Japanese Tea
The first tea leaves were reportedly delivered to Japan from China by a monk during the Heian era, according to historical records. Since that time, tea has become a beverage of the Japanese religious classes. After returning from his trip to China, the monk planted tea tree seeds throughout the island of Kyushu and in the vicinity of his monastery in Hakata. Japan's tea culture thereafter started to flourish. With their primary usage for the tea leaves being for therapeutic causes, other monks would prepare the tea in the same manner as the Chinese. In order to create a tranquil, zen atmosphere during the tea preparation procedure, the monks would additionally grind the tea leaves before pouring the hot water over them.
More tea tree seeds would then be planted in Honshu, close to Kyoto, after that. The monks in this area would gather the tea leaves and use them because they thought it would aid in meditation. High ranking Japanese scholars, statesmen, and Samurai warriors would begin to include tea in their daily lives in the years to come.
Tea Estate Provinces
- Shizuoka
- Kagoshima
- Uji
- Kyoto
- Miyazaki