About Us

The Origins of the tea fields of "Kakurecha":

Umegashima is nested in the rocky fields of the Southern Alps of Japan, this is where Kakurecha is grown. Umegashima was first put on the map approximately 1700 years ago when Umegashima hot springs was established there, followed by gold mining, tea, and wasabi cultivation. Tea from Umegashima is well regarded even among the great teas harvested in Shizuoka.

Because of the high elavation of Umegashima, the flavor is concentrated and has great umami and rich aroma. Umegashima's teas are still not widely known in the marketplace but it is sold in various department stores in the metropolitan area as a high end tea. Kakurecha teas was born from a desire to connect the tea growers directly with the consumers so that the growers can see increased profits and consumers can enjoy delicious teas. The customer can enjoy a tea which is reasonably priced and is safe and delicious. By eliminating the middle man, the growers can sell their teas in the market while increasing their independence and continue flourishing as tea growers.

Our goals at The Associaton for protecting Kakurecha include, allowing everyone to have a taste of the delicious teas at Umegashima as well as the rejuvination of older tea fields so that the culture and senery at Umegashima can be passed down from generation to generation.

Please, give Umenashima teas a try!