[Sayama City] The 2026 Sayama New Tea Season Has Arrived! Open-Field New Tea Harvesting Begins in Sayama City

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the harvesting of open-field new tea began at the tea fields of 'Okutomi-en' in Kasashi, Sayama City. Serving as 'tsumiko' (tea pickers) were about 30 local housewives. With experienced hands, they carefully picked the freshly colored new buds that had grown to about 15 centimeters, placing them into bamboo baskets. Harvested on this day was 'Fukumidori', one of Saitama Prefecture's recommended Sayama tea varieties. It is characterized by a refreshing aroma and a mild sweetness. The harvested tea leaves will be processed into crude tea on the same day, and after undergoing the finishing process the next day, sales at stores will begin on Saturday, April 25. When asked about this year's tea quality, Masahiro Okutomi, the owner of the garden, said, 'Because it rained in early March this year, the tea plants absorbed nutrients well, and since the crop conditions are good, we can expect a great taste.'

Starting from late April, Sayama new tea will begin to line the shelves of tea shops in the city. Even within 'Sayama Tea', there are numerous varieties such as 'Yabukita', 'Fukumidori', and 'Yumewakaba', each with different tastes and aromas. Furthermore, even with the same variety, the characteristics differ depending on the tea manufacturing process and finishing, giving each tea shop its own unique features. During the new tea season, why not find your favorite tea?

Sayama City holds the 'Sayama Shincha Festival' every year on April 29 (Showa Day).

About Sayama Tea (A map of tea shops in Sayama City is also available here)
https://www.city.sayama.saitama.jp/kankou/sayamacha/tya2.html

[What is Shincha (New Tea)?]
New tea picked on April 21, 2026
Shincha refers to tea made from the first new buds harvested that year, out of several tea picking periods throughout the year.

[Characteristic 1: Strong Umami, Less Bitterness]
Because it has less catechin, which causes bitterness and astringency, and contains more theanine, which is an umami and sweetness component, you can enjoy a mild taste. Also, because the nutrients accumulated during the cold autumn and winter months are packed tightly into the new buds, it is said to be rich in vitamins and minerals and highly nutritious.

[Characteristic 2: Fresh and Refreshing Aroma]
The youthful, refreshing aroma is unique to freshly picked new tea. Please enjoy the taste of the season, which can only be drunk during a limited time of the year.

[Characteristic 3: Good Luck Charm, Perfect for Gifts]
Since ancient times, it has been said that 'the first harvest brings good luck,' but new tea harvested on the 88th night (the 88th day counting from the first day of spring, around early May) has been considered especially lucky. Because there is a legend that 'drinking new tea harvested on the 88th night allows you to live a long life,' it is also recommended as a gift.

[Sayama Shincha Festival]
Related URL
https://www.city.sayama.saitama.jp/kankou/sayamacha/shincha/index.html
Date and Time
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (Showa Day), from 10:00 to 13:30
*Sales of new tea start at 10:30
Location
Sayama City Hall (1-23-5 Irumagawa, Sayama City) *Parking is available, but space is limited.
Nearest Station
About a 10-minute walk from the West Exit of Sayamashi Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
Organizer
Sayama Shincha Festival Executive Committee (Chairman: Toru Okutomi)
Contents
Sales and tasting of Sayama new tea, sales of hand-rolled new tea
Tea picking experience (You can take home the tea leaves you picked)
Hand-rolled tea demonstration
Sales of fresh vegetables, product sales from Friendship Sister City Tsunan Town (Niigata Prefecture), kitchen car stalls

[Booth Participants] City Hall Rotary
1/2. Sayama City Tea Industry Association
Sales of new tea and stem tea. Tea serving by tea maidens is also provided.
3. Hand-rolled Tea Preservation Society
Demonstration and sales of hand-rolled tea. Limited quantity sales of rare hand-rolled tea made with Sayama new tea.
4. Sayama City Tourism Association
'Oripi' capsule toys, coffee sales. Our association carries out various activities to promote tourism in the city.
5/6. Tsunan Town Tourism Association
Sales of specialty products from Tsunan Town. We will be selling Koshihikari baked dango.
7. JA Irumano [Booth Participants] City Hall Rotary
Sales of agricultural products. Operating mainly around the sale of local agricultural products (fresh vegetables and Sayama tea).
8. Japanese Red Cross Society Volunteer Corps
Sales and PR of handmade goods, vascular age measurement, etc. Proceeds from handmade goods are donated to welfare organizations and disaster-stricken areas in Japan and abroad.
9. Sayama City Council of Social Welfare Commissioners and Child Welfare Commissioners
Shooting gallery game, distribution of educational items. Welfare commissioners are accessible consultants regarding welfare.
10. Sayama City Employees Association
Super ball scooping, games for children. We aim for an organization where members can mutually cooperate beyond occupational boundaries.
11. Tea-Rex, Sayama no Wakashiya
Sales of Sayama black tea, flavored tea, matcha, and powder tea. Colorfully supporting your active days! We are a black tea shop full of personality. The Matcha Organization delivers Sayama tea to the world with the nickname 'From Sayama to the World'.