Yamacha Season of 2022 - Ichinogen
Two Harvest Areas in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan
The Two Harvest Areas
上渡川 -Kamidogawa
A cedar forest rises straight up a tributary of the Dogawa River in the Omaru River system. Fifty years ago, this was a beautiful place of rice terraces. As depopulation has increased, afforestation projects have been replaced by rice cultivation. The stone walls, remnants of rice terraces, can still be seen in the mountains.
The fruits of the tea plants grow wildly in the cedar forests and tumble into the valley, leading into tea tree clusters along the tributary rivers. The tea trees grow naturally, untouched by human beings, and the tallest ones are over 3 meters.
Flowers Blooming Even in December
Tea flowers can be seen even in December when the temperature is relatively higher in the forest.
Sand and Gravel Valley
Although it is a tributary area, the Dogawa River valley is broad and consists of sand and gravel. Soil lying down here is considered optimal for growing tea.
Tea Leaves
Tea leaves from the Kamidogawa River have a pointed shape, characterized by their large size, being able to emit a rich aroma of tea.
Exclusive Services
Ishikawauchi, with a mixture of thickets and cedars in many forests, is located upstream of the Omaru River. Yamacha from here, situated further into the mountains, where the last villager settlement is discovered. Small valleys are formed by tributaries flowing into the mainstream of the Omaru River, where Yamacha grows wildly along these valleys.
石河内 -Ishikawauchi-
Young Shoots Survived The Winter
Young shoots sprouted from the fallen fruit at the beginning of autumn. From now on, they will survive the winter and grow to about 1 meter in three years, when they will be ready for the first harvest.
The river along a Sheer Mountain
The Omaru River is close to the harvest area. The sheer mountains' topography makes it easy for forming morning fog, creating the perfect environment for tea plants.
Tea Leaves
Tea leaves from Ishikawauchi are round and thick in shape. They grow in a southwesterly direction, are bright, rich green in color, and contain a unique sweetness and moderate astringency.