Ureshino’s Great Tea Tree (Ureshino no Ō‑Chanoki / 嬉野の大チャノキ)

Overview

Nestled in the tea-growing landscape around Ureshino in Saga Prefecture, the “Great Tea Tree” is a single, tree‑like Camellia sinensis that reads like a living monument amid clipped rows of tea bushes. From a few metres back you first notice its broad, low canopy; close up the trunk is ribbed and mottled, the bark giving off a faint, dry-wood scent when brushed. On a still morning, the leaves make a papery rustle rather than the thin whisper of new shoots in younger fields.

History and Background

Local accounts treat the tree as venerable and connected to the region’s long tea culture; it is often cited in guides and by residents as older than surrounding cultivated bushes (said to be centuries old — Unverified). Ureshino itself is known for tea and hot springs, and the tree functions as a tactile reminder of pre‑industrial tea landscapes: rather than being a low, clipped hedge for ease of harvest, it has kept a tree form that hints at earlier planting and pruning practices. Documentary details about exact planting date or formal protections are Unverified.

What Makes it Unique

What distinguishes this specimen is its scale and presence. Where commercial tea rows form geometric bands, this plant throws a broad, uneven canopy and creates cool shade pockets carpeted with moss. Rub a leaf and you’ll notice a green, slightly astringent aroma — not the steamed sweetness of teahouse samples but the raw scent of the plant. In spring the new shoots are a bright chartreuse against older, darker foliage; in winter the trunk’s gnarled silhouette reads like a weathered sculpture. Compared with the orderly fields of Shizuoka or Uji, this tree feels arboreal and solitary — a single living archive amidst modern cultivation.

Tips for Enjoyment

• Time visits for early morning light and lingering dew; the canopy takes on depth and the smell of crushed leaves is more distinct.
• Photograph from a low angle to show trunk texture against the canopy; include adjacent tea rows for scale.
• Do not pick leaves or climb the tree. Treat it as private/agricultural land unless signage states otherwise.
• Pair the visit with sampling a cup of Ureshino tea in town; the local teahouses often brew styles that highlight the region’s softness (Unverified — check menus locally).
• Access specifics (parking, bus routes, opening hours) change by season: confirm with Ureshino tourist information before travelling (Unverified).

Nearby Spots

• Ureshino Onsen: hot‑spring baths and public footbaths — the mineral steam gives a contrasting mineral scent to the tea’s green aroma.
• Local teahouses and shops selling Ureshino tea; ask for fresh sencha or local preparations (Unverified).
• Yutoku Inari Shrine and Takeo Onsen are commonly combined on day trips around Saga (Unverified for exact routing).

FAQ

Q: How old is the Great Tea Tree? A: Local tradition places it at several centuries in age — precise dating is Unverified.

Q: Can I touch or pick leaves? A: Touching gently to photograph is usually tolerated, but do not pick leaves or damage the tree.

Q: Is there an entrance fee? A: The tree is outdoors; any fee or restrictions are Unverified. Check local signage or the tourist office.

Q: Best season to visit? A: Spring (April–May) shows fresh shoots; early morning offers dew and softer light. Winter reveals trunk form.

Q: Are guided tours available? A: Some local farms and tourism groups offer tea‑farm experiences in Ureshino (Unverified). Contact the Ureshino tourist information centre for current options.