Agriculture in Shizuoka

Blessed by Nature

Geographical location and a mild climate have blessed Shizuoka with rich resources in agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. The prefecture accounts for 1.2% of Japan’s GDP in these areas and ranks twelfth in agricultural output, eighth in forestry products, and seventh in fishery production. Shizuoka ranks first in Japan in products such as green tea, mandarin oranges, “wasabi” horseradish, bonito, mackerel, yellowfin tuna, and cherry-colored shrimp. Shizuoka's location, almost exactly in the middle of the country, allows for easy distribution of these products across Japan. Other major products include baby sardines, spider crabs, and eels, and the marine processing industry has recently been focusing on deep-sea water drawn from Suruga Bay.

Shizuoka’s mild climate is ideal for fruit production.

The Kingdom of Green Tea

A Tradition Dating to the Thirteenth Century

Shizuoka Prefecture accounts for more than 40% of national green tea production and 60% of its distribution. Amid growing interest worldwide in the health benefits of green tea due to its high catechin and vitamin content, Shizuoka is proud of being known as “The Kingdom of Green Tea.” Green tea production dates back to the thirteenth century, when the beverage was introduced to Japan, and encompasses all types of green tea as well as tea-flavored food products that are increasingly popular with consumers. Total tea output in Shizuoka is worth over 70 billion yen annually.

Largest producer of green tea in Japan

A Garden of Delicious Fruits

Leading Producer of "Mikan" Tangerines in Japan

Shizuoka’s mild climate makes it ideal for fruit production. Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan's top producer of “mikan,” which are known in the West as mandarin oranges, clementines, tangerines, and satsumas. Several varieties of mikan are grown in Shizuoka, enabling the connoisseur to enjoy the fruit at its peak at different times of the year. Other mikan products such as juice are also highly popular. Shizuoka also ranks fourth in Japan in the production of hothouse melons and fifth in strawberries, including the large, sweet “Akihime” variety and the new “Benihoppe” variety, which are packed with vitamin C.

Sweet and easy-to-peel “Unshu Mikan” oranges

The Green Delights of Wasabi

Bringing a Japanese Specialty to the World

Wasabi, or green Japanese horseradish, has been cultivated in Shizuoka for over 400 years, thriving in the clear, pure water that is a feature of the prefecture. As sushi consumption has spread around the world, so has the popularity of wasabi. Shizuoka is the largest producer of wasabi in Japan, accounting for over half of the total market. Wasabi's potential medicinal value, which includes antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-thrombosis properties, has also contributed to its popularity, along with that of derivative products ranging from rice crackers to salty snacks and ice cream.

An essential item for sushi and sashimi

A Bounty of Fresh Seafood

A Wide Variety of Seasonal Catches

Shizuoka ranks seventh overall in fisheries production in Japan, but leads in a number of favorites. Shizuoka is tops in catches of bonito (skipjack tuna), mackerel, yellow-fin tuna, and cherry-colored shrimp, with Yaizu and Shimizu among the country's leading fishing ports. It also holds the top spot in farmed rainbow trout and jack mackerel and is in the top five for fishing of sardines, spiny lobsters, southern bluefin, bigeye, and albacore tuna.

Cherry-colored shrimp, Shizuoka’s local specialty