From Tokyo: Kaisei Tea Leaf Picking & Farm-to-Table Lunch

Thinking about a day of authentic Japanese tea culture combined with a relaxing countryside escape? This tea farm experience in Kaisei offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s renowned tea-growing tradition, all set amidst the peaceful scenery of Kanagawa. It’s a chance to learn, taste, and even participate in the process of making traditional Japanese teas, while enjoying a freshly prepared farm-to-table lunch.

We love the personalized tea tastings, the hands-on tea-picking with a local master, and the chance to take home your own tea harvest. The delicious vegetable tempura buffet and the opportunity to make your own rice balls add a fun, interactive element. However, the tour does require some walking and is best suited for those comfortable with outdoor activity. If you’re after an authentic, slow-paced experience away from crowds, this tour might be just right.

One thing to consider: it’s offered seasonally, between April and November, and the menu is vegan and halal-friendly but doesn’t include gluten-free options—so plan accordingly. This tour is ideal for travelers craving an intimate, genuine taste of Japan’s tea and rural life, particularly if you’re eager to see a side of Japan that’s often hidden from typical tourist routes.

Key Points

• Authentic hands-on experience: Pick tea leaves yourself under the guidance of a local tea master.
• Wide-ranging tastings: Unlimited samplings of matcha, sencha, hojicha, and more.
• Farm-fresh lunch: Enjoy vegetable tempura, local rice, and seasonal desserts directly from the farm.
• Cultural insights: Learn about Japanese tea cultivation and processing in a tranquil countryside setting.
• Flexible and accessible: The tour is slow-paced, wheelchair accessible, and offers vegan and halal options.
• Seasonal operation: Available from April through November, with options for pickup if booked early.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The journey begins at Shin-Matsuda Station, where your guide, identifiable by a yellow flag decorated with Mt. Fuji, greets you around 10:15 A.M. The transport gets you to the rural Kaisei area in about 10 minutes, followed by a short walk to the farm. This relaxed pace is perfect for those who prefer to avoid rushing and savor each moment.

The Tea Plantation Walk

Once at the farm, you’ll meet your tea master, whose warm welcome sets the tone. The guided walk takes you through lush, vibrant green tea fields, where you’ll see the plants up close and learn how they’re cultivated. The highlight here is picking your own tea leaves, which connects you directly to the traditional process. Expect to handle young tea sprouts and learn how they’re carefully harvested for different teas.

Reviewers rave about the personalized guidance: “The guide was very knowledgeable and patient, explaining every step,” one guest shared. This hands-on approach is especially meaningful for anyone interested in Japanese culture or wanting a genuine, interactive experience. The focus on sustainable, local farming practices makes this more than just a sightseeing stop—it’s a lesson in Japanese agricultural pride.

Tea Tastings at Your Pace

After harvesting, it’s time to indulge in an array of tea tastings. Guests can freely sample matcha, sencha, hojicha, and even Japanese black tea. Many visitors appreciated the variety and quality: “I loved being able to try all the different teas at my own pace, especially the matcha latte,” said one traveler. The guide emphasizes that you can enjoy the tastings as much as you like, making it a relaxed, no-pressure environment.

Some reviews mention the matcha beer and matcha latte, which show how creatively Japanese tea artisans experiment with their products. Whether you prefer strong, grassy matcha or roasted hojicha, you’ll find plenty of flavors to explore.

Farm-to-Table Lunch and Cooking

The highlight for many is the buffet lunch featuring freshly harvested vegetables and seasonal ingredients. The vegetable tempura is prepared on-site, offering a satisfying crunch and freshness that you won’t get from supermarket fare. The local rice—just cooked and ready for you to shape into rice balls—adds a comforting, hands-on element. Reviewers call it “delicious, hearty, and satisfying,” perfect after a morning of walking and picking.

The seasonal dessert with matcha agar introduces you to Japanese sweet traditions, offering a sweet, mildly bitter finish to the meal. Many guests appreciate the vegetarian and halal-friendly options, which make the experience accessible to various dietary needs.

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Exploring the Countryside and Harvest Sharing

After lunch, there’s some free time—about 25 minutes—to stroll through the peaceful countryside, snap photos, or enjoy the scenery. Guests often mention how the calm, green landscape helps them unwind and disconnect from city life.

Before heading back, you’ll walk back to the bus, which transports you to the starting point in about 10 minutes. The tour wraps up around 2:15 P.M., leaving you with your freshly picked tea leaves and a sense of accomplishment.

Transportation and Practicalities

The tour starts at Shin-Matsuda Station, with convenient meeting instructions: look for a guide with a yellow Mt. Fuji flag outside the North Gate. Optional pickup is available for groups who book early, adding extra convenience. If you’re coming from Tokyo, options include Shinjuku, Yokohama, or Odawara stations, with transfers provided or suggested.

In terms of duration, the entire experience lasts around 4 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The tour is wheelchair accessible and designed to be slow-paced, requiring only comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera.

It’s worth noting that the experience operates seasonally, from April to November, to align with the tea-picking season. Also, while the menu includes vegan and halal options, gluten-free choices require advance notice.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Authentic, hands-on involvement in tea harvesting offers a rare chance to connect with Japan’s tea culture beyond just tasting. Guests consistently mention the knowledgeable guides and the genuine warmth of the local master, which add depth to the experience.

The freshly prepared, farm-to-table lunch isn’t just a side note—many reviewers say it’s a highlight, with the vegetable tempura and local rice standing out as highlights. The opportunity to make your own rice balls and take home your harvest adds a memorable, personal touch.

The scenic setting of the Ashigara countryside creates a peaceful backdrop, perfect for slowing down and savoring each moment. Plus, the tour’s flexibility with dietary needs and accessibility makes it a good choice for diverse travelers.

However, it’s important to remember this is a rural experience that involves some walking and outdoor activity. If you’re looking for a luxury or highly structured tour, this might feel too casual. Also, since gluten-free options are not available unless booked in advance, gluten-sensitive travelers might need to plan accordingly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits travelers who are genuinely curious about Japan’s tea traditions and enjoy interactive, cultural activities. It’s ideal if you prefer a small-group, slow-paced outing in a quiet rural setting rather than a busy tourist attraction.

Food lovers will appreciate the fresh, farm-to-table meal, while those interested in sustainability or local farming practices will find it especially meaningful. This tour also works well for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a peaceful escape with a rewarding hands-on element.

If you’re after a more immersive, authentic experience that combines nature, culture, and cuisine, then this tour fits the bill perfectly.

FAQ

Is transportation provided from Tokyo?
Transportation is not included in the base price, but optional pickup can be arranged if booked early. The tour starts at Shin-Matsuda Station, which is accessible via train from Tokyo and other major stations.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, a camera, and casual clothing are recommended. Since it’s outdoors, dressing in layers depending on the weather is also wise.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Vegan and halal options are available, but gluten-free options need to be requested in advance. Check with your provider if you have special needs.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 4 hours, from arrival to return.

Can I participate if I have mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it involves some walking on uneven ground, so consider your mobility needs.

What is included in the tour?
Guided tea picking, unlimited tea tastings, a farm-to-table lunch, and the opportunity to take home harvested tea leaves.

Is this experience seasonal?
Yes, it runs from April through November, aligning with tea harvesting seasons.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours before the tour.

Final Thoughts

This Kaisei Tea Leaf Picking & Farm-to-Table Lunch is a beautifully curated experience for those wanting to step into the world of Japanese tea beyond just drinking it. You’ll gain practical knowledge, enjoy authentic flavors, and connect with local farmers in a tranquil setting—an enriching escape from city life.

It’s perfect for curious travelers, food lovers, and anyone eager for a gentle, meaningful immersion into Japanese rural culture. The combination of hands-on activity, picturesque scenery, and freshly prepared local cuisine makes it a compelling choice for a memorable day in Kanagawa.

While it’s not suited for those seeking luxury or a highly structured tour, the value lies in the genuine experiences and personal touches that make this outing stand out. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful countryside retreat, this tour offers a sincere taste of Japan’s agricultural heart.

You can check availability for your dates here: