Ryotaro Nakakubo

At my specialty tea studio, I hope a single cup of tea can transform an ordinary moment into something a little more special. Here in Minamiyamashiro—an Uji tea village tucked between pristine mountains and clear rivers—I craft teas not only for their rich flavor and aroma, but also to bring a sense of calm and warmth to those who drink them.

To me, tea is a drink of freedom. It engages all five senses: the shape of the leaves, the brilliant color of the liquor, the rising fragrance, the texture on the palate, and the lingering finish. Every cup can be enjoyed in countless ways—through your choice of teaware, the strength you prefer, or the perfect temperature that suits your taste. Yet, despite all this freedom, my commitment to the leaf never changes. I cultivate each tea with care to draw out its natural fragrance, sweetness, and unique character.

Every harvest is shaped by the seasons and weather, meaning no two years are ever the same. Instead of trying to replicate the past, I focus on elevating my craft each year, bringing out the true personality of each leaf. This approach has grown from more than a century of family tradition here in Minamiyamashiro. From soil selection to cultivation, every practice has been passed down from parent to child, and I continue that legacy with my own hands.

Beyond production, I’m passionate about creating a community around tea. I host workshops, tea-picking experiences, and hands-on tea-making sessions where people can gather, learn, and enjoy tea in their own way. These shared moments blend tradition, craft, and connection—something I deeply value.

At the heart of everything are the tea fields themselves. I walk them with care and tend to them like family. These fields make it possible for me to craft teas that refresh not only the body, but also the heart—offering a moment of stillness, warmth, and quiet beauty in every cup.