Shizuoka Tea Picking Private Experience

The Shizuoka Tea Picking Private Experience is a captivating opportunity for visitors to enjoy the time-honored traditions of Japan’s tea culture. Nestled amidst the lush, verdant plantations of Shizuoka Prefecture, this unique experience allows participants to hand-pick fresh tea leaves under the guidance of knowledgeable local experts. From learning about the intricate history and cultivation processes to indulging in a delectable lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, this tour promises to provide a comprehensive and authentic glimpse into the world of Shizuoka’s renowned tea. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply seeking a cultural adventure, this private experience may just uncover a new appreciation for the art of tea.

Key Points

• Immersive experience to hand-pick fresh tea leaves from lush green tea plantations in Shizuoka Prefecture, guided by knowledgeable local experts.
• Opportunity to learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of Shizuoka’s renowned tea, with insights from the tour guide.
• Includes a delicious locally-sourced lunch and provision of cashless medical treatment in case of injury or illness.
• Convenient meeting point at Kanaya Station with guides to facilitate the start of the experience.
• Not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the tea fields, but easily accessible via public transportation.

Overview of the Experience

The Shizuoka Tea Picking Private Experience offers visitors a chance to enjoy the traditional tea-picking culture of Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Participants will have the opportunity to handpick fresh tea leaves from the lush green tea plantations, guided by knowledgeable local experts.

This private tour provides an intimate and personalized experience, allowing guests to appreciate the artistry and skill involved in the tea-picking process. Throughout the activity, the guide will share insights into the history, cultivation, and processing of Shizuoka’s renowned tea.

Afterward, guests can savor a delicious lunch made with locally sourced ingredients, completing this unique cultural adventure.

Inclusions and Highlights

This private tour includes a guided tea-picking experience, allowing visitors to handpick fresh tea leaves from Shizuoka’s lush green plantations.

Participants will learn about the history, cultivation, and processing of the region’s renowned tea from knowledgeable local experts.

Plus, the tour provides cashless medical treatment in case of injury or illness during the activity, and a delicious lunch made with locally sourced ingredients is included.

The tour guide’s fee is also covered, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or simply looking to learn about Japanese culture, this private tour offers a unique and memorable opportunity to connect with Shizuoka’s rich tea-growing tradition.

Meeting Point and Pickup

Guides will be waiting at Kanaya Station, Kanayashinmachi, Shimada, Shizuoka 428-0047, Japan with placards to greet participants and facilitate the start of the tea-picking private experience.

The meeting point is conveniently located, making it easy for visitors to access the tour.

Once gathered, the group will embark on their tea-picking adventure.

At the end of the experience, you will be returned to the same meeting point, completing the circular journey.

The key details regarding the meeting and pickup are as follows:

1. Meeting point: Kanaya Station
2. Pickup procedure: Guides with placards
3. End point: Back at the meeting point
4. Accessibility: Near public transportation

Cancellation and Refund Policy

A full refund is available if the experience is cancelled at least 24 hours before the start time. However, no refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the start of the experience. Plus, any changes requested within 24 hours of the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cancellation/Change	Refund Provided	Acceptance
24+ hours before start	Full refund	Accepted
Less than 24 hours before start	No refund	Not accepted
Within 24 hours of start	No refund	Not accepted

This flexible cancellation policy ensures guests can plan their schedules with confidence, while also allowing the tour operator to effectively manage capacity and resources.

Accessibility and Suitability

The Shizuoka Tea Picking Private Experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems.

Public transportation is available nearby, and infants can join the tour while sitting on laps.

This experience offers several key considerations:

1. Not wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the tea fields.
2. Easily accessible via public transportation, with the tour starting and ending at Kanaya Station.
3. Infants are welcome, but they must sit on laps during the experience.
4. Not recommended for travelers with back problems, as the terrain and activities may be physically demanding.

What to Expect During the Tour

Participants will spend a special time hand-picking fresh tea leaves from the lush green Shizuoka tea fields, guided by local experts who provide insights into the region’s rich tea-growing heritage.

During the tea-picking experience, visitors will learn the proper techniques for delicately plucking the tender leaves, ensuring they’re harvested with care.

The guides will share stories about the history and traditions behind Shizuoka’s renowned tea production, allowing guests to gain a deeper appreciation for the region’s unique culture.

After the hands-on tea picking, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch featuring local ingredients and specialties, capping off an immersive and memorable day in the heart of Japan’s premier tea country.

Lunch and Refreshments

After the fulfilling experience of hand-picking fresh tea leaves from the lush fields, visitors will enjoy a well-deserved lunch featuring local ingredients and specialties of the Shizuoka region.

The delectable spread may include:

• Steaming bowls of traditional udon noodles in a savory broth, topped with tempura-fried vegetables and shrimp.
• Slices of premium Wagyu beef seared to perfection and served with a tangy ponzu sauce.
• An artful arrangement of seasonal sashimi, showcasing the bounty of the nearby Pacific Ocean.
• A refreshing matcha green tea dessert, providing a sweet and ceremonial conclusion to the meal.

Complemented by stunning views of the surrounding tea plantations, this lunch promises to be a highlight of the Shizuoka tea picking experience.

Additional Details and Recommendations

Prompt participants to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes to ensure a seamless tea-picking experience. Consider bringing sun protection, as the tea fields may be exposed to direct sunlight.

Plus, it’s wise to stay hydrated throughout the activity by packing a reusable water bottle.

The private tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this before booking. Travelers with back problems may also find the activity challenging. However, most visitors can participate comfortably.

The tour includes complimentary cashless medical treatment in case of injury or illness during the experience, providing an extra layer of safety and reassurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Tea Leaves to Be Processed?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow participants to bring their own tea leaves to be processed. The experience focuses on the private tea picking activity and does not provide processing services for external tea leaves.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Unfortunately, the tour operator does not offer an option to extend the duration of the experience. The itinerary and schedule are fixed, and changes less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. Extending the tour would require booking an additional experience.

Can I Opt-Out of the Tea Picking Activity?

Yes, participants can opt-out of the tea picking activity. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing guests to customize their experience and focus on other aspects of the tour if they prefer not to engage in the tea picking.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Experience?

There are no age restrictions for this experience. Infants must sit on laps, and it’s suitable for most travelers. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or special dietary meal for this experience. The tour operator is happy to accommodate different dietary needs with advance notice, ensuring you have an enjoyable and satisfying meal during the tour.

Recap

The Shizuoka Tea Picking Private Experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the traditional tea culture of the region.

Participants can hand-pick fresh tea leaves, learn about cultivation and processing, and enjoy a delicious locally-sourced lunch.

While not wheelchair accessible, the experience is easily reached by public transport and suitable for most travelers, excluding those with back issues due to the physical demands.