The highlands of the Aso region and Kumamoto’s mountains are dotted with beautiful green-tea plantations, where neat rows of tea bushes carpet the rolling hills in vivid green. Kumamoto produces well-regarded Japanese green tea, and its cool, misty upland climate and volcanic soils are ideal for cultivating it. In tea-growing villages, visitors can take in the scenic terraced fields, especially lovely in the fresh green of the new-leaf season in late spring, learn about tea cultivation and processing, and — depending on the spot — sample or buy fresh local tea, enjoy tea-flavoured sweets, or join seasonal tea-picking experiences. Combined with the wider Aso landscape of grasslands, caldera views and farm scenery, a stop in Kumamoto’s tea country offers a calm, green and refreshing taste of rural highland life away from the towns.

🗓️ At a Glance
Location Aso Region, Kumamoto
Hours Daytime; shops/cafés vary
Admission Fields free; tastings/experiences vary
Time needed 1 hour
Best time New-leaf season (late spring)

What to See

  • Scenic terraced green-tea fields in the highlands.
  • Vivid new-leaf green in late spring.
  • Fresh local tea to sample and buy.
  • Tea-flavoured sweets and picking experiences.

Combine Your Visit

Getting There

  • By car: the practical way to the upland tea villages.
  • On foot: paths through the tea fields at some spots.

Tips

Come in the fresh-green new-leaf season of late spring for the most beautiful tea fields, and buy some fresh local green tea as a light, authentic souvenir. Explore by car as the plantations are spread across the highlands, look out for tea-flavoured sweets, and combine it with the wider Aso caldera scenery.