Wagashi Neighborhood/Area Tours(10)

Although this is described as being mainly about tea, this is really a three-part tour which starts off with the matcha experience and then goes on to a local miso producer, and finally some local history in the nearby castle. There were real friendly and knowledgeable tour guides throughout, excellent service and all necessary trips covered by taxi. The matcha experience was everything I hoped it would be. We visited the tea fields and got to try on the tea picking outfits which was a bit of fun and a nice photo op. We then learned about the production and processing of tea leaves to make matcha, got taught how to make and whisk it, drank it along with some tasty local sweets (wagashi). There was chance to purchase some to take home too. Lunch followed , cost covered by the overall price of the tour, which was tasty and tied in to the next stage which was all about miso. The miso experience was a real surprise, as a westerner I mostly knew miso from Miso Soup, but there is so much more to it. And seeing the passion of the local producers added to the magic. Finally the tour of the nearby museum and castle was a lovely relaxing close to the day with a stop at a tea house at the former Konoe residence for some more matcha and a sweet. Nishio might not be on your itinerary but I highly recommend making the trip! It's so worth it to see this little corner of Japan that has so much to offer. 🍵

We had a great experience! It can be about more than just the snacks, thankfully. Our guide asked about our interest level and, with that confirmed, shared her extensive knowledge of Japanese customs as ate our desserts. Two things to know: this is really a walk around the shrine, not a neighborhood tour. If you arrive early, do not explore the shrine; instead, wander through the surrounding streets. Also, the desserts were wonderful but it is really a mochi tour. We love mochi in all its forms so it worked well for us. However, if you don't, you may want to note that in your booking so other arrangements can be made. It was a delightful way to spend some time especially since we were starving. Vegan in Japan is the challenge everyone says it will be even with a plan. Our guide was kind to share vegan restaurant recommendations with us. Even with those it was still tricky as we are not used to or inclined to wait in long lines for a table.

Our group of 6 had a wonderful tour of Uji on April 7! With excellent English, Terumi S. led the tour which focused on a wide variety of Matcha and Green Tea experiences. We especially liked Terumi putting tea-making in Japan in context by pointing out the differences as we went along. Even though it was raining we were able to do all of the activities indoors. I especially liked the tea ceremony where the women were in full kimono dress with Terumi translating the ritual. She went the extra mile to get us to our next appointment by riding the train with us and showing us the connection! Arigato for an exceptional tour!

Thank you to our gracious, friendly, and informative guide Ayaka! We wandered around Uji on foot (so beautiful) and ate a green tea themed meal (delicious) then visited a temple and shrine. We had matcha ice cream (hojicha was my favorite) and then we had an informal matcha tea ceremony. We learned a lot of new information in just three hours!

Hiroe was brilliant. Thanks to her our group of grandma, mother, and daughter we got to learn a lot about Japanese culture and Matcha. It was a wonderful day walking around the really beautiful Uji area. We ate buckwheat noodles with matcha, made matcha tea and drink it, and had roasted green tea ice cream. Beautiful area and the shrine was so amazing. Hiroe was so knowledgeable about the area and she did a great job explaining in English. An absolutely wonderful day where we got to do things with Hiroe we never would have been able to understand how to do ourselves.