Inside the Mission of Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea
- Lorela Lohan
- May 13
- 6 min read
Marjolein on exploring Nagasaki’s emerging tea landscape and connecting global audiences to its stories, one cup of great tea at a time.
This interview is available in English.
1. Can you share the story of how you first became interested in tea and what led you to pursue a career in the tea industry?
I grew up in different countries, including India and Zimbabwe, where tea was always part of our daily life and a way to connect with others. My appreciation for tea deepened after my first trip to Japan in 2011, where I was struck by the ritualistic brewing, the attention to detail, and the mindfulness inherent in Japanese tea culture.
Throughout my twenties, I often travelled to London, where I began to truly explore the world of tea. I was especially influenced by Tea Smith, a now-closed but remarkable old tea shop, and later by Mei Leaf—an influential source of authentic Chinese loose leaf tea and tea education in the UK and beyond.
I continued my tea education at the Dutch Tea Academy (International Tea & Coffee Academy - ITC Academy) and participated in the 2016 Dutch Tea Festivals in Utrecht. In 2018, I interned at Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, travelled through South Korea, China, Sri Lanka, and the UK, and volunteered on tea-growing projects such as the Windy Hollow Farm in Scotland, led by Monica Griesbaum.
2. What motivated you to join the Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea project, and how did that opportunity come about?
In 2016, the ITC Academy co-hosted an event together with the Japanese Tea Export Promotion Council in the Netherlands. That is when I met Yasuharu Matsumoto, a visionary tea figure when it comes to tea. He was part of the assisting team for this program; he told me about Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, which he co-founded and that they accept international interns.
That's how I became an intern at Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms in 2018, and I visited Higashi Sonogi. During my visit to the area, I stayed with local tea farmers through the Green Tea Homestay program. The town welcomed me with open arms; I had even met the mayor and was featured in the local newspaper. That experience left a strong impression on me.
When the borders reopened, it felt completely natural to join Ikedoki Tea in person as General Manager. The connection had already been made, and the project aligned with everything I care about: meaningful tea experiences, international exchange, and revitalising rural tea communities through tourism and storytelling.
3. Could you describe the mission and core values of Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea?
We aim to uplift tea producers in Nagasaki Prefecture and stimulate tea tourism that raises awareness of the region’s incredible tea culture.
Ikedoki Tea acts as a bridge, connecting tea drinkers with the fields, the producers, and the journey from leaf to cup. We promote the diverse teas of Nagasaki through our online shop and host immersive tea tours in the beautiful Sonogi region, where visitors can explore the fields, visit tea factories, learn local history, and, of course, taste a range of regional teas.
Our mission at Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea is simple but powerful: “Share a peaceful world through Japanese tea!”
4. How does Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea collaborate with local tea farmers and the community to promote regional teas?
We currently collaborate with six local farmers, each with their unique approach to tea-making. While two of them follow natural or organic farming practices, what unites them all is a deep commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Many of these farmers create their fertiliser blends, often using original recipes passed down through generations. Several are third- or fourth-generation growers, bringing both tradition and innovation to their tea cultivation.
Our collaborations often begin by simply tasting a farmer's tea. From there, we build relationships focused on promoting and raising awareness of their products through both retail and experiential platforms.
5. Can you tell us about the tea tourism experiences offered by Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea and what visitors can expect?
At Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea, we curate immersive tea experiences that allow visitors to explore the deep roots of Japanese tea in one of its most historically rich regions. Our tours are designed to accommodate different interests and time frames—from 2-hour introductions to full-day explorations.
Our scheduled tea tour is a 4-hour journey through the Sonogi region, where guests can wander rolling tea fields overlooking Omura Bay, visit a tea factory, and experience hands-on tea tasting sessions. Visitors learn to brew Nagasaki’s signature tamaryokucha and even try whisking a traditional bowl of matcha. The landscape is stunning, the learning immersive, and the tea unforgettable.
For organised groups of 15 or more, we also offer a 2-hour tour. This includes a guided walk through scenic tea fields, insights into Japanese and Nagasaki tea history, and an interactive tasting session with local sweets.
One of our signature highlights is a visit to the over 350-year-old tea tree in Ureshino, thought to have been planted by Shinbei Yoshimura, the father of Ureshino tea. It's a powerful symbol of Japan’s living tea heritage and can be included in Custom Tea Tours. These bespoke experiences can also involve visits to the Ureshino Tea Museum or local pottery towns like Hasami, Mikawachi, and Arita.
We're flexible, too. For visitors with time constraints—like cruise ship guests docking at Nagasaki Port—we can tailor shorter versions of our tours to fit their schedules. We also offer cultural exchange opportunities and collaborate with local institutions, including the Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum, to host tea gatherings that blend history and hospitality.
6. What unique qualities do Nagasaki teas possess compared to other Japanese tea regions?
Nagasaki is a relatively lesser-known tea-producing region, yet it boasts distinct environmental advantages—cool nights, warm days, and thick morning fog—that naturally enhance leaf quality. Unlike the better-known neighbouring region of Ureshino, Nagasaki is still carving out its identity, with a strong focus on tamaryokucha (coiled green tea).
Tamaryokucha, also called “curly tea,” is the most commonly produced tea in Nagasaki and is recognised by its comma-shaped leaves. Compared to sencha, which is rolled into needle-like shapes, tamaryokucha has a rounder appearance and a softer, more mellow profile. This tea is also deeply steamed, resulting in rich umami flavours and making it excellent for cold brew. Kamairicha—pan-fired rather than steamed—is another local speciality, known for its toasty, low-astringency character.
In Higashi Sonogi specifically, tamaryokucha is known as Sonogi Cha.
Though once overlooked as part of the broader Ureshino label, the region established its own brand identity in 1987. Today, Sonogi Cha has earned recognition from prestigious competitions such as the Nihoncha Award (awarded by the Nihoncha Instructors Association) and the National Tea Competition (awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries -MAFF). The region is also actively supported by local government efforts, helping farmers innovate while preserving traditional techniques. Overall, Nagasaki teas stand out for their unique processing methods, deep umami flavours, and a strong sense of place, shaped by the land, sea, and people who cultivate them.
7. What challenges have you encountered in promoting Nagasaki teas internationally, and how have you addressed them?
Promoting Nagasaki teas internationally is rewarding but challenging. We’ve done three tea tours across Europe—participating in festivals and organising tastings—which have been met with enthusiasm. However, the workload is intense. At the moment, we are a two-person team, and we are handling several roles at once: marketing, social media, wholesale, tourism coordination, producer relations, and more. Tea is a world of constant motion, and it takes a toll, but the mission keeps us going.
8. What future initiatives or projects are in the pipeline for Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea to further its mission?
Our future lies in turning Higashi Sonogi into a hub for Nagasaki tea, where education, experience, and community converge. We're developing a sustainable tourism model that not only supports local producers but can also be adapted across Japan’s tea regions.
Upcoming initiatives include expanding our educational workshops both locally and online, collaborating with international tea ambassadors, and launching an online store dedicated to the diverse teas and stories of Nagasaki. We aim to offer meaningful access to the tea world—from field to cup—while preserving local heritage.
Inspired by the success of Obubu Tea Farm in Wazuka, we want to pioneer a replicable formula for regional tea tourism. By making farmers feel seen, valued, and celebrated, we hope to reignite interest in Japan’s declining tea industry. Through storytelling, partnerships, and hospitality, our mission is to connect people—locally and globally—through Japanese tea.
Photo credit: Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea website and Google search.
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