In short: Nishi Tea Factory is a green tea estate in Izumo, Japan, operated by Nishi Tea Factory Co., Ltd. and holding Ethical Tea Partnership certification.
Nishi Tea Factory is a green tea production facility in Izumo, a historic region in Shimane Prefecture on Japan's San'in coast. The estate is operated by Nishi Tea Factory Co., Ltd. and sits at 13 metres above sea level, positioning it among the low-altitude coastal tea producers of western Honshu. The factory holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, though no public record of its buyer list is currently available.
Terroir & Climate
At 13 metres above sea level, Nishi Tea Factory occupies low-lying terrain close to the Sea of Japan, where the maritime climate of Izumo moderates temperature extremes. Estates at this latitude and elevation typically experience a temperate growing season with sufficient rainfall distributed throughout the year, conditions that generally support steady vegetative growth. The proximity to the coast often brings moderating sea breezes and humidity, factors that can influence the pace of the spring flush and the character of the leaf.
Low-altitude sites in this part of Japan tend to see earlier bud break than high-mountain estates, and the gentler temperature swings can encourage a different balance of amino acids and catechins in the fresh leaf. The Izumo region lies outside the main tea-producing belt of Shizuoka or Kagoshima, and smaller-scale production here often reflects local cultivation traditions and processing expertise. The interplay of coastal climate and modest elevation generally shapes a growing environment distinct from the more widely known highland or volcanic tea zones further south.
Tea Produced
Nishi Tea Factory produces green tea, the dominant category in Japan's domestic and export markets. Estates at low elevations in coastal Shimane Prefecture typically yield a cup character that balances vegetal freshness with a smooth, approachable body, though the precise style depends heavily on cultivar selection, shading practices, and steaming duration during processing. Green teas from smaller regional factories often showcase local terroir and craft, with flavour profiles that may range from grassy and marine-inflected to subtly sweet and umami-forward, depending on the intended grade and market.
Operator
The estate is operated by Nishi Tea Factory Co., Ltd., a company that appears to focus its activities on this single site; no sibling estates are recorded in the directory. This structure is common among Japan's smaller regional tea processors, where family-owned or tightly held companies maintain direct oversight of cultivation, manufacture, and quality control under one roof.
Certifications & Ethics
Nishi Tea Factory holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an international membership organisation that works to improve social, environmental, and economic conditions in tea-producing regions. For buyers, ETP certification signals that the estate has committed to the partnership's standards on labour rights, pesticide management, and continuous improvement, with progress monitored through self-assessment and, in many cases, independent verification. For workers, ETP membership typically entails access to grievance mechanisms, training on health and safety, and a framework for dialogue on working conditions.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Nishi Tea Factory lies at 35.3701, 132.8066 in Izumo, Japan. Its 13 m elevation is the 9th highest of 11 estates we map in Japan. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Shogyoken Seicha Co Ltd — 278 km away · 54 Kusauchi Miyanogo Kyotanabeshi
- Hadong Tea Factory — 314 km away · Ulju-gun
- Aiya Co., Ltd. — 396 km away · Nisho
- Ocha No Kajihara — 402 km away · Kumamoto
- Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Llc — 446 km away · Soo-Shi
Observed Climate at Nishi Tea Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Nishi Tea Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,769 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was August (258 mm) and the driest was November (77 mm). Daytime highs averaged 19.7 °C and overnight lows 13.2 °C over the year; July was the warmest month and February the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,769 mm |
| Wettest month | August (258 mm) |
| Driest month | November (77 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 19.7 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.2 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nishi Tea Factory located?
Nishi Tea Factory is in Izumo, Japan, at coordinates 35.3701, 132.8066, at an elevation of about 13 metres.
Who operates Nishi Tea Factory?
Nishi Tea Factory is operated by Nishi Tea Factory Co., Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Nishi Tea Factory produce?
Nishi Tea Factory is recorded as producing green tea.
What certifications does Nishi Tea Factory hold?
Nishi Tea Factory is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Nishi Tea Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,769 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in August (258 mm).
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].
