I’ve been back home from Japan for a month now, after spending three incredible months there from April to July. Why did I live in Japan for three months? I was interning at a tea farm called Obubu Tea Farm. In this post, I’ll share my experiences, including how I liked it, and what I did.
So, how did I like interning and living on a farm in rural Japan? The short answer is that I loved it. The long answer is that it was an amazing experience. I learned so much about Japan and Japanese tea, and I truly discovered the beauty of the country. I learned a lot about myself in ways I never expected.
Being immersed in the daily flow of farm life taught me the value of patience, hard work, and the simple joys of life. I found a deep appreciation for the Japanese way of life, where tradition and modern coexist harmoniously.
Living in such a serene and remote environment allowed me time to reflect, pushing me out of my comfort zone and allowing me to grow personally. I gained a newfound respect for the effort that goes into producing something as simple, yet complex, as a cup of tea. This experience not only broadened my understanding of Japanese culture but also helped me discover a new side of myself one that is more resilient, mindful, and appreciative of life.
At the farm, I worked both in the tea fields and in the tea factory, and I also led tea tours. In the fields, I harvested tea, weeded the tea plants, and helped shade them. In the factory, gaining hands-on experience with the intricate steps that turn fresh leaves into the beautiful tea we drink. During the tea tours, I had the chance to talk to people about tea and share my newfound knowledge, which deepened my own understanding and passion. As I spent time in Japan, I fell deeper in love with tea. I discovered the incredible depth of tea flavors and learned how every step in the process, from how the tea plant is grown to how it’s processed, can influence the final flavor and mouthfeel. It was fascinating to experience firsthand how a tea can be sweet, rich, and astringent, depending on how it’s care for in the fields and handled in the factory.
My time in Japan was amazing, and it growed my appreciation for the art and science of tea making. The experience left an permanent mark on me, and I will carry the memories and lessons from Japan and Obubu with me forever. – Jordan
Click on the picture to be linked to other ways to follow me:
