in the second season of tea harvesting. The leaves are still very fresh and soft, so you have to be very careful when you pick them," explains Chia-chi as she puts her harvest into a bag. When bagging your leaves, be careful not to seal them completely. The freshly-picked leaves still need air, and will wither and die without it!

Bella comes from New Zealand, which she explains has no traditional tea culture. The museum exhibits incorporate sight, smell, and touch, providing an immersive way to learn all about various teas and tea culture. And being able to pick real, fresh tea leaves by hand make the experience all the more special. Bella talks about her first-ever tea picking experience: "The leaves don't really have any fragrance as you pick them. But it was therapeutic being able to touch them directly, while surrounded by the beautiful fields and the gentle breeze". Caution: The fields are also home to friends of nature such as spiders and small insects. Be sure to wear proper footwear, pants, and a light jacket!

Tea is for more than just drinking! Try these simple, at-home recipes!

Once the experience is finished, you can pack up your leaves and take them home as a souvenir. The bag also includes simple cooking recipes that you can try at home! Assistant Director Shirai recommends the tea leaf tempura . "After washing the tea leaves, wipe off the moisture, sprinkle with tempura powder, and lightly fry them in oil. They taste great with matcha salt or tempura sauce!" There are also recipes for salads and rice balls. You can also use them to make fresh spring rolls! Wrap them in plastic wrap, heat them lightly in the microwave, and remove the moisture before using.

Chia-chi attempts the chicken and stir-fried leaves recipe. The chicken is richly seasoned with onions and garlic, while the simple, refreshing taste of the tea leaves balances it out, making it easy to eat. "It doesn't have the same aroma as roasted tea, but when you chew it slowly, you might notice a faint plant scent," says Chia-chi. Who knew tea leaves could be used for so many things?

Traveling for Tea! Experience the Joys of Japanese Tea in Shizuoka

Shizuoka tea accounts for about 40% of Japan's tea production, making it one of Japan's top three popular teas (together with Uji and Sayama tea). And with Shizuoka's convenient location, rich natural environment, and lengthy history of tea cultivation, it's easy to see why! Each individual variety of tea reflects the unique climate of the land. And at the Tea Museum , Shizuoka, not only will you learn about the history of Shizuoka tea, you'll get to experience it up close by stepping into the fields and harvesting leaves for yourself! And the experience doesn't end there. Bring home your pickings, cook up one of the recipes, and end the day with a tasting experience, right in your own home!

• Address 3053-2 Kanayafujimi-cho, Shimada-shi, Shizuoka
• Nearest Station Directions: At JR Kanaya Station, transfer to the Katsumada or Hagima Bus to Nikenyabara. The museum is just a 3-minute walk away. Alternatively, ride the Shimada City Community Bus to Fujinokuni Cha no Miyako Museum bus stop, and walk for about 1 minute.

Hours: 
9:00AM - 5:00PM (Last admission: 4:30PM) Tea Room: 9:30AM - 4:00PM (Last admission: 3:30PM) Closed: Tuesdays, New Year holidays; open on public holidays, but closed the following day 
 Admission: 300 yen (tax included) 
 Tea Picking Experience 
Price: 500 yen (tax included)
Time: Approx. 30 min (May vary by season. Please see official website for more information) Official Website: https://tea-museum.jp/index_en.html

Interview coverage: SURUGA Marketing & Tourism Bureau Visit Suruga *Information in article as of June 2022. Please see official websites for the latest information and updates. Written by Kayo: English translation by: Krys Suzuki

• Area Shizuoka Suburbs
• Category Outdoor Activities

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Shizuoka Tea Farm Tour at the Base of Mt. Fuji

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• Gotemba Green Tea of Shizuoka

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Taste this delicious example of Shizuoka green tea

Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka is the largest tea producer in Japan, growing an estimated 40% of all the tea cultivated in the country. It is thought that tea cultivation in Shizuoka began as early as the 1200s.

Gotemba City is highly recommended for experiencing green tea. Gotemba is a highland city which lies at the foot of Mount Fuji and has a rich natural environment. You can experience tea ceremonies or tea factory study tours, which include tea plantation tours and tea harvesting/hand-processing experiences. Participants learn about the history of the tea industry; the differences between green tea, hojicha, black tea, and oolong tea; and the benefits of each type of tea. They also experience the hand-finishing process, which has been preserved to this day. After learning about the traditional tea production process, participants tour a tea factory to learn about modernized tea production.

The tour also introduces the little-known powers and charms of green tea, which are attracting renewed attention both in Japan and abroad. These include its sterilizing power, fat-dissolving ability, and the relaxing effect of its fragrance. Participants can also take home tea made by hand as a souvenir.

How to get there

From Tokyo Station, head to Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen (one hour). From Mishima Station, head to Katsumata Tea by car or taxi (30 minutes).

469 Komakado, Gotemba-shi, Shizuoka-ken

6 Great Shizuoka Green Tea Destinations

More Information

Tokai Region | JNTO Official Website

Shizuoka Prefecture | JNTO Official Website

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Organic tea farm visit in Shizuoka, Japan

Location:  Japan

Activity:  Walking Tours

Languages spoken:  English, Japanese

Duration:  2 hrs

Difficulty:  Easy

Good to know: You can only buy this activity for 10 persons at a time. If you require more places, kindly place more orders.

• Available from: 01/11/2024
• Minimum number of persons:  2x
• Visit tea plantations
• Try tea tasting (green tea and black tea)
• Tips on how to make a delicious tea

All about the trip

Join us for an organic tea farm tour in Shizuoka, an area that is well-known for green tea production in Japan.

You will get to experience the tasting of many different varieties of tea and tea preparation, making this tour just perfect for tea lovers!

Our day begins with collection from Fujieda station, and from here we will take you on a 3 hour tour around the tea plantations of the Shizuoka prefecture.

Your host will guide you to the top of the mountain and inform you of the history and production methods of the organic tea plantation which was founded in 1975.

If the weather's nice, you can see great scenery such as Mt. Fuji, bay, peninsula and a bird's eye view of the city.

Finally, there will be tea-tasting of green tea, black tea, and many other varieties of tea. We will also teach you how to prepare tea too. This day is aimed at tea lovers everywhere!

What is included in the price

• Tea tasting
• Tea preparation
• English-speaking guide
• Pick-up and drop-off at Fujieda station

What is not included in the price

Instructions.

We will pick you up at Fujieda station at 13:00 and drop you off at the station at 16:00.

Please note, that we can only wait for 15 minutes in case of your late arrival to the meeting point.

What to take with you?

We recommend wearing a cap or hat to shade from the sun. You can also bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect your eyes and skin from the sun.

Where do we meet and where will the trip end?

North side of Fujieda Station - outside the station

Cancellation Policy - Medium

• Cancellation more than 10 days prior to the starting date. Clients are automatically refunded the full booking price.
• Cancellation within 4 to 10 days prior to the starting date. Clients are entitled to a 50% refund of the booking Price.
• Cancellation less than 4 days prior to the starting date. No refunds.

The full Terms and Conditions are available on our website .

This activity is organised by Naturalitea , Takisawa Fujieda 1417, Shizuoka, 426-0134, Japan, [email protected].

We can guarantee you that this agency was checked by our experts. Your money will be safe then. We sell all activities for the same price as the organising agency.

Do you have a question or need more information about the activity?

You can reach our European office between 9am and 5pm CET on weekdays and between 11am and 5pm on weekends and holidays.

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Gotemba food and nightlife izakaya (pub) hopping, zen experience, gotemba local hidden gems and culture tour, tokyo private food tour, discover mt. fuji: online experience, from our partners, private guide in your phone.

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Imamiya Tea Plantation

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• Shizuoka City
• Accommodation

Japanese Green Tea Farmstay

Nukumori-en Yururi, Shizuoka Prefecture

Nukumori-en Yururi is not only a place of respite but also one of unique experiences.

Found in the heart of the Shimizu Region (one of Japan's best Green Tea regions ), it is setup to both house guests in a Farmstay-like accommodation (short/long-term), in addition to being able to go Green Tea picking yourself and enjoy the fruits of your labor with a hosted tea ceremony.

When I first went tea picking, I learnt that the tea plant for green tea and the tea plant for black tea are essentially the same plant (slight variations). The difference between green tea and black tea was in the processing of the tea after picking (oxidization, steaming, drying, etc). At Nukumori-en Yururi, something rather unique was the demonstrated process of extracting the green tea from the leaves using ice! I always imagined that the extraction process required hot water, never did I imagine one could do it with ice!

The host, Nishiyama-san, was a delight, and always welcoming of guests from abroad with an infectious smile. Sharing her ice-extracted Matcha, her hand-made sweets, local customs, life stories that could fill libraries, and her comforting traditional home.

The accommodation itself was extremely relaxing. A traditional Japanese home, simple, elegant and warming. Being nestled in the midst of a working plantation gifted an extra level of beauty rarely found elsewhere. Any tea-loving enthusiast would thoroughly enjoy themselves here, whether a day-trip, an overnight stay, or a longer respite.

For the tea picking experience, you get to don the traditional attire of the region, and head out to the fields. It's a task for those with keen eyes, finding the right age/size of leaves to pick, without trimming the plant too much to allow for future growth.

Looking out from the bedroom over the tea plantations with the Green Tea scented mountain breeze, relaxing here is the easy part, leaving is the hard part.

Getting there

Access is really only by car, however you can get a local taxi from Okitsu Station (JR Tokaido Line), which would take about 20mins.

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By Samuel Richards

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Information

2758 Kogouchi, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka, 424-0302 ( Directions )

054-393-2326

nukumorien.i-ra.jp

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• The great view of Mt. Fuji
• Learn about the profound appeal of Mt. Fuji
• Enjoy yourself around Mt. Fuji
• Tracing the journey of water from Mt. Fuji
• Onsen Hot Springs
• Golf Tourism in Gotemba Oyama area
• Golf Tourism in Izu area
• Golf Tourism in Western region
• Tokaido Highway
• Shizuoka National Parks
• Travel like locals
• Meet the locals
• The Izu Region
• The Fuji Region
• The Central Region
• The Western Region
• Enjoy a journey to be healed by the natural scenery while touring around the Izu Peninsula!
• Enjoy a trip around the foothills of Mt. Fuji while taking in the local cuisine and activities!
• A trip to experience the local cuisine and unexplored areas of the western part of the prefecture
• How to walk around the hometown of Mt. Fuji! Enjoy the best local cheap eats and shopping!
• Atami Station
• Mishima Station
• Shin-Fuji Station
• Shizuoka Station
• Kakegawa Station
• Hamamatsu Station
• Safety Tips

Discover Shizuoka’s Green Tea on a Hybrid Bike Tour to a Green Tea Farm

Around 40% of the green tea produced in Japan is grown in Shizuoka Prefecture, making it the largest producer of green tea in the country. There are a great many tea fields located on the outskirts of Shizuoka City, the capital of Shizuoka Prefecture. One of the best ways to visit one of these nearby tea farms is on a guided bike tour from Shizuoka Station in the center of the city. On a bike tour you can see the beautiful tea fields up close before sampling a selection of delicious locally grown green teas.

Table of Contents

Cycling to a Green Tea Farm – The Practicalities

The cycle tour to Moriuchi Tea Farm on the outskirts of Shizuoka starts and ends outside Shizuoka Station. Led by a knowledgeable tour guide, the bike ride from Shizuoka Station to Moriuchi Tea Farm takes around an hour, cycling at a gentle pace. 

The bicycles are modern hybrid bikes, which are a cross between road and mountain bikes. Light and easy to ride, the bikes are perfect for cycling through the streets of Shizuoka and alongside the tea farms located towards the outskirts of the city. A range of different sized bikes are available depending on your height, and helmets are also provided. 

If you’re nervous about cycling on Japan’s roads or sidewalks there is really nothing to fear. Cycling in Japan is incredibly common and one of the most popular modes of transport. Cyclists are respected by drivers and pedestrians alike, so as long as you exercise due care and pay attention then there is no need to worry. Almost all of the journey is flat and the tour guide will be happy to go at a pace that suits you and stop for breaks whenever needed.

Reaching Shizuoka’s Tea Fields by Bike

From Shizuoka Station the tour passes through the bustling streets of Shizuoka’s city center. Heading north, it doesn’t take long to reach the Abe River near the outskirts of the city, thanks largely to the city’s easy to navigate grid system and flat terrain. Over 30 miles long, the Abe River begins deep in Shizuoka Prefecture near the mountains that form Japan’s Southern Alps. 

The view as you cycle along the bending river is framed by the foothills of the Southern Alps that wrap around the city. If the weather is clear you might just spot the unmistakable tip of Mount Fuji to the east. 

The view along the banks of the Abe River is beautiful all year round, but is particularly special in the spring, when the riverbank’s azaleas burst into color. 

Arriving at Moriuchi’s Beautiful Tea Plantations

The tour continues by crossing the Abe River via the Kano Bridge. It’s on the west side of the river that you suddenly find yourself in a much more rural setting, where the first rows of neatly arranged tea fields appear. From here it’s just a few more minutes’ until you find yourself amongst some of the most picturesque natural scenery in Japan, surrounded by breathtaking green tea plantations that sweep across the rolling hillsides. 

Here, you can jump off the bike and take a walk amongst the carefully-tended tea fields. A truly mesmerizing sight, these are amongst some of the most spectacular and picturesque tea fields in Japan. After arriving at the tea plantations, the tour guide explains about the methods used in Japan for green tea cultivation. You will also learn about the long history of green tea in Japan, from its introduction from China over 1,000 years ago to how the Japanese developed green tea to become an essential part of their culture.

A Masterclass in How to Enjoy Shizuoka’s Finest Green Teas

From the tea plantations, it’s just a few minutes further on the bike to the Moriuchi Tea Farm. Inside a beautiful traditional Japanese home that forms part of the tea farm’s estate, you’ll get to sample a selection of the tea leaves grown in the nearby fields. The teas produced by the Moriuchi Tea Farm are known for being of the highest quality. Many of their teas are exported to customers all over the world. Moriuchi’s black tea is even served at afternoon tea in Claridges Hotel in London.

Prepared and poured by one of the local expert tea farmers, there’s no better way to explore the richness and complexity of Japanese green tea. As part of the tasting, you’ll discover the variety of techniques that are used to process green tea leaves to create different types of Japanese teas. Treating the same tea leaves in different ways can result in a huge variety of different types of green tea. For example, in order to make sencha, green tea leaves are steamed after they are picked, and the same leaves can be fermented to produce oolong tea.

During the tasting you will also learn how different flavors are created from just a single type of tea leaf. A number of factors can affect the taste of the final cup of tea, from the temperature of the water used to brew the tea to the amount of time the leaves are brewed. You’ll also see how the same leaves can be used more than once and how a second or third pouring of the same tea leaves can bring out a much different taste in the final cup of tea. 

Exploring the Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine

After tasting some of the finest green teas in Shizuoka, it’s time to return back to the city center. The return journey follows a slightly different route, taking a detour to Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine, located in the center of the city. In fact, Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine houses a collection of seven Shinto shrines, the oldest of which, Kambe Shrine, can trace its history back to over 2,000 years. 

Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine is closely associated with Ieyasu Tokugawa, the revered shogun who united Japan in the 16th Century. Ieyasu Tokugawa lived in Shizuoka for many years and it was at Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine that his coming of age ceremony was held. Today, most of the buildings within Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine date from the Edo Period, with the whole complex featuring a number of incredibly impressive buildings. Over 20 of Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine’s buildings have been designated as National Important Cultural Properties by the Japanese government. 

The shrine’s main halls and entrance gates are each adorned with beautifully intricate details and embellishments, including colorful hand-carved tigers and golden ogres riding on the back of mythical lion dogs. Numerous deities are enshrined in each of the seven shrines located inside the Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine complex. Worshippers come to the Shrine to offer prayers to the deities in the hope of receiving good fortune in business, success at work, to pass exams or to find love.

Ending the Tour Back at Shizuoka Station

From Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine, it’s a short cycle along the picturesque Sengen Dori and past Sumpu Castle Park back to Shizuoka Station in the center of the city. The whole tour lasts approximately four hours, during which you’ll see stunning natural landscapes, enjoy countless cups of Japan’s finest green tea and explore Shizuoka’s most important and historic shrine. 

How to Book a Bicycle Tour to a Shizuoka Green Tea Farm

You can book your very own bike tour to a green tea farm through Visit Shizuoka. Click here for more information and also to book your own bicycle tour by completing the booking form at the bottom of the page.

How to Get to Shizuoka’s Green Tea Farm

The bicycle tour to the green tea farm begins at the north exit of Shizuoka JR Station. From here, the tour guide will lead the way for the entirety of the ride, from Shizuoka Station to the Abe River, on to the Moriuchi tea farm and then to Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine. After visiting Shizuoka Sengen Jinja Shrine, the guide will lead you back to Shizuoka Station where the tour ends.

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