Shizuoka Tea

 

Shizuoka Prefecture is renowned as Japan’s leading tea-producing region. With a rich history and deep-rooted traditions, it has nurtured a diverse range of tea varieties over the centuries.

As a result, Shizuoka not only boasts the highest tea production volume in Japan but also the greatest diversity of tea cultivars.

Furthermore, Shizuoka is home to some of Japan’s most skilled artisans in the traditional craft of temomicha (hand-rolled tea), preserving and perfecting this time-honored technique.

 

It is no exaggeration to call Shizuoka the sacred land of Japanese tea.
 
Shizuoka tea stands unrivaled in Japan, excelling in every aspect. However, in modern times, bottled and tea bag varieties have become the norm, transforming Japanese tea into a convenient, everyday beverage rather than a carefully savored experience

Consequently, an increasing number of large-scale farms now cultivate tea on flatlands, relying on pesticides and chemical fertilizers to accelerate growth and enable four to five harvests per year—prioritizing mass production over tradition and craftsmanship.

Amid this shift toward mass production, Phenimax remains dedicated to tradition. Our tea fields are nestled on the slopes of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest and most revered peak.

In these narrow, rugged fields—where even tractors cannot operate—we carefully select and cultivate only the finest tea cultivars from the diverse varieties found in Shizuoka, ensuring unparalleled quality and authenticity.

 

 

Our tea fields are located on the slopes of Mount Fuji to harness the full power of nature.

The volcanic ash from Mount Fuji’s eruption 300 years ago has enriched the soil, creating a nutrient-dense foundation for cultivation. Meanwhile, the pure snowmelt from Fuji’s peaks seeps into the earth, providing pristine water to nourish the land.

This extraordinary environment offers the perfect conditions for growing exceptional tea.


In contrast, our remote tea fields at the foot of Mount Fuji are far from urban pollution, free from exhaust fumes and pesticide drift. The cooler climate in this pristine environment naturally slows the growth of the tea leaves.

Moreover, as a completely organic estate, we refrain from using pesticides or chemical fertilizers, requiring meticulous care to maintain the health and vitality of each tea plant.

In the ever-changing mountain climate, fertilizers are carefully adjusted to match the weather conditions. We handcraft a blend of organic rapeseed, black vinegar, and natural fish remains, ensuring optimal nourishment for the tea plants.

In our pesticide-free tea fields, ladybugs naturally protect the tea leaves, while beneficial microorganisms cultivate rich, living soil—creating a perfectly balanced ecosystem for exceptional tea growth.

 

 

Thus, the tea leaves grow in perfect harmony with nature.

At Phenimax, we harvest only once a year in May, ensuring the highest quality and purity in every leaf.

After the harvest, our focus shifts entirely to nurturing the soil and maintaining the health of the tea plants.

By the following year, the tea leaves, glistening with delicate morning dew, mature into exquisitely fresh, deeply refined, and premium-quality tea—a true testament to nature’s patience and care.


Phenimax tea is not meant to be simply consumed to quench your thirst—it is meant to be savored.

Crafted to embody the essence of Mount Fuji’s rich and powerful earth, our tea invites you to slow down, embrace mindfulness, and immerse yourself in the experience. Whether enjoyed in quiet meditation or as a moment of peaceful indulgence, Phenimax offers a tea-drinking experience unlike any other.

In particular, Shizuoka’s organic hand-rolled tea, crafted by the hands of a select few master temomi artisans, is an unparalleled rarity—renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship and quality.

 

A Supreme Cup Crafted from Japan’s Tradition and Mastery—Temomicha.

Temomicha, or hand-rolled tea, represents the pinnacle of Japanese tea craftsmanship, a tradition meticulously preserved since the Edo period.

A unique flavor and rich aroma, born from the master artisans' delicate hand-rolling of each tea leaf.

An exclusive rarity, crafted in only limited quantities each day.

The delicate craftsmanship, impossible to replicate by machine, imparts an extraordinary depth of flavor to each tea leaf.

Bringing hand-rolled tea to you is a journey of countless intricate steps, infused with the passion and dedication of master artisans.

The initial steaming process of temomicha is a crucial step, one that determines the very essence and vitality of the tea leaves.

This process involves steaming the tea leaves at high temperatures to halt oxidation, preserving their vibrant green color and exquisite aroma.

Even the slightest variation in steaming temperature or duration can profoundly impact the flavor and aroma of the tea leaves.

With mere seconds making the difference in tea leaf quality, master artisans rely on years of experience and intuition to determine the optimal conditions.

Even after the meticulous steaming process, bringing temomicha to perfection requires exceptional skill, dedication, and painstaking craftsmanship.

Carefully hand-rolling and shaping the tea leaves while gently drying them to perfection.

This entire process requires approximately six hours of precise craftsmanship.

Amid an atmosphere of unwavering focus, artisans devote their full attention to each individual tea leaf, crafting with precision and heartfelt dedication.

1.Leaf Sorting

The freshly steamed tea buds are gently dropped from chest height, allowing moisture to evaporate until their weight is reduced by approximately 30%.

2.Light Rolling

The leaves are rolled diligently from side to side, gradually releasing excess moisture.

3.Heavy Rolling

Reducing the heat, artisans use their body weight to apply firm pressure, thoroughly kneading the tea mass.

4.Loosening the Clumps

Carefully loosen the tea leaves, spread them evenly, and neatly arrange them. At this stage, clean the roasting furnace as well.

Gentle Lifting(Nakaage): Carefully loosen the tea leaves, spread them in a basket and tidy them up. Also clean the roasting furnace at this stage.

Carefully loosen the tea leaves, spread them evenly, and neatly arrange them to cool. At this stage, clean the roasting furnace as well.

5.Hand-Rubbing

The tea leaves are held between both hands and gently twisted by rubbing the palms back and forth.

6.Rolling

The tea leaves are aligned, gently held between both hands, and stretched while being alternately flipped from side to side.

7.Kneading

are carefully aligned and hand-rolled into glossy, needle-like shapes.The artisan's movements embody a ritual of devotion, resembling a prayer in motion.

8.Drying

Maintaining the roasting furnace at around 60°C, the tea leaves are thinly spread out to dry.

Crafted with unwavering dedication and meticulous care, each cup—brought to life through the artisan’s heartfelt devotion—is nothing short of a masterpiece.

A single sip captivates the senses with its profound umami and exquisite aroma—truly the pinnacle of perfection in a cup.

Experience the pinnacle of Japanese temomicha, proudly presented by Phenimax Legends of Japan.

 

The creation of temomicha (hand-rolled tea) is a true work of art, requiring over eight hours of meticulous craftsmanship after harvest.

Once brewed, the tea leaves unfurl back to their original form, mirroring the freshly picked leaves from the fields—a testament to the purity and precision of this exceptional craft.

 

 

One of the unique delights of temomicha (hand-rolled tea) is that the experience doesn’t end with brewing. Sprinkling the rehydrated tea leaves with olive oil and natural salt allows you to savor their rich flavors to the very last bite—a true testament to the purity and craftsmanship of Phenimax tea.

Experience the exceptional rarity of organic temomicha (hand-rolled tea)—a treasure virtually unseen in the market.

Even the world’s most discerning executives have yet to discover this ultimate expression of fine tea, a masterpiece of unparalleled craftsmanship and purity.

 

Phenimax's Shizuoka Tea