Tea production area: Rikuzentakata City and Ofunato City
Brand name of tea: Kesen tea 
Types of tea: Sencha (medium steamed green tea)

History of Kesen tea
Since the Edo period, tea has been cultivated and made in the Kesen district where Rikuzentakata City and Ofunato City are located.
The Kesen district is a relatively warm area in the Tohoku region, because it located along the sea where warm ocean currents flow, and it snows only a few times a year. Thus, tea can be cultivated in the district.

Tea fields in Rikuzentakata City (June 2019)
Photo provided by JA Ofunato https://www.jaiwate.or.jp/ofunato/

Kesen tea, JA Oofunato

A volunteer group “Hokugen no cha wo mamoru Kesencha no kai” (an association preserving Kesen tea in the northernmost location growth limit for tea cultivation) was organized in 2012. Since then, staff members of JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) Ofunato and members of the group have taken initiative and to manage several dozen tea farmers’ fields.
Tea plants had been left uncovered of materials for protection against cold. Some leaves died with the cold and the leaves were cut. Consequently, new buds produce in the spring. Tea leaves are plucked between the end of May and the beginning of June.

Tea fields in Rikuzentakata City (June 2019)
Photo provided by JA Ofunato https://www.jaiwate.or.jp/ofunato/

Although production volume is only around one ton, JA Ofunato produces and sells Kesen tea and Kesen tea dressings. Kesen tea has a floral flavor with a mild bitterness.

Kesen tea and Kesen tea dressing

Related article on the site:
Tea related facility:
Yuru-Chara (mascot character) related tea:
Ceramic and pottery art: Tsugarukanayama ware

Reference: 
松下智 (平成3年) 日本名茶紀行 (初版) 雄山閣出版
北限の茶を守る気仙茶の会
JAおおふなと JAおおふなとを味わう
https://www.jaiwate.or.jp