Best Places to Try Shizuoka Tea
Best Places to Try Shizuoka Tea: A Guide for Tea Lovers
Shizuoka Prefecture sits about halfway between Tokyo and Kyoto on Japan’s main island, Honshu. Known nationwide as the green tea capital, Shizuoka produces more green tea than any other region in eastern Japan and is celebrated for its high-quality leaves and deep tea culture.
For tea lovers who want to experience something different apart from the commercial Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, here are some of the best tea-related destinations in Shizuoka City. The journey here can be made as a day trip from Tokyo without hassle.
1. Momijiyama Garden Tea Room Ryureiseki Momiji‑tei
Why visit: Nestled inside Sunpu Castle Park’s Momijiyama Garden, this traditional teahouse offers matcha preparation demonstrations and service in a serene setting. Locally grown Abe no Hana matcha was once supplied to the Tokugawa shogunate — a remarkable cultural tie-in for tea history enthusiasts.
How to get there: From JR Shizuoka Station, take a short taxi or local bus north to Sunpu Castle Park. Alternatively, it’s ~25 minutes on foot from the station.
Location: 1-1 Sunpujokoen, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0855, Japan
Hours: 09:00–16:00 (daily)
Google Maps: Momijiyama
2. Shitajimaen 志田島園
Why visit: A multi-generational tea farm and producer, Shitajimaen provides firsthand insight into tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Visitors can join field tours and seasonal tea-picking experiences.
How to get there: Board a bus from JR Shizuoka Station toward the Kawajima area. The Kawajima bus stop is ~5 minutes on foot from the farm. A car or taxi is the easiest option if timing public transport is difficult.
Location: Ochiai, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, 421-2224, Japan
Hours: Check website/Instagram before visiting
Google Maps: 志田島園
3. Tea Museum, Shizuoka
Why visit: A dedicated museum to Japanese tea culture, the Tea Museum blends exhibits with hands-on tea experiences. Beyond tasting, visitors can learn about tea history and the industry, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and enjoy views over Makinohara’s expansive tea fields, one of Japan’s largest tea-growing areas.
How to get there: The museum is outside central Shizuoka; take a local train from JR Shizuoka Station to JR Kanaya Station, then a short taxi ride or local bus to the museum.
Location: 3053-2 Kanayafujimicho, Shimada, Shizuoka 428-0034, Japan
Hours: 09:00–17:00 (daily)
Website: https://tea-museum.jp/
Google Maps: Tea Museum, Shizuoka
4. Omatcha
Why visit: A popular contemporary eatery close to Shizuoka Station, Omatcha blends casual Japanese dining with innovative matcha beverages, including the famed matcha shot beer and roasted-tea (hojicha) drinks. This makes for a fun final stop for travellers before departing Shizuoka.
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station (Aoi Ward exit).
Location: Tokiwacho 2-Chome, Shizuoka, 420-0034, Japan
Hours: Varied
Google Maps: Omatcha
5. Kojima Tea Shop
Why visit: A beloved local tea retailer known for high-quality sencha and other regional teas. Ideal for picking up souvenirs and sampling thoroughbred Shizuoka greens.
How to get there: Located in central Shizuoka, approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station.
Location: 19 Nishikicho, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0015, Japan
Hours: 08:00–19:00 (Mon–Fri), 09:00–17:00 (Sat & Sun)
Google Maps: Kojima Tea Shop
6. Satoen Cafe
Why visit: A café extension of a respected tea producer, blending garden settings with a broad range of brewed tea and sweets. A calm place to relax away from the city centre.
How to get there: A short taxi ride from JR Shizuoka Station or a local bus to the Ohara area.
Location: 1394 Ohara, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 421-1314, Japan
Hours: 09:30–17:00 (Thu–Sun)
Google Maps: Satoen Cafe
7. ㈲藁科銘茶 杉山園 (Warashina Meicha Sugiyamaen)
Why visit: Highly rated for its artisanal teas and friendly service, Sugiyamaen is a classic example of a local tea retailer with a broad range of offerings, including premium steamed teas ideal for souvenir shopping.
How to get there: About 15 minutes’ walk from JR Shizuoka Station (north exit).
Location: Takajo 1-Chome, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka, 420-0839, Japan
Hours: 09:00–19:00 (daily)
Google Maps: ㈲藁科銘茶 杉山園
8. GOOD TIMING TEA (recommended local café)
Why visit: A modern tea café with a varied menu of green teas, hojicha, and tea-infused dessert drinks, while the place is also great for casual afternoon breaks.
How to get there: Around 7 minutes’ walk from JR Shizuoka Station or 3 minutes from Shin-Shizuoka Station.
Location: Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City (near Shin-Shizuoka Station)
Hours: 09:00–21:00 (no regular holidays)
Google Maps: GOOD TIMING TEA
Tips for Tea Explorers
Best times to visit: Spring (new tea season) and autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes.
Transportation: Shizuoka is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen; trains from Tokyo take ~75 minutes and from Kyoto ~90 minutes. Local JR lines and city buses connect key tea sites.
Conclusion
From traditional tea houses and cultural museums to farm-to-cup experiences and casual tea cafes, these are some of the best places to try Shizuoka Tea. You can immerse yourself in several types of tea, including savouring ceremonial matcha or exploring tea plantations; your taste buds will thank you for the detour off Japan’s high-speed rails.
