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Suruga: Japan Tea Country by E-Bike

Outdoor Japan

Welcome to the Suruga region where unforgettable adventure and vibrant coastal charms await.

This jewel of natural wonders in Shizuoka Prefecture lies on Japan’s central eastern coast. It’s an idyllic destination that beckons travelers to explore a plethora of captivating attractions and activities. 

Green Tea Cafe in Suruga

As the waves lap against the shores, adrenaline-seekers can indulge in thrilling water sports like surfing and diving, while those seeking tranquility can bask in the sun-drenched beaches or unwind in the soothing hot springs that dot the region.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the ancient Nihondaira Plateau offers panoramic views and a glimpse into the area’s rich maritime heritage at the Shimizu Port Museum.

The proximity between the mountains and ocean has made this region a flourishing Japanese tea and seafood production center since ancient times, and today continues to attract travelers seeking an outdoor escape and delicious cuisine. 

One of the best ways to discover the region is an immersive, English-guided e-bike tour. There are four recommended routes that showcase the best of Suruga from mountains to coast.

Local Tea Farms with Views of Mt. Fuji

View of Mt Fuji from Green Tea Field in Suruga

If you’re a fan of tea, Suruga is a must visit. It is said to be Japan’s top green tea producing region. Cycle along the Okitsu River through hilly terrain and the quintessential Japanese landscape of tea fields and bamboo forests.

This area is famous for producing ryogouchi-cha and a method of moderately obstructing the morning and evening mists and sunlight to develop a rich and refreshing fragrance. 

The tour stops at Green 8 Cafe, which offers more than 30 types of tea including their popular Japanese black tea, fukamushi-cha (deep steamed) and asamuchi-cha (lightly steamed).

This stylish café is designed with recycled materials, furniture and driftwood. You can also enjoy your tea at a photogenic terrace built in the middle of a tea farm just a short walk away. 

The next stop is a visit to Marujo Murakami Farm, a historic tea farm nestled 300~350 meters high in the mountains. On a good day, you’ll catch an impressive view of Mt. Fuji sitting on unkai, a sea of clouds and Shimizu Port to your right.

This farm utilizes homemade, mainly organic fertilizers and minimal use of pesticides, and preserves traditional methods of cultivating and producing sencha (green tea). They’ve won several awards including Shizuoka Prefecture’s Governor’s Award and Japan Black Tea Association Award. 

Suruga Coastline and Harbor

This course is for seafood enthusiasts. Embark from Shimizu Port, which is famous for its frozen tuna landings, and enjoy a bowl of fresh seafood at the local fish market—Kashi no Ishi. This ichiba was one of the first markets in Japan to allow wholesalers to sell directly to customers.

Today, wholesalers still gather each morning to offer delicious, yet affordable, seafood to the general public. Enjoy strolling past lively stalls selling seafood, vegetables, green tea and citrus.

Seafood Lovers delight at Shimizu Port Market

Next you’ll board the Shimizu Port “water bus” for Miho no Matsubara, a World Heritage Site. This is a scenic coastal area renowned for its sandy beach bordered by a picturesque pine grove. Legend connects it to the tale of Princess Kaguya, who, before ascending to the moon, left behind her robe, which transformed into the pine trees.

The area inspired the great Japanese poet Matsuo Basho, who composed a haiku about its beauty. It remains a popular destination for tourists and locals, offering stunning views, tranquil beach walks and a serene ambiance created by the swaying pine trees, sandy shoreline and the majestic sight of Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Ride along the Pacific Ocean Bike Path along the coastline, past sand dunes and strawberry fields before ending at Mochimune.

Mochimune has recently undergone a redevelopment project that has resulted in many renovated properties, including a hot spring café and West Coast Brewing, a craft brewery that releases a new beer every week.

Enjoy a refreshing drink at the taproom attached to The Villa & Barrel Lounge.

Japanese Tea History at Ashikubo

Starting at Shizuoka Station, cycle past the historic Sunpu Castle Park in the city before entering the Ashikubo countryside. Ashikubo is steeped in history as it is the birthplace of Shizuoka green tea, producing tea for more than 800 years.

It is said that during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333), a Buddhist monk named Shoichi Kokushi—who studied in China, brought seeds back and planted them here—made it the first place where tea was planted in Shizuoka. During the Edo Period, Ashikubo tea was the official imperial tea. Today this region is flourishing with a young generation of farmers. 

Follow a gentle bike path along the Abe River and stop for a cup of sencha at Ashikubo Tea Works, a café that combines both traditional methods and modern takes on green tea. They offer a wide variety of tea drinks including lattes, frozen drinks, black tea and seasonal fruit. 

Experience a traditional Japanese farmhouse at Moriuchi Tea Farm, where you can sample a comparison of teas from strong flavored to sweet and refreshing. This nine-generation farm has won high acclaim at several tea competitions.

Traditional Crafts and Gyokuro Tea

Gyokuro is an expensive, high-quality green tea known for its unique cultivation method and distinctive flavor. It is grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting, which allows the tea leaves to develop a deep green color and a rich, umami taste.

The shading process also increases the level of chlorophyll and amino acids in the leaves, resulting in a sweeter and more mellow flavor profile. It’s highly prized for its delicate, grassy aroma and smooth, velvety texture, making it a favorite choice among tea connoisseurs who seek a refined and indulgent tea experience.

Gyokuro High Quality Suruga Green Tea

This bike tour explores the Asahina District of Fujieda City, which is one of the three major gyokuro production centers in Japan along with Uji (Kyoto) and Yame (Fukuoka). Start with a tea ceremony at Gyokuro-no-Sato, a Japanese garden and tea house called Hyogetsu-tei where you can enjoy sencha (green tea) and matcha (powdered green tea) using local gyokuro.

Continue along the Tokaido Road, a historic and vital transportation route during the Edo Period, which connected Edo (present-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, and served as a significant pathway for travelers, trade, and cultural exchange. You’ll cycle through Meiji Tunnel at the famous Utsunoya-toge Pass and stop at Mariko-juku, one of the old post towns and rest stops on the Tokaido.

Here, Sunpu-no-Kobo Takumi-shuku is one of Japan’s largest traditional craft workshops. You can see and even try your hand at local bamboo crafts, dyeing, woodworking, lacquering, ceramics and other traditional crafts dating back to the Imagawa and Tokugawa periods.

There is also a café serving a wide variety of locally sourced dishes and honey.

The tour ends at Mochimune Port at the aforementioned West Coast Brewing.

For more information on the tours, go to Visit Suruga or learn more here.

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