In 8-9 century, Japanese monks studying abroad or Japanese envoys to the Tang Pynasty brought the seed of “cha” (This pronunciation came from the region ,facing the Taiwan Strait in Southern China and were spread over the eastward.)and the way of growing it to Japan.
However, only upper-class people drank it because tea was very precious things at that time.
In Kamakura era, Eisai(Yosai) who was a Japanese monk, visited Chine(So era), and brought the seed of “cha”to Japan.
He also endeavored to familiarize tea and the way of drinking it. It brought culture.
In Edo era, tea growth came to be recommended everywhere, andto drink tea opened to a commoner.