'Frida' Wakoucha Yabukita

Dai Oizumi started Dokodemosora Tea Farm 15 years ago after buying a 50 year old tea farm high up in the sacred mountains of Wakayama, not far from the world heritage site Nachi Falls.
Dokodemosora, meaning ‘door to the sky’ is a completely naturally farmed oasis, nestled 300m above sea level, Oizumi-san’s tea farms are like little hidden secrets. 
All farmed completely organically with zero use of pesticides or herbicides, only natural fertilizers and cultivated in an old school factory. 
Specialising in tamaryokocha, which is a rare style of Japanese tea known for its "ball" shaped leaves, Dai also makes beautiful houjicha and wakoucha, all from the yabukita cultivar. 

Located in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, its mountainous terrain, fog, and large temperature variations are ideal for growing tea, with a history that dates back to the Muromachi Period.The region is also famous for the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, and tea has historically been served to the pilgrims.
A city of World Heritage Sites featuring temples and shrines centuries old, Wakayama is a showcase of traditional Japanese culture.
A much smaller and lesser known region for tea, however its close proximity to Uji and Mie mean its ideal for tea production and will be an area to watch.