Yame is a small city (pop ~42,000) in southern Fukuoka whose Fukushima district, with its specially designed layout, is a subject of much historical interest. Lining the streets are traditional mud-walled folk houses that have survived since the Edo era. In 2002, Fukushima was designated a district for national heritage preservation.

To the east of Fukushima, visitors will discover expanses of green tea farms. This is the production area of the world famous Yame-cha (Yame Tea). Every year, harvesting begins from about the middle of April for sencha (middle-grade green tea), and in May for gyokuro (high-grade green tea). A fresh, distinct aroma, too, begins to lift from all the tea factories in the area. Green tea contains vitamin C, antioxidants and a wide range of other healthy compounds. Those ingredients and the aroma itself relieve stress and enable relaxation. Yame-cha in particular has a rich aroma, sweet flavoring and balanced astringency that make it highly prized among green tea aficionados.

Why not take a break from the city’s frantic pace and stroll traditional streets of the past? The hours move more slowly in Yame, where any time is a good time to vist.

■ Access: 4km from the Yame interchange on the Kyushu expressway
■ Special Event: The ACROS Fukuoka Art & Craft Gallery (2F) will host a traditional pottery display with goods from Yame from Jan 21st to the 24th.
■ Japanese classes in Yame from Yo’ora Hanasou

Every Mon, 2nd & 4th Thurs, 10:00~11:30; 100 yen

Contact: yoorahanasou@gmail.com

この福島地区から、東へゆくと広大な茶畑がひろがっています。ここは世に知られた「八女茶」の産地です。毎年４月下旬から煎茶の、５月になると玉露の摘み取りが始まり、地元の製茶工場では新茶の芳しい香りが立ちこめます。ビタミンＣや体の酸化を防ぐミネラル分が豊富に含まれている緑茶。香りと成分はストレス解消やリラックス効果があります。特に八女茶は香り豊かで甘味と渋みがほどよく調和していて、高級茶として評価されています。

あわただしい都会の喧噪を離れて、伝統的な町並みを眺め、ゆっくりとした時間の流れを感じることができる八女は、いつ訪れてもほっとする街です。

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九州自動車道・八女インターより約４Ｋｍ

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2010年1/21（木）～1/24（日）
アクロス福岡匠ギャラリーでは「茶のくに八女・奥八女」八女の伝統工芸品展を開催します。