Sencha is the quintessential Japanese tea, produced in all tea-growing regions of Japan. Known for its refreshing young leaf aroma and light floral notes, Sencha offers a balanced taste with moderate umami and astringency. The diversity in aroma and flavor is influenced by over 100 varieties, cultivation climates, and the dedication of producers, resulting in teas ranging from fresh and crisp to richly umami.
Shizuoka and Kagoshima are the leading producers of Sencha. Shizuoka, with its rich history as Japan’s premier tea region, boasts diverse climates between its mountainous and flat areas, leading to varied production methods. The mountainous areas, with their significant temperature differences, produce tea with a rich, robust flavor. Shizuoka’s numerous rivers create misty regions, enhancing umami by reducing direct sunlight. In the expansive coastal plains of Shizuoka, Fukamushi Sencha is predominantly produced.
Kagoshima's mountainous areas, though not as high in elevation as those in Shizuoka, offer unique conditions for producing high-quality sencha. In regions like Kirishima, the dramatic temperature differences between day and night contribute to the cultivation of exceptional tea.