Experience Tea Picking With a Tea Farmer, and Tempura Lunch With Picked Tea Leaves

Enjoy the time-honored tradition of tea farming in Shizuoka. You’ll join a knowledgeable tea grower to handpick the finest leaves, then roll them by hand to unleash their full flavor. Afterwards, savor a delectable countryside lunch featuring your freshly harvested tea leaves. This unique experience offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s agricultural heritage and the art of cultivating exceptional tea. What secrets will the tea leaves reveal?

Good To Know

• Unique opportunity to learn traditional Japanese tea cultivation through a private tour with a local tea farmer in Shizuoka Prefecture.
• Hands-on experience of picking fresh tea leaves and learning the rolling process from the farmer.
• Seasonal "satoyama" lunch featuring tempura made with the harvested tea leaves, showcasing local agricultural heritage.
• The activity starts at 10:00 am, with early arrival recommended, and is not suitable for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
• The private tour is exclusive to the group, with a 20-minute car ride from Kakegawa Station and a 3-minute walk from the bus stop.

Overview of the Experience

This tea picking experience offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about traditional Japanese tea cultivation.

Guests will travel to Shizuoka Prefecture to spend the day with a local tea farmer. The experience starts at 10:00 am and is a private tour, ensuring your group has the farmer’s undivided attention.

During the half-day activity, you will pick fresh tea leaves, learn the rolling process, and enjoy a seasonal "satoyama" lunch featuring tempura made with the harvested tea.

This immersive experience provides an authentic glimpse into Japan’s rich tea culture.

Tea Picking With a Tea Farmer

Although the tea picking experience begins at 10:00 am, you will want to arrive a bit early to get settled and acquainted with their tea farmer host.

Once ready, the tea farmer will guide the group through the tea fields, sharing insights into the cultivation and harvesting process.

Participants will then have the opportunity to pick tea leaves themselves, learning the proper techniques for selecting the best leaves.

This hands-on activity allows visitors to fully enjoy the traditional art of tea production, gaining a deeper appreciation for the care and skill required.

Tea Rolling Experience

After the tea picking, participants move on to the next phase of the experience – the tea rolling demonstration.

During this interactive session, the tea farmer teaches the traditional tea rolling technique:

• Participants learn how to carefully roll the freshly picked tea leaves using their hands, applying just the right amount of pressure to shape the leaves.
• The tea farmer explains the importance of this step in the tea-making process, as rolling helps to release the tea’s natural flavors and aromas.
• Guests have the opportunity to practice rolling the tea leaves themselves, guided by the farmer’s expert instruction.

Satoyama Lunch With Seasonal Ingredients

Following the tea rolling experience, guests are treated to a delightful Satoyama lunch featuring seasonal ingredients and a special tempura made from the freshly picked tea leaves.

The Satoyama lunch showcases the region’s agricultural heritage, with dishes prepared using locally sourced, seasonal produce.

The highlight of the meal is the tea leaf tempura, a unique culinary creation that allows participants to savor the flavor of the very leaves they picked earlier.

This authentic farm-to-table experience offers a true taste of Japanese countryside cuisine, providing a perfect complement to the tea-centric activities of the day.

Tea Leaf Tempura

Tempura-battered tea leaves offer a unique culinary delight during the Satoyama lunch.

This seasonal specialty features:

• Freshly picked tea leaves coated in a light, crispy tempura batter
• Paired with a dipping sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the tea
• An opportunity to savor the nuanced taste and texture of the tea in a new and inventive way

The tea leaf tempura provides a delightful contrast to the other seasonal dishes, allowing participants to fully experience the versatility of the locally sourced ingredients.

This flavorful treat is a highlight of the Satoyama lunch experience.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The activity meeting point is Tabinoya, located at 1708 Ōno, Kakegawa, Shizuoka 436-0009, Japan.

It’s a 20-minute car ride from Kakegawa Station and just a 3-minute walk from the Higashiyama Line Hisaka bus stop.

The tour concludes back at the same meeting point. Participants should plan their transportation accordingly.

This private tour is exclusively for your group, so there’s no need to worry about coordinating with strangers.

The activity lasts from 10:00 am to the afternoon, with the tea picking and lunch experiences taking place during this time.

Activity Details and Restrictions

Although the tea picking experience is a unique and engaging activity, there are a few restrictions participants should be aware of.

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions, as the tea fields may have uneven terrain. Plus, the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are permitted.

However, service animals are allowed to join the group.

Pricing and Reviews

As for the pricing, the tea picking experience starts from $113.47 per person, though the exact cost may vary depending on the group size.

There’s also a Lowest Price Guarantee, so you can be confident you’re getting the best deal.

In terms of reviews, this activity has an impressive 5.0 rating based on 1 review, and no negative reviews have been reported.

However, do note that the activity is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Transportation Services Provided From My Hotel to the Meeting Point?

Transportation from the hotel to the meeting point is not provided. Guests need to make their own way to the meeting point at Tabinoya, which is a 20-minute car ride from the nearest train station or a 3-minute walk from a bus stop.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Lunch Option?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal lunch option. The tour provider notes that they can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Just let them know your preference when booking the tour.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for This Activity?

The experience has no minimum group size requirement. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates. The price per person varies based on the total group size.

Can I Adjust the Start Time of the Experience?

While the experience starts at 10:00 am, the start time can’t be adjusted. However, participants can request an earlier or later pickup from the meeting point to accommodate their schedule, subject to availability and any additional costs.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Reschedule?

The cancellation policy is non-refundable, so there’s no refund for any cancellations. However, you can try to reschedule the experience, but it’s subject to availability and may incur additional fees.

The Sum Up

This unique tea experience in Shizuoka lets you discover the art of tea picking and rolling with a knowledgeable farmer. You’ll then indulge in a delightful satoyama lunch featuring seasonal ingredients, including a special tempura made from your freshly picked tea leaves – a true celebration of the region’s agricultural heritage and authentic countryside cuisine.