Ujitawara: Kyoto's Hidden Gem and the Cradle of Japanese Green Tea

Discovering an Unexpected Side of Kyoto

While most visitors flock to Kyoto's famous temples and tourist spots, Ujitawara, nestled in southern Kyoto Prefecture, remains a cherished secret. This tranquil town holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Japanese green tea as we know it today.

A Legacy Steeped in History

Ujitawara's tea story begins in the Kamakura period (1185–1333), but it was forever transformed during the Edo period (1603–1868) when local tea master Nagatani Sōen revolutionized tea processing by creating sencha. This rich heritage has earned Ujitawara recognition as a Japan Heritage Site.

The Evolution of Tea Culture

Tea cultivation first took root here during the Kamakura period when Buddhist monks introduced sophisticated farming techniques. The region's premium "Daifuku Tea" became so renowned that it graced the tables of both the shogunate and imperial court.

Nagatani Sōen: Pioneer of Modern Green Tea

The town's most celebrated figure, Nagatani Sōen, dedicated 15 years to perfecting his groundbreaking "Sei-sei Sencha" method. His innovation transformed Japanese tea culture, establishing the foundation for the sencha we enjoy today.

A Living Museum of Tea Heritage

As part of the Japan Heritage route "800 Years of Japanese Tea History: A Journey through Kyoto's Yamashiro Region," Ujitawara offers visitors unique opportunities to:

- Participate in seasonal tea harvesting (particularly vibrant in May)

- Visit Nagatani Sōen's preserved home to explore sencha's origins

- Sample local delicacies like matcha soft serve and green tea soba at authentic tea cafés

- Wander through endless rows of meticulously maintained tea fields

Experience Living History

In Ujitawara, every hill and field tells a story. Whether you're learning traditional tea-picking techniques, studying ancient processing methods, or simply enjoying the serene landscape, you'll find yourself immersed in centuries of tea culture.