'Andie' Sencha Yabukita

Shunnosuke Irie has followed in the footsteps of his father Toshiro-san, by farming completely organic tea farms in the mountainous terrain of Kurogi Town, Yame in Fukuoka. Irie Tea Garden is located on the summit of Mount Kugiyama, about 450 meters above sea level.
For over 40 years, they have been growing tea here completely pesticide-free. Walking amongst the tea fields really showcases the thriving biodiversity of Irie Chaen. Dragonflies, ladybugs, earthworms and butterflies are in abundance and even a wasps nest can be seen looming over a field of Yabukita protecting the leaves from pesky insects, which Shunnosuke pointed out to me with pride.
Soil is also of great importance to the Irie family. The tea gardens of Irie Chaen are all natural and fertilized only with natural products sourced locally, with high sources of minerals and nutrients. This terroir shines through in Irie teas.

Yame, in Fukuoka Prefecture, is revered for the artistry of its tea production, particularly at the pinnacle of quality. Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Fukuoka (northern Kyushu), the Yame region spreads along the clear waters of the Chikugo River basin.
This area’s unique microclimate – characterized by cool, misty mornings and nutrient-rich soil – provides an ideal environment for cultivating shaded teas.
Tea bushes in Yame often grow in mountain valleys shrouded in fog, which slows leaf growth and concentrates flavor. Coupled with the meticulous techniques of local farmers, this climate yields tea leaves of remarkable richness. Yame has a long history in Japanese tea: it was one of the early regions to grow tea centuries ago, and today it remains one of the country’s foremost sources of top-grade tea.