Tea Culture Experiences in Wazuka
Visitors to Wazuka have the opportunity to enjoy tea-related learning experiences guided by knowledgeable members of the community. Tea-farm workers, guides, tea practitioners, and other local residents work together to offer tours, classes, and other experiences that allow participants to immerse themselves in the town’s tea culture. Though similar tea experiences may be offered across Japan, tea cultivation has been the lifeblood of Wazuka for centuries, making it a fitting place to learn directly from people involved in planting, harvesting, processing, selling, and working with tea.
The Wazuka Town Activation Center (Wazuka-cho Kasseika Center) offers the following experiences: Tea-Field Walking Tour, Tea Steeping Class, Tea-Leaf-Picking Experience, Tea Tasting, Tea-Tasting Game (Chakabuki), Sado Tea Gathering (also known as Tea Ceremony), Matcha Art Experience, Matcha Whisking Class, Green Tea Dango-Making Class, and Tea-Soap-Making Class. Some of these classes teach skills that participants can use when preparing tea after returning home, allowing them to enjoy Wazuka tea long after their visit.
The experiences last 40 minutes to an hour, and prices usually begin at a minimum of ¥1,650 per person. Please note that some experiences are only offered in certain seasons. For detailed explanations of the specific experiences, check the official Iitoko Wazuka Chagenkyo website.
To make a booking, contact the Wazuka Town Activation Center by email at info@chagenkyo.com. All experiences are conducted in Japanese, so please bring an interpreter if needed. A minimum of 10 people is generally required for a booking, but smaller groups may be accommodated if costs are met. Please inquire about availability at least a month in advance of your planned visit.
