Nara: Small Group Tour to Meet Your Favorite Tea

Nestled in the heart of Nara, this small group tour offers an immersive experience into the rich traditions of Japanese tea culture. Participants will explore a 120-year-old Japanese house, learn the art of matcha preparation from a skilled tea master, and savor a selection of expertly curated teas from the Nara prefecture. With local snacks and insider tips on the region, this one-hour journey promises to transport visitors to a serene and welcoming environment, leaving them longing for more.

This experience made our article of The 20 Best Tours In Nara.

Key Points

• Explore a 120-year-old Japanese house and taste five expertly selected teas from Nara prefecture during this 1-hour small group tour.
• Learn traditional matcha preparation from an experienced tea master and enjoy local snacks, including traditional Japanese sweets (wagashi).
• Receive insider tips on exploring Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto from a longtime resident in a serene and engaging tea ceremony setting.
• Tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, making it a flexible cultural experience.
• Participants will receive a souvenir of their favorite tea and have the opportunity to enjoy Nara’s renowned tea cultivation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Nara: Small Group Tour to Meet Your Favorite Tea offers a captivating 1-hour experience, priced at $22.95 per person.

Available in English, the tour is wheelchair accessible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests will explore a 120-year-old Japanese house, taste five expertly selected teas, and learn the art of matcha preparation from a tea master.

Insider tips on nearby Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto are also provided.

The tour includes traditional Japanese sweets and a souvenir of the guest’s favorite tea.

It’s a unique and personal tea ceremony experience, highly recommended by past visitors.

Experience Highlights

While on the Nara: Small Group Tour to Meet Your Favorite Tea, guests can look forward to tasting five expertly selected teas sourced from Nara prefecture.

The serene environment of a traditional 120-year-old Japanese house sets the stage for a tea brewing ritual accompanied by local snacks, including wagashi (traditional sweets).

Participants will learn to prepare matcha tea with guidance from an experienced tea master.

The tour also provides insider tips on exploring Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto from a longtime resident and former rickshaw guide, making it a well-rounded cultural experience for tea enthusiasts.

Included in the Tour

The Nara: Small Group Tour to Meet Your Favorite Tea includes five varieties of Japanese tea, two types of traditional Japanese sweets, and a souvenir of the guest’s favorite tea.

The tea selection highlights the region’s finest offerings, showcasing Nara’s renowned tea cultivation. Guests will savor the serene flavors and aromas of the expertly curated teas.

The traditional Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, provide a delightful accompaniment to the tea experience.

As a memento, guests can take home their preferred tea, allowing them to relive the essence of Nara long after the tour.

Meeting Point

To find the meeting point, guests should look for the statue of Gyoki at Kintetsu Nara Station, located at 27 Higashimukakenaka-machi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture, 630-8215, Japan.

Hosts in blue or brown kimonos will be there to greet and direct participants.

This meeting point offers several conveniences:

1. It’s easily accessible, as it’s right in front of the Kintetsu Nara Station.

2. The statue of Gyoki provides a clear landmark for guests to identify.

3. The hosts in traditional Japanese attire will be readily visible and approachable.

4. The central location allows for a smooth transition to the tour’s starting point.

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Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised this tour, with an impressive 5/5 rating based on 10 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted the positive atmosphere, engaging host, and unique tea ceremony experience. One customer from Switzerland remarked, "Overall, it was one of the best tours we’ve experienced."

Families and tea enthusiasts especially appreciated the personal nature of the event. The host’s good sense of humor and insider tips on exploring the region were also noted as highlights.

Across the board, participants found the tour to be an excellent way to enjoy the traditional Japanese tea culture.

Exploring Nara’s Tea Culture

As visitors step into the 120-year-old Japanese house, they’re transported to a serene world where the art of tea-making takes center stage.

Guided by an experienced tea master, guests embark on a journey to explore Nara’s rich tea culture.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to:

1. Taste five expertly selected teas sourced from the Nara prefecture.
2. Learn the traditional tea brewing ritual and prepare matcha tea.
3. Savor authentic Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, alongside the teas.
4. Gain insider tips on exploring the cultural gems of Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Taking in a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Stepping into the 120-year-old Japanese house, visitors are immersed in the serene and time-honored tradition of the Japanese tea ceremony.

Guided by an experienced tea master, guests learn the intricate steps of preparing matcha tea. From whisking the vibrant green powder to serving guests with precision, the ceremony is a captivating display of Japanese hospitality and cultural refinement.

As visitors sip the rich, frothy tea, they also enjoy traditional Japanese sweets, called wagashi, which perfectly complement the earthy flavors.

This intimate experience offers a glimpse into the heart of Nara’s enduring tea culture.

Getting the Most Out of Your Tea Tour Experience

How can visitors make the most of their tea ceremony experience? By following a few simple tips, you can fully learn about the serene ritual.

1. Arrive with an open mind. Embrace the quiet contemplation and mindfulness central to the tea ceremony.

2. Engage with the host. Ask questions and learn about the cultural significance of each step.

3. Savor each sip. Appreciate the nuances of flavor and aroma in the expertly crafted teas.

4. Explore the historic setting. Take in the atmosphere of the 120-year-old traditional Japanese house.

With these tips, you’ll leave the tour with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the art of Japanese tea culture.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Tea to the Ceremony?

While the tour includes a selection of teas to sample, it’s generally not allowed to bring your own tea. The focus is on experiencing the traditional Japanese tea ceremony as guided by the expert host.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tea Ceremony?

There’s no strict dress code, but wearing casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Avoid overly formal or revealing attire. The focus is on the tea ceremony experience, not appearance.

How Many People Are Typically in a Small Group Tour?

Small group tours typically range from 4 to 12 participants, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. The exact group size may vary, but it’s designed to facilitate engagement and interaction during the tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Tea or Sweets During the Tour?

Participants can purchase additional tea or sweets during the tour. The experience includes five tea varieties and two Japanese sweets, but extra items may be available for purchase at the discretion of the host.

Are Photos Allowed During the Tea Ceremony?

Photos are generally allowed during the tea ceremony, but participants are asked to be respectful and avoid disrupting the ritual. It’s best to check with the host beforehand to ensure the best experience for all.

Sum Up

Discover the rich tea culture of Nara on this small group tour. Learn the art of matcha preparation, savor delectable local treats, and gain insider tips from a knowledgeable host in a serene 120-year-old Japanese house. This one-hour journey offers an immersive experience that’ll leave you with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s centuries-old tea traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: