Takachiho Unkai Oolong

Called the "Land of the Gods" due to its central role in Japanese mythology, Takachiho is known mostly for its spiritual significance and dramatic waterfalls and gorges. In the tea world, Takachiho and its neighbouring villages of Gokase and Hinokage are known as the top producers of kamairicha. Introduced to this region from China in the 1300s, the once-common pan-firing technique of producing green tea has been perfected and preserved in this region. Today, kamairicha makes up less that 0.5% of Japanese tea. The mountainous terrain, wide temperature fluctuations between day and night, and abundant fog make the region ideal for growing high-quality tea.

Meaning 'Sea of Clouds' (雲海), Unkai was developed specifically for producing kamairicha, and was registered by the Miyazaki Agricultural Research Institute in 1970. It is a cross between the Takachiho cultivar (selected from Miyazaki zairai) and an cultivar named F1-9-4-48, which in turn descends from a cross between an assamica variety and a selection from the Caucasus. The plant resulting from this international pedigree is hardy and well-yielding, but most importantly produces an excellent kamairicha with a unique and interesting aroma.