Birthplace of Nagatani Sōen
This is the birthplace of Nagatani Sōen (rebuilt in Shōwa 35), who developed and popularized the “Aosei Sencha Manufacturing Method” in 1738—around the middle of the Edo period—and laid the foundation for green tea production. Parts of the original stone wall remain, and the interior preserves the remains of a valuable roasting furnace (hoiro) used in tea production. Visitors can learn about tea production methods and Sōen’s life through video presentations.
*Interior tours are available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. A maintenance contribution of 200 yen is required.
This is the birthplace of Nagatani Sōen (rebuilt in Shōwa 35), who developed and popularized the “Aosei Sencha Manufacturing Method” in 1738—during the mid-Edo period—and laid the foundation for green tea production. The original complex appears to have been large-scale, featuring not only the main house but also a tea-processing shed and a warehouse. The grounds extended all the way to the side of the adjacent Chasōmei Shrine, and remnants of this, such as the stone walls, can still be seen today.
Inside, the remains of the valuable roasting furnace used in tea production have been preserved, and visitors can learn about the tea-making process and Sōen’s life through video presentations.
*Interior tours are available only on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. A maintenance contribution of 200 yen is required.
Reservations & Registration
- How to Register
Phone Registration
- Registration Period & Deadline
- No time limit
Basic Information
- Season
- Year-round
- Closed Days & Excluded Dates
- Mon–Fri (Exterior viewing permitted)
- Meeting Time & Hours of Operation
- 10：00～15：00
- Duration
- About 1 hour
- Group Size
- Minimum 1 people
- Language Support
- Staff: Japanese
- Accessibility
- Not allowed
Pricing
- List Price
- Free
Access & Meeting Place
- Parking Information
- Parking available at Sōen Kōyū-an Yantan
Operator Information
- Operator Name
- Sōen Kōyū-an Yantan
- Address
- 21 Yuya Oka, Ujitawara-cho, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone Number
- 0774-46-8864
Area & City/Town Introduction (Ujitawara Town)
Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto Prefecture, “Ujitawara Town” is a heart-shaped town rich in natural beauty. Known as the birthplace of green tea, it boasts a long history as a producer of high-quality tea. The town is filled with beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons, and its historic temples and shrines, along with its traditional culture, are very much alive. In this town, nurtured by abundant nature, history, and tea culture, you can spend a relaxing and peaceful moment—much like a cup of tea served to welcome a guest.
