Discover Gifu / 岐阜の茶と暮らし

Gifu is located in the heart of Japan, Gifu Prefecture has long played an important role in Japanese history and culture.

Surrounded by mountains and clear rivers, the region developed as a crossroads connecting eastern and western Japan. Gifu is perhaps best known as the site of the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 — a decisive turning point that shaped the future of Japan and marked the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Alongside this rich history, Gifu has nurtured distinctive traditions of tea cultivation, pottery, and regional food culture that continue to thrive today.

The Culture of Gifu

Nestled among mountains in central Japan, Gifu has long been a crossroads of trade, craftsmanship, and traditional culture.

The region is home to centuries-old tea-growing areas, renowned Mino pottery, and local foods shaped by seasonal living and natural resources. Clear rivers flowing through the mountains have supported daily life and artisanal production for generations.

Today, Gifu continues to preserve a rich culture of handmade craftsmanship and regional flavors.

Japanese Tea from Gifu

Surrounded by mountains, forests, and clear rivers, Gifu Prefecture is home to several distinctive tea-growing regions shaped by cool climates and deep-rooted local traditions.

From the misty valleys of Shirakawa to the mountain villages of Ibi and Kasuga, teas from Gifu are known for their clean aroma, gentle sweetness, and connection to the natural landscape. Many producers continue to cultivate tea on a small scale, preserving regional styles and traditional methods passed down through generations.

This collection introduces three tea-producing areas of Gifu — Shirakawa Tea, Ibi Tea, and the rare mountain-grown Kasuga Tea — along with teas crafted by dedicated local producers.

Shirakawa-cha from Nitta Tea Factory

Cultivated in the mountainous Shirakawa region, Shirakawa Tea is known for its refreshing aroma and clean, elegant flavor. Cool temperatures and morning mist help create teas with clarity, sweetness, and a smooth finish.t

For generations, tea makers in Shirakawa have carefully refined their craft while adapting to the changing climate and environment of the region.

Read About Nitta Tea Factory