Shizuoka Prefecture will hold the World O-Cha (Tea) Festival 2007 from November 1 through 4, at the Shizuoka Convention and Arts Centre, to further increase awareness and popularity of the tea culture.

The festival is a celebration of not only green tea, but all varieties of tea, with exhibitors from Taiwan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, France, USA and, of course, Japan among the line up of countries showcasing their local tea products.

There will be plenty for visitors to do and see during the four day festival, with a full program of activities and events, including the World O-Cha Fair, O-Cha Time Tunnel, Tea Room with a New Sense, and Tea Party of the World’s Cultures.

Visitors will have the opportunity to sample and purchase tea products and sweets from around the world, source the latest information about tea health benefits, learn about the origin and history of tea and the tea drinking tradition, and experience new and original ways to enjoy green tea.  

Shizuoka Prefecture is Japan’s largest producer of green tea, and holds the World O-Cha Festival every three years.

Where:       Shizuoka Convention and Arts Centre ‘Granship’, Shizuoka City
When:         November 1 – 4, 2007
Admission:  Free (with the exception of the World Green Tea Conference and International
                  Conference on O-Cha Culture and Science)
Access:       Shizuoka is one hour from Tokyo and two hours from Osaka by bullet train.