To the Northernmost Tea Plantation: "New Tea Picking Experience" to be Held in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture

The Murakami City Tourism Association will hold a "New Tea Picking Experience" in Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, on Saturday, May 30th, and Sunday, May 31st, 2026. While Shizuoka and Uji are often associated with tea production, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture, is known as Japan's northernmost tea-producing region. Murakami tea, with a history of over 1200 years, has been carefully cultivated here as the "northernmost tea-growing area." In May, when new tea sprouts, participants can experience hand-picking tea leaves at the tea fields along the Miomote River, under the guidance of Ms. Kyoko Takinami, president of the long-established tea shop Kujuen. The freshly picked tea leaves can be taken home, allowing participants to enjoy Murakami tea at home. Details and reservations are available online. Reservation acceptance begins on April 18th, 2026, at 10:00 AM. The event name is "New Tea Picking Experience." Dates are May 30th (Sat) and 31st (Sun), 2026, with reception at 10:00 AM and start from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. The venue is Miomote River Nakasu Park Tourist Tea Plantation (14 Wakabacho, Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture). The participation fee is 1,300 yen per person (tax included), with free admission for preschoolers and a new tea souvenir included. Capacity is 30 people per day (reservation required, ends when capacity is reached). Reservation acceptance starts on April 18th, 2026, at 10:00 AM. Reservations can be made via BASE at https://murakamicity.base.shop/. The instructor is Ms. Kyoko Takinami (President of Kujuen Co., Ltd.). Organized by Murakami City Tourism Association. Cooperated by Murakami City Tea Industry Association. Supported by Murakami City (planned). The event will proceed in light rain but will be canceled in severe weather. Participants are to meet and disperse at the venue. Access by car: Approximately 7 minutes from Nihonkai-Tohoku Expressway "Murakami-Senami Onsen IC" (Parking: Iyoboya Kaikan Tourist Parking). Access by train: Approximately 20 minutes walk from JR Uetsu Main Line "Murakami Station." For inquiries, contact Murakami City Tourism Association at TEL: 0254-53-2258 (reception hours 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM).