Shizuoka: Japanese Tea Tour with Tasting and Tea Making

Discovering Japan’s Tea Heartland: Shizuoka’s Japanese Tea Tour with Tasting and Making

This Japanese tea tour in Shizuoka offers more than just a quick sip of green tea; it’s a full-immersion experience into the world of Japan’s most cherished beverage. For $470 per person, you’ll spend a day wandering through tea fields, learning from local farmers, and mastering the craft of tea preparation. The tour includes teas of all kinds—sencha, gyokuro, houjicha, and matcha—plus hands-on activities like blending your own tea and making traditional Japanese confections.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the chance to see the beautiful terraced tea gardens that spill down rolling hills in Shizuoka’s Shuchi County. Second, the opportunity to participate directly in the tea-making process, from roasting to blending, makes this tour uniquely personal. These authentic touches elevate the experience beyond tasting, turning it into a tangible connection to Japan’s rich tea culture.

A potential consideration? The price point might seem steep for some, especially since it doesn’t include transportation or meals, but the value is clear if you’re keen on deepening your understanding of Japanese tea and enjoying the scenic beauty of the region. This tour suits visitors with a genuine interest in cultural experiences, who appreciate craftsmanship, and who want to take home a meaningful souvenir—a custom-blended tea.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Learning: Get behind the scenes at a local tea farm and factory, learning how Japanese tea is made from leaf to brew.
• Hands-On Engagement: Participate in roasting, blending, and making wagashi, creating personal keepsakes.
• Scenic Beauty: Enjoy sweeping views of terraced tea plantations set against Japan’s lush countryside.
• Tea Variety: Sample the full spectrum of Shizuoka teas, from delicate gyokuro to roasted houjicha.
• Cultural Insight: Experience a traditional tea ceremony and gain insights into Japan’s tea rituals.
• Personalized Experience: Guided by knowledgeable local farmers and experts, making the tour warm and genuine.

A Practical Guide to the Shizuoka Tea Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins with a meet-up at your accommodation, where a friendly guide greets you, ready to take you on a personalized journey into Japan’s tea-producing region. From the start, what strikes you is how accessible this experience feels—no need for prior knowledge or special skills, just a curiosity about tea and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.

Once you arrive at Osada Tea Co. Ltd. headquarters, the first thing you’ll notice is the aroma of fresh green tea lingering in the air—a scent so invigorating that it instantly sets the tone. Here, you’ll enjoy a tea tasting session that showcases the region’s finest varieties. You’ll learn to identify different types by touch, smell, and taste—a skill that will make your future tea-drinking experiences richer.

Exploring the Tea Fields

After the tasting, a walk through the tea farm offers breathtaking views of terraced bushes stretching across hillsides. Many reviews mention how beautiful and peaceful these fields are, with some describing them as “a vibrant sea of green.” This part of the tour isn’t just eye candy; it’s an opportunity to understand how climate, soil, and craftsmanship combine to produce Japan’s high-quality teas.

The guide, often a local farmer or expert, explains the art and science of cultivating tea. You might find yourself marveling at how meticulous pruning and harvesting influence flavor and aroma. This part of the experience helps you appreciate what makes Shizuoka teas stand out on the world stage.

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Inside the Factory: Watching and Participating

Next, you’ll step into the processing factory. This part is particularly engaging because you see the mechanical side of tea production—from steaming and rolling to drying and packing. The rich scent of tea powder fills the air as you observe the freshly processed leaves.

Here, you get to roll up your sleeves and roast Japanese tea under supervision. This hands-on roasting offers insight into how temperature and timing influence flavor—a detail that will make your home brewing far more meaningful.

Blending Your Own Tea

Perhaps the most memorable part of the tour is the tea blending workshop. You’re encouraged to experiment with different leaves, creating a personal tea blend to take home. As you mix, you’ll discover what producers and connoisseurs consider when balancing aroma, taste, and appearance.

The guide provides tips, but you’re free to be creative. Many travelers describe this as a fun, relaxed activity that leaves you with a true sense of accomplishment. In some reviews, people mention how they carefully select ingredients, feeling like tea artisans for a day.

Making Wagashi and Enjoying Matcha

No Japanese tea experience is complete without a sweet pairing. You’ll learn to make nerikiri wagashi, traditional confections crafted from sweet bean paste and shaped into seasonal motifs. This activity is accessible and satisfying, often praised for its visual appeal and tactile pleasure.

Afterward, you’ll whisk up some matcha for a classic tea ceremony. The frothy, vibrant green bowl is a perfect way to wind down the day, especially when enjoyed alongside your handmade wagashi. Many guests comment on how calming this ritual is, adding a meditative quality to the experience.

Final Moments at Osada Tea House

The tour wraps up back at the Osada Tea House, where you can sip a final cup of matcha and reflect on your day. The setting is tranquil, with views of the surrounding landscape, making it an ideal place to savor your newfound knowledge and souvenirs.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour covers a comprehensive set of activities: tea tasting, factory tour, roasting, blending, wagashi making, and a tea ceremony. It’s a full day of interactive learning that appeals to those eager to understand Japanese tea culture deeply.

However, note that transportation to and from your accommodation isn’t included, so organizing your own transfer is advisable. Also, meals are not part of the package, so plan for that—bringing snacks or eating beforehand might be wise.

The tour is offered in English, Japanese, and Korean, ensuring clear communication. It’s suitable for travelers over 5 years old, but not designed for wheelchair users or those with food allergies.

Practical Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking across uneven farm terrain.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning vistas and your creative tea blends.
• Protect yourself from the sun—bring a hat, sunscreen, and water.
• Expect some outdoor walking, so dress accordingly.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

If you’re someone with a passion for Japanese culture, craftsmanship, or culinary arts, this tour will resonate deeply. It’s perfect for travelers who want to go beyond sightseeing and truly learn about how tea is made and enjoyed in Japan.

Those interested in authentic, hands-on experiences will find the activities engaging and memorable. It’s especially suited for adults or older children, as the activities involve some concentration and manual work. If you’re after scenic beauty combined with cultural depth, this tour offers both in spades.

Final Thoughts

The Shizuoka Japanese Tea Tour is an inviting, educational journey into one of Japan’s most important agricultural traditions. It combines beautiful scenery, expert guidance, and interactive activities to create a well-rounded experience. With a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, it provides a meaningful souvenir—your own blended tea and handmade wagashi—to remember Japan’s tea culture.

While the price might seem high at first glance, the chance to see, smell, taste, and make tea in a region renowned for its quality makes it worthwhile. This tour caters best to those who value culture and learning by doing, offering a different perspective from typical sightseeing.

If you want to connect with Japan’s tea heritage while enjoying scenic views and engaging activities, this tour will reward your curiosity and patience. It’s a chance to appreciate the art of Japanese tea in a setting that’s both picturesque and educational—an experience worth your time in Shizuoka.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from your accommodation isn’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point.

What types of tea will I taste during the tour?
You will sample a variety of Shizuoka teas, including sencha, gyokuro, houjicha, and matcha, giving you a broad taste spectrum.

Can I participate if I don’t speak Japanese?
Yes, the tour is offered in English, Japanese, and Korean, so communication is accessible for most travelers.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for children over 5 years old, but activities involve manual work and concentration, so discretion is advised.

Does the price include meals?
No, meals are not included, but you will enjoy tea and confections as part of the experience.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, expect a full-day experience with several hands-on activities and scenic stops.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, as there’s some walking involved. Also, bring sun protection—hat, sunscreen, water.

Can I buy the teas I create?
While not explicitly stated, many participants choose to purchase their custom blends or other teas at the end of the tour.

This Shizuoka tea experience beautifully blends scenic vistas, cultural insights, and hands-on activities—perfect if you’re eager to understand what makes Japanese green tea special and want to bring home a piece of Japan’s tea heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: