鹿児島県南九州市
Chiran
知覧
Chiran tea is a renowned deep-steamed tea produced in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture (formerly the towns of Chiran, Ei, and Kawanabe). Leveraging the warm climate of southern Satsuma and the volcanic Shirasu plateau, it is known for shipping new tea earlier than anywhere else in Japan. Chiran tea, primarily made from the Yutakamidori cultivar using deep-steaming methods, features a vivid green liquor and mellow sweetness. Quality has improved remarkably in recent years, with increasing awards at national tea competitions. The municipality boasts the highest tea production volume of any single municipality in Japan.
Altitude
50–350m
Latitude
31.38°N
Climate
Warm maritime climate of southern Satsuma. Influenced by the Kuroshio Current, winters are mild, enabling the earliest new tea harvesting in the nation. Average annual temperature is around 17°C with approximately 2,200mm of annual rainfall. Sea breezes from Mount Kaimon reach the tea gardens.
Soil
Volcanic ash soils on the Shirasu plateau, derived from the volcanic activity of Sakurajima and Mount Kaimon. Well-drained and mineral-rich. Slightly acidic, optimal for tea plant growth.