When people think of Japanese tea, Shizuoka and Uji tend to come to mind first — but Murakami City in Niigata Prefecture holds a special place in tea history as the northernmost tea-producing region in Japan. Known as the "northern limit of tea," Murakami has been cultivating its own variety, Murakami-cha, for more than 1,200 years.
On May 30 (Saturday) and May 31 (Sunday), 2026, the Murakami City Tourism Association will host a New Tea Picking Experience at a tourist tea field along the Miomote River.
Guided by Takinami Masako, president of long-established tea merchant Kokonoen, participants will hand-pick fresh tea leaves at their peak — just as the season's first growth emerges. The freshly picked leaves can be taken home to enjoy Murakami-cha in your own kitchen.
Event Details
Event: New Tea Picking Experience
Dates: May 30 (Sat) and May 31 (Sun), 2026
Check-in: 10:00 AM / Start: 10:30 AM–11:00 AM
Venue: Miomote River Sandbar Park Tourist Tea Field (14 Wakaba-cho, Murakami City, Niigata)
Participation Fee: ¥1,300 per person (tax included) — preschool children free; new tea souvenir included
Capacity: 30 participants per day (reservation required; closes when full)
Reservations Open: April 18, 2026 (Saturday) from 10:00 AM
How to Book: Via BASE — https://murakamicity.base.shop/
Instructor: Takinami Masako (President, Kokonoen Co., Ltd.)
Event proceeds in rain; cancelled in severe weather. Gather and disperse on site.
Access
By Car: Approximately 7 minutes from the Murakami Senami Onsen IC on the Japan Sea Expressway (parking available at Iyoboya Kaikan Tourist Parking Lot)
By Train: Approximately 20-minute walk from Murakami Station on the JR Uetsu Main Line
