Bancha Harvest in Kyotanabe

We visited Kyotanabe to observe the bancha harvest in action. In this region, farmers use a three-person harvesting machine: two people support the equipment from both sides of the field, carefully adjusting the cutting height, while the third person catches the freshly cut leaves in a large bag. Once the bag fills up, carrying it to the truck becomes another task of its own — a reminder of how much physical effort and teamwork are behind every batch of tea. Witnessing this process deepened our appreciation for the labor and precision that support Japan’s everyday teas.