“Wakōcha”: Japanese Black Tea Making a Comeback

Ureshino’s “Big Tea Tree,” estimated to be 350 years old, is a government-designated natural monument and a beloved local landmark.

Muraoka Yasuhiro, president of Muraoka Sōhonpo, an old-line seller of Ogi yōkan sweet bean jelly, enjoys a cup of Ureshino black tea at the Ureshino “Cha o shiru” Tea Center. Wakōcha pairs well with Japanese confectionery.

Kishimoto Mika shows off her shop’s wares.

A tea plantation on the steep slopes of the Sawatari district along the Niyodo River.

Customers take in the view while enjoying a cup of wakōcha at Asunaro.

Organic wakōcha products on sale at upmarket emporium Shinjuku Takano.

The interior of the Kureha wakōcha shop in Saga.

A selection of products and books on wakōcha.