Kawane Tea Day in Shizuoka Date in the current year: April 21, 2026

Tea was first introduced to Japan during the Nara period in the eighth century and has since become an integral part of Japanese culture. Traditionally, the Buddhist priest Eisai is credited with starting the first tea plantations in Japan in 1191. Today, tea is cultivated throughout Japan, from Akita Prefecture in the north to Okinawa Prefecture in the south.

Shizuoka Prefecture accounts for approximately 40% of Japan’s tea plantations. The Kawane area, located within Shizuoka Prefecture, is one of Japan’s most prominent tea-growing regions. Tea production was introduced there as early as the 13th century. The region is named after the town of Kawane, which was merged into the neighboring city of Shimada in 2008 and no longer exists.

The term “Kawane tea” (Kawane-cha) does not refer to a specific cultivar or processing method, but rather to tea produced in a particular region. The defining characteristics of Kawane tea stem from the region’s unique growing conditions, including mountainous terrain, high rainfall, frequent fog, and significant temperature variations between day and night. These factors slow leaf growth and promote higher concentrations of aromatic compounds. The leaves are thin, soft, and aromatic, resulting in a flavorful brew with a perfect balance of astringency and sweetness.

In Japan, Shizuoka-cha (Shizuoka tea, which includes Kawane tea) is considered one of the highest-quality regional teas, alongside Uji-cha (Kyoto tea) and Sayama-cha (Sayama tea). Together, these teas are referred to as the “three great teas of Japan”.

Shizuoka tea, and specifically Kawane tea, is also sometimes called the “Darjeeling of Japan” because it is grown in similar conditions to Indian Darjeeling tea, which is also known for its high quality. These conditions include high altitude, significant rainfall, and frequent fog, resulting in a gentle yet flavorful aroma with mild astringency.

In 2007, the Kawane Tea Industry Cooperative trademarked “Kawane-cha”, and the Kawane Tea Road Promotion Council designated April 21 as Kawane Tea Day. This date was chosen because it is the 77th day after the traditional start of spring, marking the beginning of the new tea season, or shincha.

Unlike other Japanese tea-related holidays, such as Green Tea Day or Matcha Day, Kawane Tea Day is not a nationwide observance. It is primarily celebrated in Shizuoka Prefecture to raise the profile of Kawane tea and attract tourists to the region.