Wazuka: Tea Fields, Matcha, and Mountain Views

 Wazuka: Tea Fields, Matcha, and Mountain Views

We started the day before sunrise, boarding a bullet train in the early morning light. The ride itself was peaceful, and seeing Mt. Fuji through the window felt surreal—calm, distant, and picture-perfect. It was a quiet moment that made the long journey feel worth it. To reach Wazuka Tea Town, we took two trains, two buses, and a subway. It felt like we crossed half of Japan, but once we arrived, the atmosphere shifted completely.





The scenery in Wazuka was unbelievable. Rolling hills covered in vibrant green tea bushes stretched across the land like something from a dream. It honestly felt like a movie set, and I had to remind myself this place was real and I was actually here. The weather was humid, but the fresh air and quiet surroundings made it feel refreshing rather than overwhelming.





Once we settled in, we toured a local tea farm. I always imagined tea being grown on flat land, but Wazuka’s farms are built on mountain slopes. We learned that this is intentional—the elevation and angle help with sunlight exposure and water drainage. Farming on mountains also helps avoid stagnant moisture that can harm the plants. Growing tea here isn’t easy. One thing that stood out was the use of power fans that run at night when the temperatures drop. These fans help prevent frostbite, which can destroy entire tea bushes. Most of the bushes are propagated from the same plant, so if one dies, it can take years to recover. It’s not just farming—it’s delicate, generational care.





After the tour, we learned how to prepare traditional matcha. Using finely ground powdered tea, hot water, and a bamboo whisk, we mixed the tea by hand. The whisking motion has a rhythm to it, not rushed, just steady. Before drinking, we were taught to turn our cups twice, avoiding the side with the design. I didn’t realize how even that simple action had meaning—an appreciation for the artistry of the cup and the intention behind the drink.



Later that evening, I met my host family (Nishitima Family). Our host dad took us up a nearby hill to pick some fresh tea leaves. We brought the leaves back down to prepare dinner together. The meal included miso soup, rice, chicken cooked with bamboo shoots, and stir-fried tea leaves with just a bit of salt. Everything was simple but incredibly flavorful, and being part of the cooking process made it even more meaningful.

We also received a tour of the house and learned about daily life in a Japanese home. Shoes are removed at the entrance, and indoor slippers are provided. There are even separate slippers used only for the bathroom. At dinner, I noticed slurping and smacking sounds weren’t considered rude—in fact, they were normal and even encouraged as signs of enjoyment. One tradition that really stood out was the way bath time works. You wash your body outside of the tub using a hand-held shower, and once you're clean, you soak in the shared bathtub water. It’s not just about cleaning—it's about relaxation and respect for shared space.








Closing Thoughts
Wazuka was quiet, beautiful, and deeply intentional. Every part of the day—traveling, drinking tea, cooking, and learning household customs—felt like an invitation to slow down and appreciate what’s right in front of me. There’s a lot of care in how people live here, and I left with more than just memories. I left with a new kind of attention

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