Our Region
Omi – Birthplace of Japanese Tea
The history of Japanese tea is said to have begun in 805, when the Buddhist monk Saicho brought tea seeds back from China and planted them at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Omi, now known as Shiga Prefecture. The site of his original tea garden can still be found in the area today.
From these early beginnings, tea cultivation gradually spread throughout Japan. This is why Omi is celebrated as the birthplace of Japanese tea, with a tea-growing heritage that stretches back more than 1,200 years.
A Land Naturally Suited to Tea
Shiga is home to Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake, and is surrounded by mountains, forests, and abundant natural water sources. Its changing seasons, cool mountain air, and morning mist create favorable conditions for tea cultivation.
Unlike major tea-producing regions such as Shizuoka, much of Omi's tea is grown on narrow hillsides and mountainous terrain, where large-scale mechanized farming is difficult.
As a result, tea cultivation in Omi has traditionally remained relatively small in scale, with growers relying on generations of experience and careful attention to their tea plants.
These natural conditions and traditional growing practices contribute to the distinctive character and diversity of Omi Tea.
About Omi Tea
Omi Tea is primarily produced in three historic tea-growing areas of Shiga Prefecture: Tsuchiyama, Asamiya, and Mandokoro. Each has its own history, growing conditions, and distinctive tea characteristics.
Tsuchiyama Tea ( 土山茶 )
Tsuchiyama is the largest tea-producing area in Omi, both in terms of cultivated land and production volume.
With a long tradition of tea cultivation, the area produces teas known for their rich flavor and variety. Its diverse growing conditions and production methods contribute to the distinctive character of Tsuchiyama Tea.
Asamiya Tea ( 朝宮茶 )
Asamiya Tea is grown on the hillsides of the Shigaraki highlands, where cool temperatures and frequent morning mist create favorable conditions for tea cultivation.
Recognized as one of Japan's Five Great Teas, Asamiya Tea is especially prized for its elegant aroma and deep, rich flavor.
Mandokoro Tea ( 政所茶 )
Mandokoro has the longest history of the Omi Tea areas. The tea here dates back to the 14th century and was once served to the Imperial Family and shogunate of feudal Japan. Today, the production volume is very limited, and is therefore known for its rarity.