Nagasaki has played a pivotal role in Japanese tea history. Tea and tea culture arrived from China through Nagasaki, spreading across Japan afterwards. It was also a tea produced in Nagasaki that was the very first recorded tea to arrive in Europe in 1610.
Nowadays, Nagasaki has become a somewhat forgotten tea region as over the centuries other regions in Japan have flourished and gained more renown.
As Ikedoki Tea, we want to shine the spotlight on Nagasaki and share the hidden tea gems of Nagasaki with the world.
As we explore the different tea regions of Nagasaki, we will share the stories of Nagasaki’s skilful tea producers with you.
We are excited to introduce you to the producers we are working with. As Ikedoki Tea grows, we aim to introduce a diverse selection of teas from all the different tea regions within Nagasaki. Please browse and enjoy the stories!
Sonogi
Sonogi tea region, also the office base for Ikedoki Tea, is the largest tea production region in Nagasaki prefecture, producing over 60% of Nagasaki’s total tea production. Tea fields spread out over the hills of Sonogi offer a breathtaking view of Omura Bay. Tea can grow up to 400m altitude, with an abundance of forests and rice fields that together create an idyllic landscape.
Sonogi’s tea community is very tight, with a strong collaborative culture and mutual support between producers. We currently are partnering with five Sonogi tea producers: offering a diverse selection of different tamaryokucha, hōjicha, kōcha (black tea), matcha and more.
