7 Day Craftsmanship of Tea Tour in Kyoto, Uji and Aizu-wakamatsu

Duration7 days

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish

Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

This tour offers a distinctive exploration of Japanese tea ceremony craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating local artistry with the natural splendor of Japan. Each day is enriched by the expertise of bilingual guides proficient in both English and Japanese, presenting a tailored experience of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Days 1-2: The journey commences in Kyoto, immersing you in the fundamental elements of Chanoyu, including the flow of water, tea utensils, and settings. It features a tea ceremony and a visit to a craftsman. The experience deepens with an engagement in Chanoyu's spirituality at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, complemented by Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal.

Day 3: Venture into Uji, a renowned tea-producing region of Japan, to gain insights into tea production. Relish lunch at a historic ryotei and explore the centuries-old Asahiyaki pottery.

Days 4-6: Delve into the unique tea ceremony craftsmanship of Aizu, presenting a distinct contrast to Kyoto's style.

What's included

Expenses for experiences listed in the itinerary
All admission and entrance fees
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
English interpreter guide fee
Meal and transportation specified in the itinerary

Other services not clearly indicated in the itinerary

What to expect

Day 1: Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts

3h

9:00
The tour orientation will be held at the event space.
Shimogoryo Shrine
2h

12:00
Visiting Shimogoryo Shrine to Experience the Connection Between Water and the Tea Ceremony
2h

14:00
Experience a tea ceremony at Totosha with the young tea practitioner, Dairiku Amae, at Dairiku's House.
2h

16:00
Visit lacquer craftsman（KEIKO NISHIMURA）

Day 2: Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea

Daitoku-ji Temple
3h · Admission ticket included

8:00
Experience Zazen at Daitokuji Daijiin temple with Seizan Toda, chief monk of the temple. Afterwards, you will enjoy shojin cuisine at the Daitokuji Temple.
Kyoto
5h

11:00
Free Time.
Please stroll through the streets of Kyoto.
3h

18:00
We will host a welcome dinner party at a rented Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) with catering services.

Day 3: Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery

Asahiyaki
1h 30m

9:00
Introduction of Uji by the local host (Mr. Toshiyuki Matsubayasi, Brand Maneger of Asahiyaki) who will accompany you throughout the day.
2h

10:30
Visit the tea producer and wholesaler (Horii Shichimeien). Learn a traditional cultivation method, Horii style tencha dryer and more.
3h

14:00
Spend three hours at Asahiyaki, a tea pottery in Uji with a history of over 400 years. There will be ample time for questions during the visit.

Day 4: From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions

6h

You will begin your journey at 8:00 with a taxi transfer from your hotel to Itami Airport. You're scheduled to arrive at Itami Airport by 9:00. Your flight, JL2243, will depart from Itami Airport at 10:20. After a flight, you will arrive at Niigata Airport at 11:20. Then, at 12:00, you will board a charter bus to proceed to Fukushima.
Oyakuen
2h · Admission ticket included

14:00
Visit Oyaku-en garden. Exploring the link between the tea ceremonies of Kyoto and Aizu with a local guide.
2h

16:00
Aizu, renowned for its lacquerware that's integral to the tea ceremony, hosts the notable center Human Hub Tenneijisoko, a key site for lacquerware production. Aizu is unique area in its ability to manage the entire process locally, from cultivating lacquer trees and harvesting sap to the processing and finishing of lacquerware.

Day 5: Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture

2h

You will visit two wood craftsmen (Kijishi). You will learn about the different types of wood used for making wooden bowls (wan kiji), the techniques of cutting the wood differently, and the historical context behind these variations.
4h

13:00
Visit Human Hub Tenneiji Soko to meet with Brush Craftsmen (Hakekitsune). Engage in a dialogue with Ms. Utsumi Shiho, the sole artisan carrying on the techniques of Mr. Tanaka Nobuyuki, a master lacquer brush maker.

14:30
Then, experience the inner lacquer coating. Through this journey, by participating in this stage of the lacquerware-making process which you have come to understand and appreciate, you will deepen your connection with the craft.
Aizuwakamatsu
Pass by

17:00
Free time.

Day 6: Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience

Tsuruga jo Castle
2h · Admission ticket included

10:00
Experience Nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) around Tsurugajo Castle.
To wrap up your experience of craftsmanship in Aizu, you'll enjoy a casual outdoor tea ceremony, Nodate, which presents a style unique from Kyoto's tea traditions, allowing you to feel its link to daily life.
2h

13:00
Final reflection on the journey
Tokyo Central Railway Station
4h

You will depart from Aizu-Wakamatsu at 16:20 and then leave Koriyama at 18:06. Upon arriving in Tokyo at 19:28, we will take a taxi to your hotel. Your hotel check-in in Tokyo is scheduled for 20:00.

Day 7: Return to Everyday Life and Begin to Practice Tea Craftmanship in Your Daily Life

1h

Breakfast at accommodation

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point will be on the 2nd floor of the Building. An English-speaking guide will be waiting for you there.

End point

On the night of the 7th day, you will stay at a hotel near Tokyo Station. The tour will conclude with a check-out from the hotel on the morning of the 8th day."

Additional information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.