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From livestock farming to tea making

The history of Imamura Tea Farm dates back to the 1940s. At the time, the founder, Hisae Imamura, was engaged in livestock farming in the area, and as the demand for tea increased, he saw the potential of tea cultivation. Gradually, the scale of the tea plantations expanded.

Kirishima City has long been known as one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions, and its fertile soil and the rich natural environment of the Kirishima Mountains provide the perfect conditions for tea cultivation. This region has played an important role in the history of Japanese tea. In this blessed land, Imamura Tea Farm has built its foundations and has been producing tea by taking advantage of the blessings of the land.

The building seen in the center of the picture was originally used as a cowshed and symbolizes the origins of the tea plantation (it is now used as a roasting factory). From these beginnings, the plantation has evolved through the generations, growing into a tea producer highly regarded both at home and abroad.

The nearby Kagoshima Airport exists as a place where people meet, part and weave stories. The tea plantation also plays a role in connecting the local area with the world, conveying the charm of Kirishima to visitors to the area.

Photo taken on May 21, 1982 (Showa 57) Source: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (10 years after the opening of Kagoshima Airport)

Integrated production base

However, since it takes several years for tea trees to mature and be ready to be harvested, it was initially difficult to make a living from tea cultivation alone. Therefore, they supported their livelihood by raising cattle in parallel with tea cultivation. Eventually, as tea production stabilized and they were able to achieve results in terms of both quality and scale, they began to devote themselves to tea cultivation.

By Yoshiharu's time, the tea garden had already expanded to about 18 hectares (four Tokyo Domes). He established a factory that could manage all stages of tea production, from manufacturing, processing, and roasting, and created a consistent system. The combination of his technical expertise and passion for tea laid the foundation for the growth of Imamura Tea Garden and paved the way for further evolution into the future.

In search of the best cup

Hirotsugu, who had been watching the founder Yoshiharu closely, witnessed the hardships his father went through every day and made up his mind that "I would never take over the tea plantation." He studied mechanical engineering at the Kagoshima National College of Technology, and after graduating, he worked as an engineer for a Mitsubishi company. During those stable days, he knew firsthand from an early age how tough the family business was.

However, in 2004, the demand for tea increased and he found himself extremely busy, so at the age of 27, he decided to return to his hometown to support the tea plantation. The scenery of green tea leaves swaying in the wind and quiet mountains made him feel a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the start of a new challenge.

For Hirotsugu, who had almost no knowledge of tea-making, the first few years were difficult.

"The tea doesn't grow the way I want it to."
"No matter what I try, I can't get a satisfactory taste."

During these days, he was reminded of the vivid aroma and deep flavor of the outdoor tea he had drunk with his father in Shizuoka when he was young. This memory became a source of comfort for Hirotsugu and the starting point for his ideal tea making.

Despite repeated failures, the knowledge and experience he gained through trial and error gradually produced results, and Hirotsugu felt he was getting closer to his ideal. Then, in 2013, at the age of 36, Hirotsugu took over the role of representative from his father.

The experience and passion we have cultivated so far are utilized in managing our tea plantations, which look to the future while protecting tradition. We continue to overcome hardships, face the blessings of nature, and strive to create the best cup of tea .

Special tea leaves grown with the blessings of Kirishima

Imamura Tea Farm is a tea farm located in the lush natural surroundings of Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture. Located at the foot of the Kirishima mountain range, it is blessed with an ideal environment for growing high-quality tea. Kagoshima Prefecture is the second largest tea producer in Japan, and its tea leaves are highly regarded for their strong flavor, sweetness, and rich aroma.

Kirishima's spring water is rich in minerals, irrigating the tea fields and giving the tea leaves a strong vitality. In addition, the clear air from the high altitude gives the tea leaves a refreshing aroma and deep flavor. This natural environment makes Imamura Tea Garden's tea special.

Kirishima's beautiful seasonal scenery and abundant natural blessings infuse the tea from Imamura Tea Garden with tranquility and vitality.

Imamura Tea & Kagoshima Highlights

Imamura Tea Farm and Kagoshima Tea

Kagoshima Prefecture is one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions and is widely known for its size and outstanding quality.
Imamura Tea Farm has tea fields covering a total area of ​​200,300 m2, and cultivates tea in harmony with the rich natural environment of the area.

200,300

Plantation's total field area

2n.d.

Kagoshima's rank

26,700t

Kagoshima's raw tea output

40%

Third harvest production

Kagoshima Prefecture is the second largest tea producer in Japan, with an annual production of 26,700 tons. In particular, the prefecture's production of tea from the third harvest onwards accounts for 44% of the national total. Traditions and techniques to maximize the potential of tea leaves in each season have been handed down.

At Imamura Tea Farm, we treasure the blessings of Kagoshima's nature and its rich tea culture, and deliver high-quality tea to everyone. Our tea farm preserves tradition while looking to the future, and we put our heart and soul into making tea, one leaf at a time. Please enjoy a cup of tea filled with the power of the Kagoshima earth and our passion for tea.

Company Overview

Company

Hirotsugu Imamura, Representative of Imamura Tea Farm

Address

655-15 Kareigawa, Hayato-cho, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, 899-5113

Contact Information

Tel: 0995-43-9162
Fax: 0995-43-9260

Hours of Operation

Opening hours 10:00 – 17:00
Closed on Sundays and public holidays

Certifications and Qualifications

Certifications and Qualifications

Imamura Tea Farm delivers high-quality, safe tea through rigorous certifications. We have obtained ASIAGAP certification, which indicates proper management of tea production and processing, and JAS organic certification, which complies with Japan's JAS organic standards. These certifications reflect our commitment to sustainable agriculture, environmental friendliness, and consistent quality. As a tea farm trusted around the world, we strive to deliver tea that can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

Organic produce

Organic Processed Foods

ASIAGAP