Yame City in Fukuoka Prefecture boasts a long history as a tea-producing region.
With its lush green tea fields stretching out far and wide, this immense tea plantation (70 hectares, or about 15 times the size of Tokyo Dome) spreads out along gently sloping hills. The area is one of the main producers of Yame tea, one of Fukuoka’s most well-known varieties of tea.
The plantation was first created as a prefectural pilot project which took place between 1969 and 1973 by developing 103 hectares of mountain forest, and has since gained recognition as a tourist destination famous for its magnificent views.
Gaze out over the endless rolling hills of tea fields from atop the gently sloping terrain which was adapted specifically for the purpose of tea cultivation.
The best time to visit is from April to mid-May, when tea harvest season is in full swing. From the lookout point at the top you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the tea fields which stretch out as far as the eye can see, as if blanketed in a layer of lush green carpet.
On a clear day, you can see the Ariake Sea and the Shimabara Peninsula in the distance.
Yame tea is known throughout Japan for its color, taste, and aroma.
The Yame Central Tea Cooperative has received numerous awards such as the Emperor’s Cup, the highest accolade given to the best tea in Japan, as well as the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. It even receives awards from the National Tea Fair every year.
During the first harvest of the season each year (around late April to early May), you can purchase some of the area’s prized fresh shincha tea or enjoy a shincha tasting event.
Enjoy a cup of this exquisite tea, born of the craftsmanship and passion of the plantation and its artisans, amidst the spectacular natural green scenery.
At the lookout point you will find a café called Green Monster, where you can also enjoy Yame tea and Yame tea soft serve ice cream as you gaze out over the tea fields.
There is a shrine located at the top of the mountain known as Goshanokami Shrine. Each year during tea picking season, a ceremony is held at the shrine to pray that the new harvest may yield plenty of delicious tea. The shrine is said to be home to five deities and is also believed to be a “power spot”, a place of natural healing energy.
The plantation is about 20 minutes by car from the Yame Interchange on the Kyushu Expressway.
Shortly after turning off the national highway, you will begin to see tea fields scattered in the distance.
Continue driving and you will soon come across the magnificent tea fields.
Visit Yame and immerse yourself in the healing power of the magnificent green scenery as you savor the rich aroma and umami flavor of this authentic Japanese tea, for a unique experience like no other.

Location: Hon, Yame-shi, Fukuoka 834-0015
Tel: 0943-22-6644 Yame City Chanokuni Tourist Information Center, (For “New Tea Tasting”, Yame Central Tea Cooperative Association 0943-22-6359)
Yame Central Tea Plantation
https://yame810.com/daichaen-view/

Cover photograph provided by　福岡県観光連盟