Skip to main content
River Area
Destinations

River Area

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

    Tea Museum, Shizuoka

    River Area
  • Matcha More Café

    Matcha More Café

    River Area
  • Yamakasho Tea Farm

    Yamakasho Tea Farm

    River Area
  • TENKU NO YADO: Farm Stay Inn in the Sky

    TENKU NO YADO: Farm Stay Inn in the Sky

    River Area
  • SkyTEC Flying Academy

    SkyTEC Flying Academy

    River Area
  • Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln

    Shitoro-Ware Hikoji Kiln

    River Area
  • Horai Bridge 897.4 Tea Gift Shop

    Horai Bridge 897.4 Tea Gift Shop

    River Area
  • A!Sobi-An Farm Stay Inn

    A!Sobi-An Farm Stay Inn

    River Area
  • Kanetou Miura Tea Farm

    Kanetou Miura Tea Farm

    River Area
  • Sumata Gorge Area

    Sumata Gorge Area

    River Area
  • Okuoi Area

    Okuoi Area

    River Area
  • Delicious Tea at Aito-en Tea Farm

    Delicious Tea at Aito-en Tea Farm

    River Area
  • Tea Farm Masui-en’s Best Tea

    Tea Farm Masui-en’s Best Tea

    River Area
  • KADODE OOIGAWA

    KADODE OOIGAWA

    River Area
  • Shimada Kimono Sanpo

    Shimada Kimono Sanpo

    River Area
  • Sakyoen

    Sakyoen

    River Area
  • Cafe Kotobukien

    Cafe Kotobukien

    River Area
  • Uoichi

    Uoichi

    River Area
  • Naitoen

    Naitoen

    River Area
  • Asahi-en (Station Store)

    Asahi-en (Station Store)

    River Area
  • Ochanoma Tamuranouen

    Ochanoma Tamuranouen

    River Area
  • Ishidatami Teahouse -en-

    Ishidatami Teahouse -en-

    River Area
  • Yamasekien Seicha Ippuku Chadokoro Yamaseki

    Yamasekien Seicha Ippuku Chadokoro Yamaseki

    River Area
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

Find more things to do in the River Area