Introducing the Charms of Mie Prefecture’s Tea and Recommended Growing Regions
Updated: Sep 27
Enjoying tea in a quiet, peaceful setting
While Kyoto is famous for offering a taste of traditional Japanese culture, there are even more charming places to enjoy tea in a quiet and serene setting. Here, we’ll introduce Mie Prefecture, where you can savor tea in an environment that’s even quieter than Kyoto. Tea from Mie Prefecture is known not for its flashiness, but for its “deliciousness that makes you want to drink it every day.” It isn’t overly astringent, and its aroma is mild. It pairs well with both savory meals and sweets, making it a reliable staple to keep on hand at home. Due to its location near Ise Grand Shrine, it is also affectionately known as “Ise-cha,” and tea is cultivated across a wide area stretching from Hokusei to Chūnansei. Mie Prefecture is one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions, where you can discover teas with unique regional characteristics, such as sencha, kabusecha, fukamushi-cha, and hojicha. In this article, we’ll introduce the characteristics of Mie Prefecture’s tea and recommend some must-know tea-producing areas.
Why Is Tea from Mie Prefecture So Delicious?
There are several natural conditions that contribute to the thriving tea industry in Mie Prefecture.
Some areas are located near the Suzuka and Taika mountain ranges, where there tends to be a significant temperature difference between morning and evening.
Tea fields stretch along the riverbanks and in the mountain valleys, and the area is blessed with abundant water.
In areas with fog, tea leaves tend to grow soft.
Tea plantations on flat land are easier to manage and allow for consistent quality.
Due to this combination of factors, Mie Prefecture produces teas with flavors that vary slightly from region to region.
The appeal of Ise tea lies in its balance between smoothness and depth of flavor. The selection ranges from refreshing sencha to kabusecha with a rich umami flavor. It also includes aromatic hojicha and mellow fukamushi tea, making it easy to choose a variety that suits your taste.
It’s perfect not only for special occasions, but also for a cup in the morning, after a meal, or during breaks from work or housework. You could say it’s a tea that’s an integral part of daily life.
No. 1 in tea production in the Kansai region!
Mie Prefecture is Japan’s third-largest tea-producing region, following Shizuoka and Kagoshima Prefectures, and it ranks first in the country in the production of kabuse-cha.
The "Kabuse-cha" Method of Growing Tea by Blocking Out Sunlight
Kabuse-cha is a type of traditional Japanese green tea produced primarily in Shizuoka and Kyoto Prefectures. This tea is characterized by a specific cultivation method and possesses a distinctive flavor and aroma. The cultivation method for kabuse-cha differs from that of other green teas: approximately three weeks before harvest, the tea plants are covered to block direct sunlight. This process softens the leaves and enhances their sweetness.
Characteristics and Flavor
Kabuse-cha is characterized by its strong sweetness and umami, as well as its mellow mouthfeel. It has a vibrant green color and a rich aroma. Generally, kabuse-cha is brewed in the same way as sencha or gyokuro, but brewing it slowly at a low temperature brings out its full flavor.
5 Recommended Cafes
Takada Honzan Senshuji Temple: Temple Café Renshin-an
Renshin-an is located within the grounds of Senshu-ji Temple, which is home to many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. It is frequently visited by temple worshippers and has the atmosphere of a traditional teahouse; guests can enjoy tea while seated on tatami mats within the temple grounds, allowing for a peaceful and relaxing experience. The menu features a selection of Japanese sweets, and the lotus seed zenzai is particularly popular. Additionally, for a limited time, visitors can enjoy a unique experience of sipping tea from a lotus leaf.
Engawa Cafe "Cha no sizuku"
"Engawa Cafe Cha no Shizuku" is known for its relaxed atmosphere, where you can unwind while gazing out at the garden from this stylish, traditional Japanese-style café. One of its charms is that you can choose your own matcha bowl to match your mood that day. Of course, you can enjoy authentic tea, but there are also original drinks—such as matcha mixed with fruit vinegar—that even those who aren’t fond of bitterness or astringency can enjoy, making it a place for everyone. The selection of desserts is also impressive, with the cheesecake and sweet potato desserts in particular earning a reputation as absolute delicacies.
Kinoshita Tea Garden—Gekū-mae Branch
"Kinoshita Tea Garden" is a café located along the approach to the Geku (Outer Shrine) of Ise Grand Shrine, offering excellent access. Using carefully selected tea leaves from throughout Mie Prefecture, the café sells original tea blends designed to be gentle on the bodies of women and children. Another highlight is its wide selection of sweets made with Ise matcha.
Cha yu zen "Cha-Jyu"
"Chayuzan Chajū" is a long-established shop with a history spanning over 150 years. In addition to matcha, you can enjoy desserts and lunch made with hojicha. Reservations are required, but the shop hosts workshops where you can enjoy tea more deeply through tastings and hands-on tea-rolling experiences.
Marushige Shimizu Tea Company: Kabusecha Café
"Marushige Shimizu Seicha" takes pride and confidence in its "Kabusecha," which it grows in-house. The company handles everything from tea cultivation to sales and offers more than 10 varieties of Kabusecha, including original blends, so you might just find one that suits your taste. At their café, you can sample different teas side by side to better appreciate their unique characteristics. They also offer a children’s menu, so families can enjoy the experience together.
Summary
Beyond the usual tourist attractions, each region has its own unique charm—from its deep-rooted history and local specialties to its beautiful scenery. If you venture a little further to explore lesser-known places, you’re sure to make new discoveries and have memorable encounters. We hope you’ll find the insights we’ve shared here helpful as you plan your next trip. Please feel free to share your own recommendations for hidden gems and your experiences from visiting them via the comments section or the contact form.
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