A tea farm nestled in the mountains of Nakagane-cho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture is hosting a spring tea-picking event. Tsubame to Chatake (Swallow and Tea Field), led by Sayaka Ishizuka, practices natural farming methods and invites participants to harvest vibrant tea leaves against a scenic satoyama (Japanese rural countryside) backdrop.
The event is rooted in the farm's revival story — the land was once an abandoned agricultural field that was brought back to life — and aims to offer visitors a nostalgic, out-of-the-ordinary experience through the act of tea picking.
Reviving an Abandoned Tea Field — A Third-Generation Farmer's Comeback
About 35 minutes by car from Okazaki Castle, the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the tea field in Nakagane-cho has been passed down for approximately 150 years. In 2020, the previous generation's aging made it impossible to continue farming, and the land became an abandoned agricultural field. Third-generation farmer Sayaka Ishizuka then took up the challenge of restoring it.
Through a grassroots initiative called "Farming Friday" — a weekly Friday volunteer grass-cutting effort promoted on social media — she gathered supporters from inside and outside the community. Thanks to these collective efforts, the tea field has been fully restored and harvesting is once again possible.
Natural Farming Without Pesticides
The farm practices "mulched cultivation" (sōsei saibai), growing tea without herbicides, chemical fertilizers, or pesticides. Wild plants grow underfoot while microorganisms nurture the soil, allowing the tea trees to absorb nutrients on their own.
Tea grown in this environment is known for its clean, clear flavor with little astringency — characteristics that stand out even in cold-brew preparations. This farming method also contributes to satoyama ecosystem preservation, including maintaining healthy soil and reducing the impact on local waterways.
A Nostalgic, Hands-On Experience in the Satoyama
During the event, participants pick tea leaves by hand and enjoy time spent in nature. Reflecting the harvest festivals of 100 years ago — when the tea harvest was a celebratory occasion — cotton kimono in both adult and children's sizes are available for rental.
Adjacent to the tea field stands an old farmhouse from the same era. Spending time amid the scenery, air, and soil of the field provides a nostalgic day unlike everyday life. Each visit and product purchase also contributes to the upkeep of the tea field and the sustainability of the local community.
Who This Event Is For
- Those seeking time in a peaceful satoyama setting
- Those interested in food and agriculture
- Those who want to connect gently with the local community
Event Details
Event Name: Tsubame to Chatake Spring Tea-Picking Experience
Dates:
- Saturday, May 2, 2026 and Sunday, May 3, 2026 (additional event also planned for late June)
- Morning session: 10:30 AM / Afternoon session: 1:30 PM
- Light rain: event proceeds as scheduled
Location: 72 Morito-kamigakami, Nakagane-cho, Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture
Activities: Tea picking in a pesticide-free tea field, guided tour of the mulched cultivation tea field, fresh tea tempura tasting, tea tasting, and more
Fee: ¥3,000 (tax included) / Free for high school students and under
Capacity: 30 participants per session (first-come, first-served)
Reservations: Advance booking via online store: https://tsubameto.stores.jp/
