The facility is specifically located in the Haruyama area, a region known for its historic tea plantations.
It is managed under the Kago-Greent umbrella, which focuses on sustainable rural-urban tourism.
The center serves as an anchor for the surrounding agricultural community, facilitating direct sales of local produce.
It was developed to mitigate the decline of rural industry by creating a venue for 'green tourism' experiences.
Urban and Rural Exchange Center Ochanosato is a regional hub dedicated to the promotion of local Kagoshima tea culture and sustainable agriculture. The facility acts as a community center, offering hands-on experiences related to tea production and rural life in the Haruyama district. It features educational spaces where visitors can learn about the history of tea cultivation in the region. The site promotes interaction between urban residents and local farmers to preserve rural traditions. It includes communal garden spaces and event areas designed for agricultural workshops. The center serves as a showcase for high-quality local tea products sourced directly from surrounding fields.
The raised viewing areas overlooking the geometric patterns of the adjacent tea plantations.
Check the local events calendar beforehand as the center frequently hosts seasonal agricultural workshops.
Plan to sample multiple varieties of tea, as the center highlights specific regional harvests.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby tea fields for a better understanding of the local landscape.
Do not wander into private tea fields without permission, as they are active working farms.
Closed on Mondays or the following day if a national holiday falls on a Monday.
