Shizuoka’s most rewarding lunch tours combine hands-on experiences with unforgettable meals. The tea farm experience tops our list – you’ll pick fresh tea leaves alongside local farmers before savoring them tempura-style in a memorable feast. We’re also big fans of the mountain food tour, where skilled guides lead you to forage seasonal vegetables before teaching traditional soba-making techniques. Both tours perfectly capture what makes this region’s food scene special: fresh ingredients, skilled preparation, and deep cultural connections. These standout experiences show why Shizuoka deserves its reputation as a culinary destination. Let’s explore the best food tours this prefecture has to offer.
Key Points
- Enjoy a tempura-style lunch featuring just-harvested tea leaves during a tea picking experience in the renowned tea-growing region of Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Savor seasonal wild vegetable appetizers and handmade soba noodles on a guided mountain area tour that also includes a tea picking workshop and visit to a ceramic artist’s studio.
- Immerse in local culinary traditions and customs through the unique ingredients and dishes showcased in the lunch experiences across Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Access the lunch experiences via a variety of transportation options, including a 60-minute transfer from JR Kakegawa Station to the departure point for the mountain area tour.
- Choose from a range of lunch experience packages, with tour prices starting from $114.46 per person for the tea picking experience and $524.62 per person for the mountain area tour.
Experience Tea Picking With a Tea Farmer, and Tempura Lunch With Picked Tea Leaves
For an authentic tea experience, visitors can join a tea farmer in Shizuoka Prefecture to pick fresh leaves and then enjoy a tempura lunch featuring the just-harvested tea.
The activity includes a Satoyama lunch with seasonal ingredients. Located in Shizuoka Prefecture, the private tour is priced from $114.46 per person, varying by group size.
The tour starts at 10:00 am and isn’t wheelchair accessible, but stroller accessible and allows service animals. It’s not suitable for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.
Participants will meet at Tabinoya, a 3-minute walk from the Higashiyama Line Hisaka bus stop, and the tour returns to the same location.
Booking confirmation is received within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is non-refundable, and there are no negative reviews, with a 5.0 rating from one review.
Read our full review: Experience Tea Picking With a Tea Farmer, and Tempura Lunch With Picked Tea Leaves Review
Book now: Check availability
Mountain Area in Hamamatsu Tour With Lunch & Seasonal Project
This guided English tour whisks visitors away to the untouched Japanese mountain villages of Shizuoka Prefecture, offering an immersive experience curated by Chill&Joy. Priced from $524.62 per person, the non-refundable tour features a seasonal starter of wild vegetable appetizers, followed by handmade soba with buckwheat flour, condiments, and soba sauce.
The day’s activities include a tea picking workshop and a visit to a ceramic artist’s studio to view jet-black pottery.
The tour departs from Tenryū-Futamata Station, accessible via a 60-minute transfer from JR Kakegawa Station. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers and may include other customers in private tours.
Confirmation is provided at booking, with a 10:00 am start time and a return to the original meeting point.
Read our full review: Mountain Area in Hamamatsu Tour With Lunch & Seasonal Project Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Advance Notice Is Required for the Tea Picking Experience?
Most tea picking experiences in Shizuoka require just a few days’ advance notice. However, some exclusive events may need reservations several weeks ahead to secure a spot. Visitors should check with the specific location for their preferred timing.
Can the Tempura Lunch Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?
The tempura lunch can be customized for dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian or gluten-free options. Advance notice is typically required to accommodate special dietary needs, so it’s best to inquire when booking the experience.
What Is the Typical Group Size for the Hamamatsu Tour?
The typical group size for the Hamamatsu tour is usually between 10 to 15 people. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience, making it easier for the tour guide to cater to the needs of each participant.
Are Photography Opportunities Available During the Seasonal Project?
Photography opportunities are typically available during the seasonal project. Visitors can capture scenic views and cultural activities, though they should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines set by the organizers.
Is Transportation Provided to and From the Lunch Locations?
Transportation to and from the lunch locations is not typically provided. Visitors will need to arrange their own transportation, such as driving or taking public transit, to get to the various dining destinations featured in the seasonal project.
Recap
Shizuoka Prefecture offers two exceptional lunch experiences. Visitors can enjoy tea culture by picking leaves with a local farmer and enjoying a tempura lunch made with the freshly picked tea. Alternatively, they can embark on a scenic mountain tour in Hamamatsu and savor a seasonal lunch showcasing regional specialties. These unique culinary adventures provide a delightful way to explore Shizuoka’s rich food and natural heritage.