Higashi Sonogi has a long history of growing tea that stretches back over 500 years. In the Edo period (17th Century), Lord Omura organized the cultivation of tea fields, laying the groundwork for today’s industry.
This tea was first brought to the outside world in the mid-19th Century by a woman merchant, Oura Kei of Nagasaki, who was able to export the tea with the help of a British trader.
Higashi Sonogi is the largest producer of tea in Nagasaki.
The rows of stone terraces built by early farmers for growing tea combined with the views of Omura Bay create a breathtaking, uniquely Japanese landscape.
The produce of the land, including tea, oranges, rice, and vegetables has been tended by generations of the same families.
Nakao Village in Higashi Sonogi is a rural tea-farming community. The land of Nakao Village is located in a belt of hills which were created by volcanic activity long ago. It is at an elevation of around 250 meters, with Omura Bay to the southwest, Mount Kokuzo to the north, and Mount Tara to the south.
The valley in which the villagers reside was cut into this rock by the Sonogi River. The foothills of the mountains are often shrouded in fog, with warm afternoons and cool nights, which is perfect for growing tea.
