Ikeda Chaen Visit Report: A Special Tea Experience in Higashisonogi
Learning how tea is refined and funmatcha is made
We visited Ikeda Chaen in Higashisonogi, Nagasaki Prefecture. This time, we guided overseas guests interested in tea processing and toured the tea-refining process. While we usually have opportunities to drink ‘finished tea’, we rarely get to see the manufacturing process where aracha (or unrefined tea) is turned into finished tea. At Ikeda Chaen, you can learn firsthand how tea is made and how it becomes matcha.
Entering the Charming Building of a Long-Established Tea Factory
First, visitors are greeted by the Ikeda Chaen shop, which retains the charm of traditional Japanese architecture. The old-fashioned appearance evokes the long history of tea making in this region.
Seeing the Latest Tea Processing Equipment in the Tea Factory
After receiving explanations inside the shop, we went to the tea factory. Large tea processing machines lined the factory, and we were given a detailed explanation of how aracha tea leaves are processed and refined.
The Grinder Essential to Funmatcha Production
What was particularly interesting this time was the grinder used to make tamaryoku funmatcha (finely ground tamaryokucha powder). Funmatcha is made by grinding tamaryokucha tea leaves into a fine powder, requiring extremely delicate manufacturing techniques.
Ikeda Chaen uses state-of-the-art equipment to produce uniform and beautiful tea powder. As we received explanations about the internal structure of the machine and the mechanism of powdering, many questions were asked by the customers.
We were reminded once again that behind the cup of funmatcha we casually drink every day lies advanced technology and years of experience.
A Time to Deepen Understanding of Japanese Tea Culture
Funmatcha is not just a drink; it is deeply connected to Japanese history and culture. By seeing the actual manufacturing site, the customers seemed to have a deeper understanding of funmatcha and Japanese tea.
“From now on, when I drink fun matcha, I will remember the machine and tea leaves I saw today.” Such comments were heard.
Koi Carp Also Welcome You
At the end of the tour, we were shown beautifully raised koi carp. The sight of the brightly colored koi swimming leisurely evokes a sense of Japanese aesthetics and harmony with nature. Our visitors enjoyed taking pictures.
In Conclusion
Our visit to Ikeda Chaen was a valuable opportunity not only to deepen our understanding of funmatcha and Japanese tea processing, but also to experience the tea culture and local charm of Higashisonogi. By not only “drinking” tea, but also “seeing where it is made,” the value of that cup becomes even more special.
If you are interested in funmatcha or Japanese tea, please visit us in Higashisonogi and experience the world of Japanese tea, from the tea fields to tea processing.