This is the birthplace of Nagatani Souen, rebuilt in 1960. He developed and popularized the Aosei Sencha Seihou method in 1738, which laid the foundation for the processing method of some of today’s Japanese green teas including sencha (one of the most common Japanese teas). Inside the thatched house, you can still see the spot where Souen actually used a hoiro (a heater to dry things such as tea leaves and food in processing) to make tea. There is also a video that explains the tea processing method and Souen's history. The original house was a large-scale structure, which had not only the main house, but also a tea-making shed and a barn. The grounds extended to the place next to the adjacent Chasomyo Shrine. The place still bears the marks of its age with the stone wall remnants.
- Tel
- Soenkoyuan Yantan
0774-46-8864 - Address
- Yuyadani Sorabiro, Ujitawara Town, Tsuzuki-gun, Kyoto
- Access
- From Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line), Uji Station (JR Nara Line), or Shin-Tanabe Station (Kintetsu Kyoto Line), take Kyoto Keihan Bus (bound for Ichu Mae, Ryokuenzaka, or Kogyodanchi). Get off at Ichu Mae, and change to the community bus. Get off at Yuyadani, and walk for about 14 minutes.
- Business Hours
- Interior viewing: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays only
10:00am - 3:00pm - Parking
- Soenkoyuan Yantan is recommended, 14 min. walk away
