In short: Kobayashi Aracha Factory is a green tea processing facility in Kikugawa, Japan, operated by Marumatsu Tea Co. Ltd. and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Kobayashi Aracha Factory is a green tea processing facility located in Kikugawa, in the Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan. The factory is operated by Marumatsu Tea Co. Ltd. As an aracha facility, it produces semi-processed green tea, typically the first-stage product that undergoes further refinement before final sale. No buyers are currently recorded in available trade data.
Terroir & Climate
Kikugawa lies in the coastal plain of Shizuoka Prefecture, and at 29 metres above sea level, Kobayashi operates at a notably low elevation compared to many Japanese tea-growing regions. Facilities at this altitude typically benefit from milder winter temperatures and an extended growing season, though the lower elevation generally means less dramatic diurnal temperature variation than is found in mountain estates. The proximity to the Pacific coast tends to moderate temperature extremes and can contribute to higher humidity levels during the growing months.
At this latitude, approximately 35° north, the seasonal cycle is pronounced, with active growth concentrated in the warmer months between late spring and early autumn. Lowland sites in this region often produce leaf that flushes earlier than higher-altitude gardens, allowing processors to bring first-flush teas to market ahead of mountain competitors. The warmer growing conditions typical of low-lying Shizuoka locations tend to encourage faster leaf development, which can influence both yield and the balance of amino acids and catechins in the harvested material.
Tea Produced
Kobayashi processes green tea, the dominant category across Japan's tea industry. Aracha produced in the Kikugawa area typically serves as the base material for a range of finished styles, from sencha to fukamushicha, depending on the specifications of the refining houses that purchase it. Teas from lowland Shizuoka estates often display a balance of sweetness and moderate astringency, with a fresh, grassy character; the exact cup profile depends heavily on cultivar, shading regime, and processing parameters, none of which are specified in available records. Kikugawa's reputation centres on reliable, mid-market green tea production rather than the premium, high-altitude or heavily shaded lots that command the highest prices.
Operator
The facility is operated by Marumatsu Tea Co. Ltd., a Japanese tea company. No other estates operated by Marumatsu are currently recorded in this directory.
Certifications & Ethics
Kobayashi Aracha Factory holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an international membership organisation that works to improve working conditions and environmental practices across tea supply chains. ETP certification indicates that the facility has undergone audit against standards covering labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship, offering buyers a degree of assurance regarding working conditions and compliance with responsible sourcing criteria.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Kobayashi Aracha Factory lies at 34.7630, 138.0684 in Kikugawa, Japan. Its 29 m elevation is the 6th highest of 11 estates we map in Japan. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Marumatsu Tea Co., Ltd. — under 1 km away · Shizuoka
- Sasaki Green Tea Company — 2.5 km away · 350 Kamiuchida Kakegawa City
- Aiya Co., Ltd. — 87 km away · Nisho
- Yame Tea Kumaen — 171 km away · Tokyo
- Shogyoken Seicha Co Ltd — 208 km away · 54 Kusauchi Miyanogo Kyotanabeshi
Observed Climate at Kobayashi Aracha Factory (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Kobayashi Aracha Factory’s coordinates recorded 1,920 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (358 mm) and the driest was February (27 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.0 °C and overnight lows 12.5 °C over the year; August was the warmest month and February the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,920 mm |
| Wettest month | May (358 mm) |
| Driest month | February (27 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.0 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 12.5 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Kobayashi Aracha Factory located?
Kobayashi Aracha Factory is in Kikugawa, Japan, at coordinates 34.7630, 138.0684, at an elevation of about 29 metres.
Who operates Kobayashi Aracha Factory?
Kobayashi Aracha Factory is operated by Marumatsu Tea Co. Ltd., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Kobayashi Aracha Factory produce?
Kobayashi Aracha Factory is recorded as producing green tea.
What certifications does Kobayashi Aracha Factory hold?
Kobayashi Aracha Factory is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Kobayashi Aracha Factory receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,920 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (358 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].
