The Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich traditions of Japanese tea culture. For $300 per person, participants can embark on a scenic journey that includes a visit to a picturesque viewpoint, a guided tour of a local tea farm, and a delightful matcha tasting experience. But the true highlight of this immersive experience lies in the chance to savor an array of matcha-infused culinary delights, from tempura to soba noodles and traditional Wagashi sweets. With convenient cancellation options and transportation provided, this experience promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking to discover the…

Key Points

  • The Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto offers an immersive journey into Japanese tea culture, including a tea farm visit, matcha tasting, and traditional matcha-infused dishes.

  • Visitors can choose between a Matcha Rice Dish or Matcha Soba as the main course, with vegetarian and vegan options available, highlighting the versatility of matcha.

  • The experience features a visit to a stunning viewpoint overlooking tea fields, providing an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty inspiring Kyoto’s renowned matcha.

  • Participants will enjoy a guided walk through a local tea farm to learn about the cultivation and harvesting processes of high-quality matcha.

  • The experience concludes with a tasting of traditional Japanese sweets, or Wagashi, infused with matcha, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Overview of the Experience

Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto - Overview of the Experience

The Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto immerses visitors in the rich traditions and flavors of Japanese tea culture. Offered by Matcha Tourism in Kyoto Prefecture, the experience is priced from $300 per person and features free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

Highlights include a visit to a magnificent viewpoint, a tea farm walk, and local matcha tasting. Participants will also enjoy a menu showcasing matcha-infused dishes, such as tempura, rice, soba, and traditional Japanese sweets.

Transportation is provided, and the experience can be customized to accommodate dietary restrictions upon request. Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or simply seeking a unique culture, this experience promises an unforgettable journey into the world of premium Japanese tea.

Matcha Tea Leaf Tempura

A highlight of the Matcha Making Experience is the Matcha Tea Leaf Tempura, which features freshly harvested matcha leaves deep-fried to a delicate crispness.

Served as a starter, these tempura bites offer a unique and flavorful introduction to the matcha-focused menu.

The tender leaves are carefully selected and coated in a light, crispy batter, preserving the vibrant green hue and delicate, grassy notes of the premium tea leaves.

Paired with a dipping sauce, the Matcha Tea Leaf Tempura provides a perfect balance of texture and taste, whetting the appetite for the matcha-infused dishes to come.

This innovative and visually striking appetizer sets the stage for an immersive matcha experience.

Matcha Rice Dish and Soba

As part of the Matcha Making Experience, guests can choose between a Matcha Rice Dish or Matcha Soba as the main course.

The Matcha Rice Dish is a warm and comforting dish, using matcha-infused rice as the base. Diners can opt for a hot or chilled version of the Matcha Soba, featuring freshly prepared soba noodles in a matcha-flavored broth.

Both dishes highlight the vibrant green hue and distinctive taste of matcha, providing a delightful culinary journey.

  • The Matcha Rice Dish can be served as a chazuke, with hot dashi broth poured over the matcha rice.

  • The Matcha Soba noodles can be enjoyed cold, with a refreshing dipping sauce on the side.

  • Vegetarian and vegan options are available for both the Matcha Rice Dish and Matcha Soba.

  • Guests can savor these matcha-infused main courses as part of the comprehensive Matcha Making Experience.

Wagashi and Japanese Sweets

Delectable Japanese sweets, known as Wagashi, make a fitting finale to the Matcha Making Experience.

These traditional confections, often made with high-quality ingredients like mochi, red bean paste, and seasonal fruit, perfectly complement the earthy notes of matcha. Depending on availability, visitors may enjoy refreshing Yokan jelly or pillowy mochi.

Wagashi aren’t only visually stunning, with intricate designs reflecting the natural world, but they also offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

The matcha-infused sweets provide a delicate, satisfying conclusion to the immersive culinary journey, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of Japanese confectionery.

Viewpoint Visit and Tea Farm

The Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto begins with a visit to a stunning viewpoint, offering participants a breathtaking panorama of the lush, verdant tea fields that characterize the region.

This tranquil setting sets the stage for the immersive journey ahead.

The experience then takes visitors on a guided walk through a local tea farm, where they’ll learn about the meticulous cultivation process and the unique characteristics of Kyoto’s renowned Matcha.

Participants can expect to:

  • Explore the picturesque tea plantations
  • Gain insights into the intricate harvesting techniques
  • Appreciate the natural beauty that inspires the region’s world-famous Matcha
  • Develop a deeper understanding of this revered Japanese tea tradition

Matcha Tasting and Snacks

After exploring the captivating tea farm, participants then indulge in a local Matcha tasting.

The guide leads the group through a precise presentation, introducing the nuances of high-quality Matcha. Visitors learn to appreciate the unique flavor profiles and distinct aroma of the ceremonial-grade tea.

Next, they savor the Matcha Tea Leaf Tempura, made from freshly harvested leaves. This starter whets the appetite for the main course, which offers a choice between a Matcha Rice Dish or Matcha Soba.

Regardless of the selection, the dish showcases the versatility of Matcha in both savory and sweet applications.

To conclude the experience, the group delights in a selection of traditional Wagashi, including vegetarian Yokan jelly and Mochi.

Transportation and Meeting Point

To begin the experience, participants meet at the Wazuka-cha Cafe in Kyoto’s beautiful countryside. The cafe is easily accessible, with free transportation available from nearby JR Kizu or JR Kamo stations upon request.

The guide will meet the group at the cafe, which offers free parking, clean restrooms, and a local tea shop.

The experience features:

  • Convenient meeting location with amenities
  • Free transportation from major train stations
  • Private guide to escort the group
  • Access to a local tea shop for souvenirs

From the cafe, the group will embark on their immersive matcha-making adventure, exploring the tea farms and learning the intricacies of this revered Japanese tradition.

Accessibility and Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking for this private tour/activity, where only your group will participate. Infants must sit on laps, and service animals are allowed. The experience is located near public transportation, and the area is stroller accessible. However, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and the farm access may be bumpy and muddy.

Accessibility Additional Info
Near public transportation Stroller accessible
Not wheelchair accessible Farm access may be bumpy and muddy
Infants must sit on laps Service animals allowed

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Menu to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

Yes, you can customize the menu to accommodate dietary restrictions. The provider offers vegetarian and vegan options with advance request, so they’re happy to cater to your specific dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Experience?

Yes, the experience can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can request to extend the duration to explore the tea farm further or engage in additional activities like a traditional tea ceremony.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Price?

The price listed includes the main experience, transportation, and tasting. However, there may be additional costs for any optional add-ons or customizations requested beyond the standard itinerary. Participants should inquire about any extra fees when booking the experience.

Can I Take the Matcha Products Home as Souvenirs?

Yes, you can take the matcha products home as souvenirs. The experience includes a local matcha tasting, and you’ll have the opportunity to purchase additional matcha products from the on-site tea shop to bring home with you.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Experience?

The experience doesn’t have a minimum group size, so you can book it even if you’re traveling solo. The tour operates with just your group participating, making it a private and personalized experience.

Recap

The Matcha Making Experience in Kyoto offers a unique culture, with a scenic tea farm visit, traditional matcha preparation, and delightful cuisine. Priced at $300 per person, it’s a comprehensive package that caters to dietary needs and provides convenient transportation. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or seeking a cultural adventure, this experience promises an enriching journey into Japan’s acclaimed matcha traditions.