7-Day Tea Craftsmanship Journey Through Kyoto, Uji, and Aizu-Wakamatsu

• The experience is further enriched with a spiritual engagement in Chanoyu at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, featuring Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal
• In Uji, a famous tea-growing region, you will learn about tea production, enjoy lunch at a historic ryotei, and explore the ancient Asahiyaki pottery
• The tour concludes in Aizu, where you will discover a unique style of tea ceremony craftsmanship distinct from that of Kyoto

Day 1: Introduction to the Art of Tea Ceremony Artefacts

Stop 1: ウエダツインタワー (Ueda Twin Tower)

• 9:00 AM: Begin with a tour orientation at the event space.
• Duration: 3 hours

Stop 2: Shimogoryo Shrine

• 12:00 PM: Visit Shimogoryo Shrine to understand the connection between water and the tea ceremony.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 3: Murasakino Daitokujicho

• 2:00 PM: Participate in a tea ceremony with young tea practitioner Dairiku Amae at Dairiku’s House.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 4: 2 Shichiku Nishimomonomotochō

• 4:00 PM: Visit lacquer craftsman Keiko Nishimura.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Accommodation: NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO (Western-style, Twin, single occupancy per room)
• Meals: Lunch

Day 2: Zen Reflections and Deep Dive into Tea History

Stop 1: Daitoku-ji Temple

• 8:00 AM: Experience Zazen meditation with Seizan Toda, the chief monk, followed by a shojin cuisine meal.
• Duration: 3 hours

Stop 2: Kyoto

• 11:00 AM: Free time to explore the streets of Kyoto.
• Duration: 5 hours

Stop 3: 502 Hoteiyachō

• 6:00 PM: Welcome dinner at a rented Kyomachiya with catering services.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Accommodation: NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO (Western-style, Twin, single occupancy per room)
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Uji’s Tea Legacy and Asahi-Yaki Pottery

Stop 1: Asahiyaki

• 9:00 AM: Introduction to Uji with local host Toshiyuki Matsubayasi, Brand Manager of Asahiyaki.
• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop 2: Horii Shichimeien

• 10:30 AM: Learn about traditional cultivation and processing methods by visiting a tea producer and wholesaler.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 3: Asahiyaki

• 2:00 PM: Spend time at Asahiyaki Pottery, which has a 400-year history and ample time for questions.
• Duration: 3 hours
• Accommodation: NOHGA HOTEL KIYOMIZU KYOTO (Western-style, Twin, single occupancy per room)
• Meals: Lunch

Day 4: From Kyoto’s Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition

Stop 1: Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport)

• 8:00 AM: Taxi transfer to Itami Airport for a flight to Niigata. Board a charter bus to Fukushima.
• Duration: 6 hours

Stop 2: Oyaku-en Garden

• 2:00 PM: Explore the Oyaku-en Garden, which links the tea ceremonies of Kyoto and Aizu, with a local guide.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 3: Human Hub Tenneijisoko

• 4:00 PM: Visit the centre for lacquerware production in Aizu, managing the entire process locally.
• Duration: 2 hours
• Accommodation: Irori no Yado Ashina (Japanese-style room)
• Meals: Dinner

Day 5: Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture

Stop 1: Nakanomyo

• 10:00 AM: Visit wood craftsmen and learn about making wooden bowls and historical techniques.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 2: Human Hub Tenneiji Soko

• 1:00 PM: Meet brush craftsmen and engage in the lacquerware-making process.
• Duration: 4 hours

Stop 3: Aizuwakamatsu

• 5:00 PM: Free time.
• Accommodation: Irori no Yado Ashina (Japanese-style room)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience

Stop 1: Tsuruga-jo Castle

• 10:00 AM: Experience an outdoor tea ceremony around Tsuruga-jo Castle.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 2: Human Hub Tenneijisoko

• 1:00 PM: Final reflection on the journey.
• Duration: 2 hours

Stop 3: Tokyo Central Railway Station

• 4:20 PM: Depart from Aizu-Wakamatsu, arriving in Tokyo by evening. Check-in at your hotel.
• Duration: 4 hours
• Accommodation: NOHGA HOTEL AKIHABARA TOKYO (Western-style, Twin, single occupancy per room)
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 7: Return to Everyday Life

Stop 1: 3-chōme-10-11 Sotokanda

• Breakfast at accommodation.
• Duration: 1 hour
• Accommodation: Not included

• Meals: Breakfast

• Meals and transportation as specified in the itinerary
• Costs for listed experiences
• English interpreter guide fees
• All admission and entrance fees
• Breakfasts (4)
• Lunches (2)
• Dinners (2)

Additional services not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary

Meeting Point

ウエダ 本社

363 Shiogamachō, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8103, Japan

Meet on the 2nd floor of the building, where an English-speaking guide will greet you.

End Point

Tokyo Station

1 Chome-9 Marunouchi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0005, Japan

Accommodations will be near Tokyo Station on the 7th night. The tour ends with hotel check-out on the morning of the 8th day.

• Pregnant travellers
• Wheelchairs

Crucial pre-trip insights:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.
• Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level.
• Conveniently located near public transportation.
• This is a private tour/activity exclusively for your group.