Enjoy the rich traditions of Japanese tea culture with an unforgettable tea picking adventure in Shizuoka. You’ll learn the delicate art of hand-selecting tender leaves alongside a local tea farmer, then savor the fresh flavors in a tempura lunch showcasing the very leaves you harvested. This hands-on experience not only deepens your appreciation for tea, but tantalizes your taste buds with seasonal culinary delights. Discover the secrets behind Shizuoka’s renowned tea craftsmanship and uncover a new level of appreciation for this beloved beverage.
Key Points
- Immersive tea picking experience in Shizuoka, Japan, where guests learn the art of hand-picking high-quality tea leaves.
- Opportunity to try traditional tea rolling techniques and gain appreciation for tea crafting.
- Tempura lunch featuring freshly harvested tea leaves, showcasing regional flavors with locally sourced ingredients.
- Accessible via public transportation, but not recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions.
- Pricing starts at $111.62 per person, with no refunds for cancellations.
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Overview of the Experience
Although the tea picking experience takes place in the beautiful Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan, the true highlight is the opportunity to take in the daily life of a local tea farmer.
Participants will join the farmer in the tea fields, learning the intricate process of hand-picking the finest tea leaves. After the harvest, they’ll roll and process the leaves, gaining a deeper appreciation for the art of tea making.
The experience culminates in a tempura lunch, where the freshly picked tea leaves are expertly fried, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the local terroir.
Tea Picking Adventure
The tea picking experience begins as visitors join the local tea farmer in the lush, verdant fields of Shizuoka Prefecture.
Under the farmer’s guidance, guests learn the delicate art of hand-picking the finest tea leaves. They carefully pluck the tender, emerald-hued leaves, ensuring each selection meets the farmer’s high standards.
After the picking, the group tries their hand at traditional tea rolling, gently massaging the leaves to begin the curing process.
This hands-on immersion provides a deeper appreciation for the care and skill involved in crafting high-quality Japanese tea.
Tempura Lunch Delight
After the tea picking and rolling experiences, guests are treated to a tempura lunch that showcases the freshly harvested tea leaves.
The tempura is prepared using locally sourced ingredients, including the tea leaves picked earlier in the day. Diners can savor the delicate, crispy tempura alongside seasonal dishes that highlight the flavors of the region.
The lunch provides a well-rounded culinary experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the local cuisine and appreciate the quality of the freshly harvested tea leaves.
This tempura lunch is a delightful conclusion to the tea picking adventure.
Location and Accessibility
The tour’s meeting point is located at Tabinoya, situated approximately 20 minutes by car from Kakegawa Station. Guests can reach the location via public transportation by taking the Higashiyama Line to the Hisaka bus stop, then walking 3 minutes. The experience is stroller accessible, but not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available. However, it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
| Accessibility | Meeting Point | Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| Stroller Accessible | Tabinoya, 1708 Ōno, Kakegawa, Shizuoka 436-0009, Japan | Higashiyama Line to Hisaka bus stop, then 3-minute walk |
| Service Animals Allowed | 20 minutes by car from Kakegawa Station | – |
| Infant Seats Available | – | – |
| Not Wheelchair Accessible | – | – |
| Not Recommended for Certain Conditions | – | – |
Meeting and Transportation Details
Guests can reach the meeting point at Tabinoya, located approximately 20 minutes by car from Kakegawa Station.
For those relying on public transportation, take the Higashiyama Line to the Hisaka bus stop, then it’s a short 3-minute walk to the meeting point.
The experience starts promptly at 10:00 am, so guests are advised to arrive on time.
Confirmation of the booking is provided within 48 hours, subject to availability.
While the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible.
Service animals are allowed, and infant seats are available upon request.
Pricing and Cancellation Policy
What is the pricing for this tea picking experience? The tour costs $111.62 per person, but the price varies based on group size. The experience is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations. Travelers should note this policy before booking.
| Group Size | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 1-2 guests | $111.62 |
| 3-5 guests | $105.83 |
| 6+ guests | $100.04 |
The tea picking tour has garnered a 5.0 rating based on 1 positive review, with no negative ratings. Guests should consider this track record when deciding whether to book this experience.
Guests’ Feedback and Ratings
Alongside the pricing details, prospective guests can take comfort in the overwhelmingly positive reviews this tea picking experience has received.
With a stellar 5.0 rating based on a single review, it’s clear that those who’ve participated have been thoroughly impressed.
The reviewer highlights the exceptional quality of the experience, praising the knowledgeable tea farmer and the delicious tempura made with the freshly picked tea leaves.
Travelers seeking an authentic, memorable tea-focused adventure can feel confident in booking this tour, secure in the knowledge that it has consistently delivered a top-notch experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Pick and Take Home the Tea Leaves?
Unfortunately, no. The tea leaves you pick during the experience are not allowed to be taken home. The tea leaves are used to prepare the tempura lunch on-site as part of the package.
What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for This Activity?
The activity has no stated minimum age requirement. However, it is not recommended for travelers with serious medical conditions or back problems, so very young children may not be suitable participants.
Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Menu Option Available?
Yes, the experience offers a vegetarian/vegan menu option. Guests can request this when booking the tour, and the team will accommodate their dietary needs for the tempura lunch.
Can I Request a Private Tour for a Larger Group?
Yes, you can request a private tour for a larger group. The experience accommodates private tours, and the pricing varies based on the group size.
Is There an Opportunity to Interact With the Tea Farmer?
Yes, the tea picking experience provides an opportunity to interact with the tea farmer. During the activity, guests can engage with the farmer, learn about tea cultivation, and ask questions about the process.
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The Sum Up
Enjoy the rich Japanese tea culture by embarking on a hands-on tea picking adventure. Harvest delicate tea leaves alongside a local farmer, then savor a tempura lunch featuring the freshly picked produce. This unique experience not only teaches you the art of tea crafting but also delights your taste buds with seasonal culinary flavors. Don’t miss this opportunity to deeply connect with Japan’s revered tea tradition.