Notice: Recruitment for the 2025 New Tea Harvesting Team
The season of shincha—freshly harvested spring tea—has arrived once again.
This is the most important and festive time of year for tea farmers, and we’re excited to welcome you to a hands-on event where you can fully immerse yourself in the world of Sera-grown Japanese tea.
This tea-picking event has been held every year since 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Back then, it was completely normal to see people wearing masks while picking tea—something that feels a bit strange now.
It was during those unusual times that we started this event, hoping to give people a chance to visit the countryside and feel refreshed.
That experience also taught us something vital:
“Questioning what is considered normal” is at the very heart of how we approach tea-making.
As we continue to work closely with nature and explore our own path in tea, this event has become a meaningful and essential part of our journey.
This year’s program offers a full tea learning experience, including:
Weeding the fields, tea leaf picking, factory tours, and freshly brewed 2025 shincha served by the farmer.
And for the first time, the event will go ahead even in rainy weather.
In case of rain, we’ll shorten the program and adjust the activities as described below. Please check the full details and join us if you’re interested!
■ Event Details
● Dates:
① Saturday, May 24
② Sunday, May 25
● Time:
・In fair weather: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (including a 30-minute lunch break)
・In case of rain: 10:00 AM – around 12:00 PM (shortened version)
Please note that partial attendance (arriving late or leaving early) is not permitted.
● Program:
If sunny:
・Weeding in the tea fields
・Tea leaf picking in the field
・Factory tour
・2025 Shincha tasting served by the farmer
If rainy:
・Tea field guided walk
・Factory tour
・2025 Shincha tasting
(Weeding and tea picking will not be conducted in rain)
● Participation Fee: Free (includes a gift of tea as a thank-you)
● Meeting Location:
3-2 Tsuguchi, Sera-cho, Sera-gun, Hiroshima
(In front of Tsukushi Community Center)
Search for “Tea Factory Gen” on Google Maps
Participants must be able to meet and leave on-site.
● Capacity:
Up to 10 groups per day
There is no age restriction, but if children are participating, please include their ages in your application.
■ What to Bring & What to Wear
● What to bring:
・Packed lunch (for the lunch break)
・Towel
(Cold tea will be provided)
● What to wear:
・Long sleeves and long pants (to prevent insect and tick bites)
・Hat and towel (for heatstroke prevention)
・Avoid perfumes or strong deodorants
・No sunscreen or hand cream on your hands, as tea is picked with bare hands
・To prevent ticks, we recommend applying insect repellent or peppermint oil to your neck, wrists, and ankles
■ How to Apply / Contact
Please email your application to hello@tea-factory-gen.com
We cannot respond to messages sent via Instagram DM.
Include the following information in your message:
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Preferred date (May 24 or May 25)
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Full names of all participants
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A phone number and email address we can use to contact you on the day
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Number of participants
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Your rain policy: Please state either “I will participate even if it rains” or “I will not participate if it rains”
The golden buds of spring color the tea fields in soft light, creating one of the most beautiful landscapes of the year.
With birdsong in the air, the sound of wind through the trees, and the fresh scent of new leaves, we invite you to take a deep breath and feel truly connected to nature.
Whether you come alone, with friends, or with family, we warmly welcome you.
We look forward to sharing this special experience with you. 🍵