Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji)

Mii-dera Temple (Onjo-ji) holds a profound connection to the very dawn of Japanese tea culture. 🌿.∘

The monk who revitalized Mii-dera was among the first to bring tea back from Tang Dynasty China.

It is highly probable that tea was already being cultivated and consumed here more than 300 years before Eisai wrote "Kissa Yojoki" (the famous book detailing tea preparation and its benefits). This makes the area a cornerstone in the development of Shiga (Omi) as a major tea-producing region.

Even today, Uji tea often incorporates leaves sourced from this historic area, making it a must-visit spot for any tea lover.

We’ve touched on the deep bond between Zen and tea before, but there is something truly romantic about standing at the very birthplace of that tradition. ☺️💗