History of Japan’s ‘Oldest Tea Garden’ in Shiga Pref. Preserved by Local Group; Tea Lovers Recreate Tea from Tang Dynasty

OTSU — In Shiga Prefecture, there are many tea-producing areas including Asamiya and Tsuchiyama in Koka, and Mandokoro in Higashiomi. It is also home to Hiyoshi Chaen in Otsu’s Sakamoto area, considered to be the oldest tea garden in Japan. The area is also known for its historic streetscape, dotted with unique Ano shuzumi stone walls and stonemasonry of various sizes in natural shapes.