About our green tea farms

Our green tea farms, the Arahataen Green Tea Farms, are geographically and advantageously located in the Shizuoka prefecture in Japan, known for growing the finest of teas. This region has been the center of green tea culture of Japan for centuries. The difference in temperatures on the plateaus during night and day in this region is considered to be one of the main contributory factors to the richness in flavor and taste of green teas. The fog and weather patterns are also considered to play an important role for better green tea plants.

The best environment to grow the finest green tea

The naturally fertile soil, combined with no mountains to block the sunlight, the plateaus in this area are geographically more suitable for growing the finest tea plants. The teas harvested are thicker than regular ones, and due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, the teas produce more catechins and chlorophyll, which are prime elements for green tea nutrients.

Fukamushi Method – A unique approach to take advantage of richer nutrients

We use the "Fukamushi Method" which translates to "deeper steam" in Japanese. In order to take advantage of richer nutrients contained in thicker tea leaves, they are steamed for three to four times longer than regular sencha green tea. This approach only works well for thicker tea leaves, which break down into so called tannin element. The tannin element is known for creating the bitter taste in green tea, therefore, less tannin element creates less bitter taste. The method also increases a type of amino acid called theanine, which increases the sweetness in green tea.

Passion for Dirt

Arahataen's motto is "Passion for dirt". We believe that the best dirt brings the best green tea! Our creation of best green tea starts with preparing the dirt. Good dirt grows strong tea plants, strong tea plants bring finest tea leaves. We absolutely do not compromise the quality of dirt at any given time.

Chagusaba Method - Designated by The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization

To bring the best dirt, Arahataen uses the "Chagusaba Method". This method was officially designated as GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems) by The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in May 2013. Arahataen is registered as #1 practitioners for using this method. (Read more about GIAHS).

What is the Chagusaba Method

The Chagusaba Method is a traditional green tea farming method used for centuries in areas where plants such as Japanese silver grass is being cut and used as organic fertilizer once a year between autumn and winter. Plants are cut into small pieces and being carefully placed on the ground of the farm land. This increases the temperature and moisture of dirt which fertilize the dirt better. Japanese silver grass also contains a lot of silicic acid, which is great for making the dirt richer. This process is extremely labor intensive, but the tradition has been followed for centuries in the area to create the best green tea.

Dirt compound is full of amino acid and umami elements

Aside from Japanese silver grass, various elements such as chaff and rice bran is mixed with microbial cells (VS34), and dirt is fermented for the duration of two months. The resulting compost is rich in amino acid. Among all types of amino acids created by this process, glutamic acid contains full umami element. By providing such compound, the dirt grows in the ability to hold heat and moisture, which then increases bacteria activities in dirt, causing rich fertile dirt for healthy and rich green tea.

Arahataen has won various national prizes, including the Best Green Tea By Japan Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in 2009 and has been featured by national TV shows multiple times.