Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, is known as the birthplace of Japanese history and home to many World Heritage sites.Beyond the primeval forests of Mount Kasuga lies Yamazoe Village, nestled in the Yamato Highlands, where history has flowed since the Jomon (over 10,000 years ago) and Kofun periods (3rd–7th centuries).
Here, you can pick tea leaves grown naturally in the mountain air, craft your own tea using traditional methods, and savor it in a tea ceremony inside a charming old farmhouse surrounded by timeless rural scenery.
Each season offers a different kind of tea-making experience, giving you a reason to return throughout the year. Before long, the Yamato Highlands may feel like your second home in Japan.
Tour Details
This program takes place in a traditional farmhouse nestled in the Yamato Highlands. Mr. Kenichi Ikawa of Kenichi Natural Farm, who manages about 30 tea fields, will provide hands-on guidance from tea picking to tea making.
- Schedule
- 10:30–11:30 am / Tea picking
Experience hand-picking tea leaves. Depending on the season, you will pick different parts of the plant to create unique teas throughout the year. - 11:30 am–12:30 pm / Local Lunch
Enjoy a seasonal lunch made with ingredients from the Yamato Highlands, offering the true taste of the land. - 2:30–3:00 pm Tea Making & Packaging
Hand-roll and roast tea leaves using firewood from the local mountains. Afterward, design your own tea package with a brush made in Nara and charcoal ink, creating a memorable keepsake.
Times are approximate and the program can be customized.
- Venue
- 432 Matsuo, Yamazoe Village, Yamabe-gun, Nara Prefecture (Zuitokusha)
