Shimizu Tea Garden (清水園)

About the Producer

Founded in 1955, Shimizuen is a family-owned tea farm located in Daigo Town, northern Ibaraki Prefecture, where they cultivate, process, and sell Okukuji tea entirely in-house. Today, the second and third generations work together, overseeing every step of tea production—from the tea fields to the finished product.

Committed to quality over quantity, Shimizuen continues to preserve generations of tea-making expertise while embracing new ideas that ensure the future of Japanese tea.

Okukuji Tea – Japan's Northernmost Commercial Tea-Growing Region

Daigo Town is home to Okukuji Tea (奥久慈茶), one of Japan's northernmost commercial tea-producing regions. Tea is grown on steep mountain slopes and terraced fields, where the challenging terrain naturally limits production.

Rather than pursuing high yields, local growers focus on producing exceptional quality tea. The region's cool mountain climate and significant day-to-night temperature differences allow the tea leaves to develop concentrated sweetness and umami. As a result, Okukuji tea offers a rich, lingering flavor that remains enjoyable through the second and third infusions.

A Tradition Rooted in Nature

For over 70 years, Shimizuen has been crafting tea in harmony with the abundant natural environment of Okukuji.

Instead of mass production, the farm has always prioritized quality. Traditional techniques and accumulated experience have been carefully passed down through generations, while cultivation and processing methods continue to evolve in ways that respect the unique terroir of the region and meet the needs of today's tea drinkers.

Awards

• Multiple awards in the Deep-Steamed Tea Division at the Ibaraki Prefectural Tea Competition.

• Silver Award (2021) for Sahara Kaori in the Sencha Division at the Paris Japanese Tea Selection, organized by Euro Japan Crossing.

Shimizuen's Philosophy

Shimizuen's teas are carefully finished through original blending techniques, creating a harmonious balance of umami, gentle sweetness, pleasant astringency, and an elegant aroma.

Their tea-making begins in the fields, selecting cultivars and cultivation methods that best express both the character of each variety and the distinctive environment of Japan's northernmost tea-growing region.

More than anything, Shimizuen hopes their tea becomes a natural part of everyday life. Rather than viewing tea as something formal or intimidating, they simply encourage people to enjoy a cup whenever the moment feels right.

They believe that one cup of tea can create a small moment of calm and richness in daily life—and perhaps inspire people to discover the aroma, flavor, and unique landscape from which the tea was born.