Experience Seasonal Green Tea Picking in Sayama and Nostalgic Walk in Kawagoe!

Enjoy the centuries-old traditions of Japanese agriculture as you don a traditional costume and join local farmers in hand-plucking delicate green tea leaves at the Sayama farm. Afterward, explore the charming historic district of Kawagoe, often called ‘Little Edo,’ with its well-preserved merchant houses, iconic Toki no Kane bell tower, and timeless atmosphere. This immersive day-long experience offers a glimpse into the prosperous past of this merchant town, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Key Points

• Partake in the seasonal green tea picking at Sayama farm, donning a traditional costume and learning from experienced tea growers.
• Explore the charming historic district of Kawagoe, known as ‘Little Edo,’ with its well-preserved merchant houses and distinctive kurazukuri architecture.
• Witness the iconic Toki no Kane bell tower, a beloved landmark that chimes the hours, and immerse in the timeless ambiance of Kawagoe’s prosperous past.
• Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation via minivan between Iriso station and the Miyano farm, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Experience the full-day excursion, including a one-way train ticket from Iriso station to Hon-Kawagoe station, lasting approximately 50 minutes.

Seasonal Green Tea Picking

The opportunity to partake in seasonal green tea picking at Sayama farm allows visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Japanese agriculture.

Guests will don a traditional costume and join the farmers in hand-plucking the delicate green tea leaves at the peak of the harvest season. This meticulous process is crucial in producing the region’s renowned sencha green tea.

Under the guidance of experienced tea growers, you will learn about the careful cultivation and processing techniques that imbue Sayama’s green tea with its sought-after aroma and flavor.

This hands-on experience offers a rare chance to connect with Japan’s enduring tea culture and appreciate the skilled craftsmanship behind every sip.

Nostalgic Walk in Kawagoe

After seeing the traditional tea picking experience, visitors can now embark on a nostalgic walk through the charming historic district of Kawagoe.

This quaint town, often referred to as ‘Little Edo,’ boasts well-preserved merchant houses, traditional storefronts, and a captivating atmosphere that transports travelers back in time.

Strolling along the cobblestone streets, visitors can admire the distinctive kurazukuri architecture, where clay-walled storehouses and wooden buildings stand as a testament to Kawagoe’s prosperous past as a merchant town.

The journey culminates at the iconic Toki no Kane bell tower, a beloved landmark that chimes the hours, adding to the town’s timeless ambiance.

Inclusions and Fees

This experience includes all necessary fees and taxes, as well as a one-way train ticket from Iriso station to Hon-Kawagoe station.

Participants also receive a traditional costume to wear during the tea picking activity, and round-trip transportation via minivan between Iriso station and the Miyano farm.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are also part of the package.

The tour is a private activity, with only your group participating. It isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

Confirmation is subject to availability and within 48 hours. Cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before aren’t accepted.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants meet at Iriso Station, located in Minamiiriso, Sayama, Saitama 350-1316, Japan.

From there, they take the Seibu Shinjuku line bound for Hon-Kawagoe station, departing from Takadanobaba station, which takes approximately 50 minutes.

The tour ends at Hon-Kawagoe Station, Japan, 350-0043 Saitama, Kawagoe, Shintomicho, 1-chome.

Pickup and drop-off at the hotel are included in the experience. Participants are advised to arrive at the meeting point on time, as the group will depart together.

This private tour is for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience throughout the day.

Transportation and Duration

The tour begins with a one-way train ticket from Iriso station to Hon-Kawagoe station, taking approximately 50 minutes on the Seibu Shinjuku line bound for Hon-Kawagoe.

A round-trip mini van then transports participants between Iriso station and Miyano farm, where the seasonal green tea picking experience takes place.

The full experience lasts 1 day.

The tour includes:

• One-way train ticket from Iriso station to Hon-Kawagoe station
• Round-trip mini van between Iriso station and Miyano farm
• Costume for the green tea picking experience
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• All fees and taxes

Accessibility and Recommendations

According to the provided information, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or serious medical conditions.

The tour is located near public transportation, making it convenient for many visitors.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate.

The tour is operated by Trip Designer and confirmation is subject to availability within 48 hours.

Cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t accepted.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Tour Operator and Confirmation

Trip Designer Inc. operates the seasonal green tea picking tour in Sayama and Kawagoe, with confirmation subject to availability within 48 hours.

Travelers can expect a private tour experience, as only their group will participate. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and it isn’t recommended for those with back problems or serious medical conditions. However, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation.

Guests can enjoy the following:

• Picking seasonal green tea leaves at the Miyano farm in Sayama
• Exploring the nostalgic streets of Kawagoe
• Wearing a traditional costume during the experience
• Being transported by a round-trip mini van between Iriso station and the farm
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off for added convenience

Cancellation and Change Policy

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, but changes less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t accepted.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, guests will be offered a different date or a full refund.

This cancellation policy provides flexibility for participants, allowing them to easily adjust their plans if needed. The policy ensures that guests aren’t penalized for cancellations made with sufficient notice, and that they’ve the option to reschedule or receive a full refund if the tour is canceled due to circumstances beyond their control.

This straightforward approach to cancellations and changes helps to create a stress-free experience for all involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Experience?

The experience includes a costume. Participants are provided with a traditional Japanese costume to wear during the green tea picking and nostalgic walk activities, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience.

Are Meals or Refreshments Provided During the Tour?

The tour does not include any meals or refreshments. Participants are responsible for bringing their own food and drinks during the experience. The tour focuses on the green tea picking and nostalgic walk activities.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can be customized to individual preferences, though the inclusions are fixed. Travelers can discuss any special requests with the operator, Trip Designer who may be able to accommodate them if feasible and within the tour’s scope.

Is Photography Allowed During the Activities?

Photography is allowed during the activities. Participants are encouraged to capture the scenic landscapes, traditional practices, and cultural highlights throughout the tour. However, respecting the privacy of others is expected.

What Is the Group Size for This Private Tour?

This is a private tour, so the group size is only your group. The details state it’s a "Private tour/activity, only your group will participate."

Recap

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan’s agricultural heritage.

Visitors can don traditional attire and join local farmers in hand-plucking green tea leaves, followed by a nostalgic stroll through the historic district of Kawagoe, showcasing the region’s prosperous past.

Transportation, traditional costumes, and a guided tour are included, making this a comprehensive and engaging day-long excursion.