Marumiya Tea

These days, people buy tea at the tea section in department stores. However, people used to go to their local tea dealer to buy tea which suited their taste. This is one such tea dealer. This shop is already more than 60 years old and is much loved by local residents. When you go into the shop, you an till find some things from its early years. In particular, the tea chest displayed in the store will not be anywhere except a historical tea shop. A tea chest was a box for storing tea in the tea shop and at home at the time coffee was not available in Japan. These days, tea chests are not so much used for this purpose, but rather to keep rice and important clothes by taking advantage of their moisture proof and insecticidal function. The tea chest is very attractive, with its labels in traditional Japanese designs and the patina that develops over long use.

The tea at this shop is mostly from Shizuoka, but teas from Fukuoka and Kyoto are also offered. A wide range of teas are offered as taste is differs from customer to customer. In some cases, the owner can blend several kinds of tea depending of your individual taste. The owner of this shop has special qualifications (tea quality judging and Japanese tea instructing) which only a　limited number of people in Japan have. This qualification is the proof of his extensive knowledge of tea and, with his skill and experience, he can propose delicious teas.

You can also learn how to make delicious tea. Depending on the tea, the temperature of the hot water used and the time to steep the tea leaves is different. You can learn how to make the best tea, depending on the variety. The owner cannot speak perfect English, but he has enough to explain the important points.