Uno Tea Farm｜うの茶園 Meet the Tea Farmer #001
Our Producer Series begins in Shizuoka with Uno Tea Farm. Discover how a simple conversation became the first chapter in Kazuna Kyoto's journey to introduce authentic Japanese tea producers to the world.
"Every memorable cup of tea begins with the people who grow it."
A Conversation That Started Everything
Every meaningful relationship begins with a conversation.
For Kazuna Kyoto, one of those conversations began with a simple email sent to Uno Tea Farm in Shizuoka.
We were not looking for a supplier.
We were looking for people.
People whose dedication, values, and craftsmanship could be shared with tea lovers around the world.
That search led us to Mr. Daisuke Uno.
One Simple Question
Our first question was straightforward.
"If someone were tasting your tea for the first time, which one would you recommend?"
His answer immediately reflected both confidence and thoughtfulness.
He recommended Special Uno Oolong – Qing Xin Oolong as the tea that best represented his work.
At the same time, he offered another recommendation.
For anyone interested in Japanese tea cultivars, he suggested Minamisayaka.
Rather than promoting every tea in the same way, he carefully considered what each person hoped to discover.
It was a small conversation, yet it revealed a great deal about the person behind the tea.
A Different Perspective on Oolong Tea
For many people, oolong tea naturally brings to mind Taiwan or China.
That is precisely why Uno Tea Farm caught our attention.
Here was a producer in Shizuoka dedicated to expressing oolong tea through Japanese craftsmanship.
We were curious—not because it was unusual, but because it represented another expression of what Japanese tea could become.
Sometimes the most interesting discoveries begin with quiet curiosity.
Tasting the Teas
When the teas arrived, we approached them without expectations.
We simply wanted to understand what Mr. Uno had hoped to share.
Special Qing Xin Oolong made an immediate impression with its distinctive personality and depth.
It was easy to understand why he had chosen it as the first recommendation.
As we continued tasting, however, another tea quietly stayed with us.
Minamisayaka revealed an elegant floral aroma and a gentle balance that became more memorable with every cup.
That became our personal favourite.
This is not a judgement of which tea is "better."
It is simply the experience we had, and one of the reasons we believe tasting tea is always deeply personal.
Why We Are Introducing Uno Tea Farm
Kazuna Kyoto exists to build bridges between Japanese tea producers and tea drinkers around the world.
Every producer featured in this journal is someone we have personally contacted.
Every tea has been selected through genuine conversation and personal tasting.
We believe those relationships matter.
Our introduction to Uno Tea Farm began with a single email.
Today, it marks the first chapter of a journey we hope will continue for many years.
About Kazuna Kyoto
Kazuna Kyoto introduces Japanese tea through the people who grow it.
Our mission is not simply to present products.
It is to preserve stories, celebrate craftsmanship, and create lasting relationships between tea producers in Japan and tea lovers across the world.
Every article in the Meet the Tea Farmer series is based on real conversations, real experiences, and real appreciation.
Continue the Journey
Every producer has a different philosophy.
Every tea tells a different story.
Our conversation with Mr. Uno was only the beginning.
We look forward to sharing the next chapter of this journey with you.
Coming Soon
- Featured Tea｜Special Uno Oolong – Qing Xin Oolong
- Featured Tea｜Minamisayaka
- Brewing Guide｜Japanese Oolong Tea
- Tea Region｜Shizuoka
- Tea Culture｜Japanese Oolong Tea
