Small Group Japanese Green Tea Tasting in Shizuoka

Nestled in the picturesque Shizuoka prefecture, the small group Japanese green tea tasting experience offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich culture and traditions surrounding this beloved beverage. From witnessing the time-honored tea-making process at the Moriuchi Tea Farm to savoring the distinct flavors of diverse green tea varieties, this tour promises an intimate and enlightening journey. With round-trip transportation, a delectable local lunch, and a personalized approach, participants can expect an unforgettable exploration of Japan’s revered tea heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or simply curious about the art of Japanese green tea, this experience is sure to captivate and leave you eager to discover more.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Moriuchi Tea Farm to witness traditional tea cultivation and processing practices, including hand-picking, steaming, rolling, and drying of tea leaves.
• Tasting of four distinct Japanese green tea varieties (sencha, gyokuro, matcha, and hojicha) with unique flavor profiles and cultural significance.
• Delicious lunch featuring locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Japanese dishes, complemented by refreshing green tea.
• Round-trip public transportation from Shizuoka Station to the tea farm, with a taxi provided for the return journey.
• Small group size ensures an intimate and personalized experience with an English-speaking guide.

Overview of the Experience

This small group Japanese green tea tasting experience in Shizuoka, Japan, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the renowned tea-growing region and learn about the intricacies of green tea production.

Led by an English-speaking guide, the tour takes participants on a journey through the Moriuchi Tea Farm, where they’ll witness the tea-making process and enjoy a flight of different green tea varieties.

The experience also includes public transportation, a round-trip taxi fare from the tea farm to Shizuoka station, and a delightful lunch with coffee or tea and snacks.

With a maximum group size, this private tour ensures an intimate and personalized exploration of Shizuoka’s rich tea culture.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, public transportation, the entrance fee at Moriuchi Tea Farm, a green tea/sencha flight, round-trip taxi fare from the tea farm to Shizuoka station, lunch, coffee and/or tea, and snacks.

However, the tour does not include hotel pick-up and drop-off, which costs an additional 5,000 yen. Plus, any tea and food at the Nippondaira Hotel, as well as any tea breaks at the hotel, are not included in the tour price and will cost between 500-2,000 yen.

Included	Excluded
English-speaking guide	Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Public transportation	Tea and food at Nippondaira Hotel
Entrance fee at Moriuchi Tea Farm	Tea break at Nippondaira Hotel
Green tea/sencha flight, lunch, coffee/tea, snacks

Meeting and Pickup Details

The tour meeting point is Shizuoka Station, and the end point is also Shizuoka Station. The tour starts at 9:00 AM. This means you’ll need to make your way to Shizuoka Station and be ready to depart at the scheduled time.

Once the tour concludes, you’ll be dropped off back at Shizuoka Station, so you can easily continue your day or make your way to your next destination.

Keep in mind that hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for an additional 5,000 yen if you’d prefer not to travel to the meeting point on your own.

Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the experience start time are non-refundable.

Plus, the tour operator may need to cancel the experience due to poor weather conditions, in which case they’ll offer a different date or a full refund.

This flexible policy allows guests to plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can get their money back if their plans change.

The operator wants to ensure a seamless experience, so they’ll work with travelers to reschedule or provide a refund if the tour can’t proceed as planned due to factors beyond anyone’s control.

Exploring Moriuchi Tea Farm

Visitors begin their tea farm exploration by taking a short taxi ride from Shizuoka Station to the Moriuchi Tea Farm, where they’ll witness the traditional tea cultivation and processing practices that have been passed down for generations. At the farm, guests learn about the lifecycle of tea plants, the different varieties grown, and the skilled hand-picking techniques used to harvest the leaves. They then observe the tea leaves being steamed, rolled, and dried in the on-site factory, gaining insights into the meticulous steps required to produce high-quality sencha. Throughout the experience, the English-speaking guide provides valuable context and answers any questions, ensuring visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the time-honored craft of Japanese green tea making.

Type of Tea	Harvesting Season	Processing Steps	Tasting Notes
Sencha	April – June	Steaming, rolling,	Fresh, vibrant,
Gyokuro	May – June	drying	umami-rich
Matcha	April – May		smooth, sweet,
Hojicha	October – November		toasted, roasted

Sampling the Green Tea Varieties

After exploring the tea farm and learning about the production process, guests dive into sampling the diverse array of green tea varieties grown in the region.

The tasting includes four distinct types – sencha, gyokuro, matcha, and hojicha – each with its own unique flavor profile and cultural significance.

Sencha, the most common Japanese green tea, offers a fresh, grassy taste. The rare and prized gyokuro has a sweet, umami-rich flavor.

Matcha, the vibrant green powder used in the traditional tea ceremony, delivers a powerful punch of antioxidants. Finally, the roasted hojicha provides a toasted, caramel-like note.

As guests sip and savor each tea, they gain a deeper appreciation for the nuances of this revered beverage.

Lunch and Refreshments

Following the tea tasting, guests are served a delicious lunch that highlights the region’s culinary delights. The meal features locally-sourced ingredients and traditional Japanese dishes, allowing participants to further enjoy Shizuoka’s vibrant food culture.

Along With the main course, the lunch also includes a selection of Japanese-style side dishes, perfectly complementing the flavors of the green tea. To complete the experience, guests are offered coffee or tea, as well as a variety of light snacks.

This comprehensive dining experience ensures that visitors leave the tea tasting with a well-rounded appreciation for the local cuisine and culture.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour includes round-trip transportation via public transit from Shizuoka Station to the Moriuchi Tea Farm, with the guide assisting participants throughout the journey.

A taxi is then provided to take the group back to Shizuoka Station at the conclusion of the experience.

Participants meet at Shizuoka Station, the starting point of the tour.

Public transportation is utilized to travel to the Moriuchi Tea Farm, with the guide ensuring a smooth journey.

After the tea tasting and farm visit, a taxi is arranged to transport the group back to Shizuoka Station.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available for an additional fee, providing a door-to-door service.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Can Participate in the Small Group Tour?

The small group tour is a private activity, so only your group will participate. The size of the group is not specified, but it is meant to be a small, intimate experience.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Lunch?

Yes, you can request a vegetarian or dietary-restricted lunch. The tour provider is able to accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice. Just let them know your requirements when booking the tour.

Can I Purchase Additional Tea From the Farm After the Tour?

Yes, guests can purchase additional tea from the Moriuchi Tea Farm after the tour. The tour includes a green tea/sencha tasting, but visitors are welcome to buy more tea to take home if they wish.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Tea Tasting and Sampling?

The tour includes a green tea/sencha flight, which allows participants to sample and taste different varieties of Japanese green tea. The tasting typically lasts around 30-45 minutes, providing ample time to explore the flavors and aromas of the tea.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions or requirements for this tour. It’s suitable for all ages, though young children may find the lengthy tea tasting sessions challenging. Participants must be able to board public transportation and walk around the tea farm.

Recap

This immersive tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Shizuoka’s renowned tea-growing region.

Visitors will witness the traditional tea-making process, learn about Japanese green tea varieties, and enjoy a curated tasting and local lunch.

With round-trip transportation and a small group size, the experience provides an intimate and enriching insight into the art and culture of Japanese green tea.