静岡県牧之原市
Makizono (Makinohara)
牧之原
The Makinohara Plateau is one of Japan's largest tea-producing areas by cultivated acreage. It has a unique history of having been pioneered by former Tokugawa retainers in the early Meiji period. The vast, flat plateau enables large-scale mechanized cultivation. As a center for mass production of the Yabukita cultivar and considered one of the birthplaces of the deep-steaming technique, the orderly rows of tea fields stretching across the plateau are an iconic Shizuoka landscape. Makinohara continues to serve as a cornerstone production area supporting Japan's tea industry.
Altitude
100–300m
Latitude
34.74°N
Climate
Warm maritime climate facing Suruga Bay. The plateau enjoys long sunshine hours, and warm sea breezes help reduce frost damage. Average annual temperature is around 16°C with approximately 1,900mm of annual rainfall. The plateau's good air circulation helps suppress pest and disease outbreaks.
Soil
Red soils (diluvial red clay) of the Makinohara Plateau. Low water retention but excellent drainage, providing moderate stress to tea plants that produces leaves with concentrated flavor.