A Taste of Makinohara

"Nestled southeast of Tokyo lies Shizuoka, a region renowned for its vast green tea fields and rich cultural heritage. Makinohara City stands out as a haven for green tea enthusiasts, offering a variety of products that capture the essence of this revered beverage. As a novice in the realm of green tea, I was given the opportunity to experience Makinohara's offerings and gain more of an appreciation for green tea in the form of various treats.

First, the Shizuoka Matcha Leaf Pie (静岡抹茶リーフパイ) left a lasting impression. Expecting a subtle sweetness, I was pleasantly surprised by the harmonious blend of sweetness and matcha's distinctive flavor. Shaped like the leaves plucked from the verdant tea plants, each bite of the flaky, crunchy pie was delicious, perfect for both aficionados and casual enjoyers alike.

Equally delightful was the Shizuoka Matcha Mitsu (静岡抹茶みつ), a versatile condiment that can enhance the flavor of a variety of treats. I wanted to sample this with a variety of desserts, so I drizzled it over vanilla ice cream and a waffle, and the distinctive matcha flavor mixed with the sweetness of syrup proved to be a pleasant addition. It would definitely pair well in a latte or a variety of other drinks as well.

Of course, no exploration of green tea would be complete without indulging in its purest form. Despite my lack of experience with matcha, I enjoyed the rich flavor of the Shizuoka Makinohara Sencha (静岡牧之原煎茶). I prepared it the way that the packaging suggested: in boiling water for 30 seconds. Even though the tea was delicious on its own, I added some of the Matcha Mitsu to indulge in a pleasant, hot tea with a touch of sweetness.

Beyond its culinary delights, Makinohara also has a reputation for sun-kissed beaches and dancing waves that are popular for those who want to relax by the ocean or adventurers who want to catch a wave. If you prefer not to get dirty with the sand, Shizunami Beach's surf stadium also offers a variety of courses for beginners and experienced wave-riders alike. Along with Shizuoka’s culture, there's no shortage of experiences to savor.

As I enjoy the green tea treats, I find myself motivated to add Makinohara to my near future travels to see with my own eyes the experiences it has to offer, and finally find an opportunity to try surfing! 

This post is supported by Makinohara City, one of City-Cost's Supporters helping City-Cost bloggers to enjoy life in Japan and engage in new experiences.