Tea Picking Experience in Aruse Village 🍵

Are You a Tea Lover?

May is tea-picking season in Japan, and today we’d like to introduce a special experience deep in the mountains of Nishi-Awa—tea picking at Hiramatsu Farm in the Aruse area, known for producing some of the most delicious and naturally grown mountain tea in the region.

 

A Hidden Tea Paradise in the Mountains

The Iya region of Miyoshi City is famous for its scattered mountain villages that cling to steep slopes. Farming in this rugged terrain is not only a way of life—it’s been recognized as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

The tiny village of Aruse sits near the border of Tokushima and Kochi Prefectures. Overlooking the emerald waters of the Yoshino River below, its lush green tea fields spread across dramatic hillsides.

 

 

Join the Annual Tea Picking Experience

At the heart of this mountain village, the Hiramatsu couple cultivates tea with great care. Once a year during the harvest season, they open their fields to visitors for a hands-on tea picking experience!

The local community is warm and welcoming, making it easy for first-time visitors to join in and enjoy the day.

 

 

Picking: “Isshin Niyou”

You’ll be harvesting what’s known as “isshin niyou”—a single tender bud with two young leaves. The goal is to spot the light green new shoots hidden among the darker mature leaves, which means your eyes and hands will be working non-stop.

The fresh greenery is a soothing sight for eyes tired of staring at screens all day 🍃

 

 

A Refreshing Break with Mountain Tea

Halfway through the experience, Mr. and Mrs. Hiramatsu treat everyone to a refreshing tea break. Enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea paired with a sweet steamed bun filled with red bean paste. Surrounded by scenic views of the tea fields and mountains, this peaceful moment is one to remember. OK, back to work!

 

Farming on Steep Slopes – A True Mountain Workout

 You'll quickly discover just how challenging farming on steep slopes can be. The Aruse tea fields are perched on sharp inclines—take a wrong step and you might slip. Simply standing still engages your leg muscles. It’s no wonder the people of Iya have such strong legs!

 

Lunch Break with Locally Grown Tea

After the picking session, the Hiramatsu family warmly welcomed us with a delicious homemade lunch, lovingly prepared using local ingredients. They also brewed us a pot of their freshly harvested “Yabukita”—a classic variety of Japanese green tea grown right here at their farm, and the tea is absolutely delicious 🍵

You can also purchase their tea locally at shops such as Boke Mart in Oboke or Okinosu Nattoku Market in Tokushima City. Look for the label: Kazurabashi Tea (かずら橋茶)—named after the region’s iconic vine bridges. Definitely worth seeking out!　　(I grabbed mine at Boke Mart☆)

 

 

 

From Fresh Leaves to a Flavorful Brew

The leaves you picked are carefully stored in a nearby shed. Step inside and you’re instantly enveloped in the fragrance of fresh tea leaves.

To make tea, the leaves are steamed, kneaded, and dried—a process that dramatically reduces their volume. What starts as a large basketful of leaves becomes just a few grams of tea.

While machines are faster, hand-picking allows for better selection—tender buds are chosen carefully, avoiding dry leaves, weeds, and insects. It’s a labor of love that gives you a newfound appreciation for every cup of tea.

Big thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Hiramatsu and all tea farmers 💚

Interested in Joining Next Year?

If this sounds like something you'd love to try, why not join us next year for the once-a-year tea picking experience at Hiramatsu Farm?

Dates are determined based on the condition of the tea leaves and the weather, so details will be announced closer to the season. Let’s look forward to it!

To join the experience, please contact Soranosato:

📞 Tel: +81-883-87-8988　　📧 Email: soranosato@nishi-awa.jp