Ikeda Cha-en tea field in Nagasaki

Overview of Ikeda Cha-en

Hailing from Sonogi in Nagasaki, Ikeda Cha-en is a highly renowned brand in the production of green tea, particularly for its very rich history in green tea cultivation. The estate produces Tamaryokucha, a special deep-steamed green tea which retains its characteristic curly leaves. Tamaryokucha possesses a smooth and refined flavour because of the deeper steaming process that gives off a delicate floral and vegetal balance.

Ikeda Cha-en has grown synonymous with artisanal tea production, helmed by 4th generation owner of the family business, Ikeda Ryo. The focus at this estate is to grow teas in small batches using very traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. That itself depicts how much importance the company attaches to maintaining quality right from choosing hand-picked leaves of fine grade down to small-batch processing. This tea owes some credit in flavour profile to the Sonogi region that is geographically characterised by a very good mix of soil, climate, and elevation.

They cooperate very closely with the farmers with respect to quality leaf cultivation. Its teas are produced from practicing sustainable farming that is keener on environmental stewardship combined with local community empowerment.

Ikeda Cha-en is a member of Nagasaki Ikedoki Tea and the Forthees Company.

Tea plants from Ikeda Cha-en

Sustainability At Ikeda Cha-en

Concerned about sustainable agriculture, Ikeda Cha-en follows organic ways of cultivation that do not harm the environment or local communities. This estate ensures that all teas are chemical-free, with no application of synthetic pesticides or fertilisers to enable consumers to get a truly natural and authentic product.

Other environmentally friendly practices include mulching and composting for soil health, water and biodiversity conservation, which apply to ensure a healthy ecosystem within the environs of the tea garden.

Ikeda Cha-en would like to be the role model for other producers by showing that sustainability does not hurt quality. The estate takes care of building a brighter future in coexistence between people and nature, attending to environmental care and social responsibility.

Ikeda Cha-en Tamaryokucha

Tea Production at Ikeda Cha-en

Tea production is an art form at Ikeda Cha-en. Blending tradition with precision to create exceptional, high-quality teas, the estate follows meticulous, organic farming practices, ensuring that every step of the process. From cultivation to harvest, everything is done with care and respect for the environment.

Leaves are hand-plucked at their peak, ensuring only the freshest and finest leaves are selected. Ikeda Cha-en uses traditional, artisanal methods to process the leaves, which are then carefully shaped and dried to preserve their natural flavors and characteristics. This hands-on approach ensures that every batch of tea reflects the estate’s unique terroir, delivering a cup that is rich, aromatic, and full of depth.

The estate produces a range of teas, including green, black, and matcha, each crafted to highlight the natural qualities of the tea plant and the surrounding environment. With an emphasis on quality over quantity, Ikeda Cha-en’s small-batch production allows for the careful attention to detail necessary to create premium artisanal teas.

Ikeda-cha-en's Team

Ikeda Cha-en's Impact

Ikeda Cha-en is much more than a tea estate; it is one of community development and environmental stewardship. By committing to organic farming and traditional methods, this estate protects Japan's rich tea heritage while supporting sustainable agriculture.

It has always been the endeavour of Ikeda Cha-en to support local farmers and labourers by paying decent wages for good, steady work with prospects of learning new skills. These are the values at the forefront, which create a dynamic estate where people improve their lives in harmony with tradition.

The farming practice of Ikeda Cha-en has an environmentally restorative effect on the land: no harm to the ecosystem, with biodiversity encouraged and assurance of soil health for the next generation. These efforts contribute not only to the estate but also to the greater environment, resulting in a greener, healthier planet.

The circle is positive: it enables Ikeda Cha-en to treat labour with more respect, be kind to the environment, and maintain the traditions of an ancient art. Every cup consumed nurtures community and land.

Ikeda Cha-en tea field in the sun

Ikeda Cha-en's Future & Where We Come In

Ikeda Cha-en is dedicated to quality productions that reflect the depth and richness of Japan's many years of tea-growing heritage. As a family-run estate, their approach honours meticulous craftsmanship and a deep connection with the immediately surrounding environment. Production in small quantities allows Ikeda Cha-en to bring out the typical characteristics of the terroir, Sonogi, with every harvest.

Nagasaki is the historical entry point for when tea was first introduced to Japan from China back in the year 1191 by the Buddhist monk Eisai - the "Father of Tea". Fast-forward to today, tea production in Nagasaki accounts around 2% of Japan's tea production where tea such as tamaryokucha are lesser known globally and even domestically to Japan. It is of our opinion that more of the world should learn of the joy of Sonogicha - a vision shared by members of Ikeda Cha-en.

When choosing Ikeda Cha-en teas from Cha Dodo, customers help them pay homage to centuries of Japan's small-scale, heritage tea farming tradition and to further the goal of more people enjoying tea from Nagasaki.

Together we can celebrate and share the specialties of this remarkable producer with tea friends everywhere.

Buy Ikeda Cha-en's Teas