04 May 2023

Traditional Japanese Tea at Ube's Fujigochi Tea Plantation and Sorin-Ji Temple

It was a quiet morning as Heritage Adventurer cruised through the Kanmon Straits to Ube. Time on board was filled with relaxation, educational lectures and a lesson on origami cranes with our Japanese guide Hide.

After clearing customs back into Japan, we were off visiting the Fujigochi Tea Plantation and Sorin-Ji Temple. Producing 90% of the all tea in the Yamaguchi prefecture, the Fujigochi Tea Plantation captures the signature bitterness and astringency of Ube tea due to its location near Ono Lake which provides the ideal growing conditions during winter.

At Sorin-Ji Temple we were able to experience the quintessence of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony first by quietening our minds in meditation before freshly made Matcha tea was served for us.

A uniquely serene experience, it was the perfect activity to wrap up what would be a full day of exploring the peace and stillness of Japanese culture.

Image (c) by: H.Finch