Destinations

River Area

PREMIUM GREEN TOURISM

The Oi River originates 3,000 meters high in the Southern Alps of Japan and runs through Shizuoka Prefecture from north to south. The Oi River basin is home to three vast green tea production areas, including Kawane, Shimada and Kanaya.

About this tea terroir

The tea producing area located upstream of the Oi River basin is uniquely blessed with a perfect climate for growing tea due to its huge day and nighttime temperature variance and unfailing morning mist from the river, which is surrounded by forest-clad mountains. Kawanehoncho green tea is cultivated in fertile soil canopied by river mist in a naturally rich valley and when brewed, is a transparent, golden yellowish-green color The area located midstream of the Oi River basin is protected from direct sunlight by morning and evening mists, whereas the region located downstream of the Oi River basin receives more direct sunlight. The tea fields in Shimada and Kanaya located along the midstream and downstream of the Oi River produce tasty green teas with a rich aroma.

Access

The coastline is about a 45-minute drive from JR Shizuoka Station.

Tourism

Given the natural blessings of the Oi River, Suruga offers a variety of ecotours and “green” tours, including tea leaf picking and local farm-life experiences. Sumatakyo and Kawane, located upstream of the Oi River, are nationally famous for their superb viewing spots and rich nature. You can also enjoy the soothing mountain stream by taking a ride on the local steam locomotive run by the Oigawa Railway. Shimada and Kanaya used to be thriving post towns along the Tokaido Highway. The Horai Bridge (designated by Guinness as the world’s longest pedestrian wooden bridge) and the Shizuoka Tea Museum are popular spots to visit.

Asset

The river area is renowned for its quality brand of tea due its ideal location, time-honored traditional methods and the hard-working efforts of local tea producers.

Things to do in the River Area

Tea Museum, Shizuoka
River Area
Matcha More Café
River Area
Yamakasho Tea Farm
River Area
TENKU NO YADO: Farm Stay Inn in the Sky
River Area
SkyTEC Flying Academy
River Area
Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln
River Area
Horai Bridge 897.4 Tea Gift Shop
River Area
A!Sobi-An Farm Stay Inn
River Area
Kanetou Miura Tea Farm
River Area
Sumata Gorge Area
River Area
Okuoi Area
River Area
Delicious Tea at Aito-en Tea Farm
River Area
Tea Farm Masui-en’s Best Tea
River Area
KADODE OOIGAWA
River Area
Shimada Kimono Sanpo
River Area
Sakyoen
River Area
Cafe Kotobukien
River Area
Uoichi
River Area
Naitoen
River Area
Sasuki Tea Plantation
River Area
Ishidatami Teahouse -en-
River Area

Okuoi is reputed to be the gateway to the Southern Japan Alps. The area commands a majestic landscape of clear water, blue skies, and lush greenery. Learn More