In short: Wakohen Inc. is a tea estate in Shibushi-Shi, Japan, operating at 57 metres elevation and holding Ethical Tea Partnership certification.
Wakohen Inc. is a tea estate located in Shibushi-Shi, in the Kagoshima Prefecture of southern Japan. The estate operates at an elevation of 57 metres and is run by Wakohen Inc. itself. The estate produces green tea, consistent with Japan's near-exclusive focus on this category.
Terroir & Climate
At 57 metres above sea level, Wakohen Inc. is situated in the coastal lowlands of Kyushu's eastern Osumi Peninsula. Estates at this low elevation in southern Japan typically experience a warm, humid subtropical climate with ample rainfall distributed throughout the year. The latitude of approximately 31°N places Shibushi-Shi in one of Japan's southernmost tea-growing regions, where the growing season generally begins earlier than in more northerly districts such as Shizuoka or Saitama.
Low-altitude estates in this region tend to benefit from milder winters and the moderating influence of proximity to the Pacific Ocean, though they may also face higher pest pressure and more vigorous vegetative growth than their high-elevation counterparts. The warm, moist conditions typical of coastal Kagoshima generally favour rapid spring flush development, and the volcanic soils common to southern Kyushu often contribute good drainage and mineral availability.
Tea Produced
Wakohen Inc. produces green tea, the dominant category in Japanese production. Estates in the Shibushi-Shi area, positioned in the warm coastal lowlands of Kagoshima, typically yield teas with a pronounced umami character and a relatively bold, full-bodied profile when processed as sencha or steamed green styles. The early-season warmth common to low-elevation sites in southern Kyushu can result in teas with less astringency and a rounder, sweeter cup than those from cooler, higher zones. However, the specific cultivars and processing methods employed by Wakohen Inc. are not recorded, so the precise flavour profile remains a matter of inference from regional norms.
Operator
Wakohen Inc. operates the estate directly. No additional estates operated by Wakohen Inc. are recorded in this directory, suggesting a single-site or tightly focused operation.
Certifications & Ethics
Wakohen Inc. holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, an industry body that conducts independent monitoring of labour and environmental standards across tea supply chains. For buyers, this certification offers assurance that the estate has undergone assessment against the ETP's code, which addresses working conditions, wages, health and safety, and responsible agrochemical use. For workers, it signals a commitment to baseline protections and the presence of third-party oversight, though the practical impact depends on the rigour of ongoing audits and remediation.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Wakohen Inc. lies at 31.4815, 131.0285 in Shibushi-Shi, Japan. Its 57 m elevation is the 3rd highest of 11 estates we map in Japan. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Atelier Sueyoshi Seicha Llc — 18 km away · Soo-Shi
- Tokkoen Co. Ltd. — 48 km away · Kagoshima-City
- Ocha No Kajihara — 97 km away · Kumamoto
- Hannam Tea Estate — 456 km away · Seogwipo-si
- Nishi Tea Factory — 463 km away · Izumo
Observed Climate at Wakohen Inc. (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Wakohen Inc.’s coordinates recorded 1,963 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was May (386 mm) and the driest was January (41 mm). Daytime highs averaged 21.9 °C and overnight lows 13.7 °C over the year; August was the warmest month and February the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 1,963 mm |
| Wettest month | May (386 mm) |
| Driest month | January (41 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 21.9 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 13.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wakohen Inc. located?
Wakohen Inc. is in Shibushi-Shi, Japan, at coordinates 31.4815, 131.0285, at an elevation of about 57 metres.
Who operates Wakohen Inc.?
Wakohen Inc. is operated by Wakohen Inc., according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Wakohen Inc. produce?
Wakohen Inc. is recorded as producing green tea.
What certifications does Wakohen Inc. hold?
Wakohen Inc. is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Wakohen Inc. receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 1,963 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in May (386 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].
