Ooigawa - SAVOR JAPAN

Aitoen

Aitoen” is a farm that has won awards in a number of competitions, including the “World Famous Tea Award”. Why not enjoy the relaxing hospitality while listening to the stories of the owner and his wife on the veranda of the old folk house “Kotori” or on the terrace of the deck overlooking the Oi River?

Tsuchiya Farm Sky Terrace

Ooigawa Shizuoka

This tea farm is located in the Orokubo district, which is 600 meters above sea level and is one of the highest areas in the town of Kawanehon, and is the highest certified producer of the Chagusaba farming method, a World Agricultural Heritage Site. The tea fields on the steep slopes are truly tea gardens in the sky, with views of the magnificent nature. On the open-air terrace overlooking the tea fields and surrounded by the sky and the mountains, you can relax and enjoy the delicious Kawane tea while listening to the sounds of nature.

KADODE OOIGAWA

Ooigawa Shizuoka

A hands-on food park to showcase the “Green Tea, Farming and Tourism in the Oigawa Basin. Tea Marche, a unique green tea experience and menu with tea; Vegetable Marche, a fresh produce experience; Da Monde, a buffet restaurant to enjoy local produce with a view of steam engines and retro trains; Tea and…, a café to enjoy fruit in a casual way; a children’s park called “Chamekke”. We have a cafe where you can enjoy fruit in a casual atmosphere, a children’s park called “Chamekke” where families with children can enjoy leisurely fun, and a TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER called “Ooi Navi” that introduces sightseeing spots in the Oigawa Basin. This is a facility where you can enjoy eating, drinking, shopping, and experiencing to the fullest.

Okuōikojō Station

Ooigawa Shizuoka

Okuoikojo Station is located on a peninsula-like area on the left bank of Lake Sekke, formed by the construction of the Nagashima Dam. The two sides of the peninsula are separated by the Rainbow Bridge, which was built on the Igawa line, giving the station a mystical appearance as if it were floating on the lake.

Green tea

Ooigawa Shizuoka

Nihoncha means green tea produced in Japan. Green tea is made by immediately heating the tea leaves and drying them after harvest to prevent them from oxidizing, and there are various types of green tea – gyokuro, matcha, bancha, hojicha, genmai-cha, etc. At green tea factories around the Ohigawa area, each makes unique and original green tea in terms of umami, bitterness, flavor, and color (the color of green tea when steeped).

Sakura ebi

Ooigawa Shizuoka

Touted as the Jewel of Suruga Bay, Sakura ebi or Sakura shrimps are only 4 to 5 cm in size, yet they pack full of umami and flavor. They are translucent while in the water but once on the shore, their light pink pigments become more apparent, making them appear pink in color just like Sakura, or cherry blossoms. For conservation purposes and to protect the ecosystem, only the Shizuoka Prefecture has the permit to harvest them in Japan.

tea plantation

Ooigawa Shizuoka

While serving guests with green tea is an often practiced custom, green tea is deeply rooted in the lives of Japanese people. The plush green and the aroma of green tea not only have a relaxing effect but also enhance the flavor of the dishes you’re having. Known as the largest producer of green tea in Japan, Shizuoka Prefecture has the perfect climate, advanced cultivation skills and methods, resulting in accounting for over 40% of all the tea fields in Japan.

Yaizu Southern Bluefin Tuna boat-wrap sushi

Ooigawa Shizuoka

At Yaizu Port facing Suruga Bay, where the Oi-River flows, you can enjoy various things such as Yaizu Southern Bluefin Tuna, which is called “red diamond” because of its elegant fat and sweetness, bonito flakes which are royal gifts, as well as sashimi and tataki. The bonito fishes used to make these delicious dishes are caught here.

2019 COOL JAPAN AWARD WINNER “OKUOIKOJO STATION”

Ooigawa Shizuoka

In the middle basin of the Oi-River, the Oi-River Railway, a steam locomotive, runs between the fresh green tea garden and the magnificent Oi-River. At Kawanehon Town there is a tea garden located over 500m above sea level and is called the “tea-producing area in the sky”, here you can see a magical landscape filled with fog.

“Cha no Ma” where you can enjoy tea while facing the superb view of the tea garden

Ooigawa Shizuoka

Tea experience unique to the Oi-River basin With the “Tea room” experience (tea in tea garden space with a superb view), you can enjoy taste testing various teas, a high quality green tea / matcha tea room experience in a Japanese garden, tea farm visit, hand massage experience, tea girl experience, and tea factory tour.