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7 Day Craftsmanship of Tea Tour in Kyoto, Uji and Aizu-wakamatsu
Product code 425849P6
From
From JPY 4,270,000
Dates
Available from Feb 1, 2024
Start times
12:00 AM
Travelers
Traveler ages 0-120
Options
7 Day Craftsmanship of Tea Tour in Kyoto, Uji and Aizu-wakamatsu
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
168 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From JPY 4,270,000
7 Day Craftsmanship of Tea Tour in Kyoto, Uji and Aizu-wakamatsu
View all photos
Duration
168 hours
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Manual
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
This tour offers a distinctive exploration of Japanese tea ceremony craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating local artistry with the natural splendor of Japan. Each day is enriched by the expertise of bilingual guides proficient in both English and Japanese, presenting a tailored experience of Japan’s cultural heritage. Days 1-2: The journey commences in Kyoto, immersing you in the fundamental elements of Chanoyu, including the flow of water, tea utensils, and settings. It features a tea ceremony and a visit to a craftsman. The experience deepens with an engagement in Chanoyu's spirituality at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, complemented by Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal. Day 3: Venture into Uji, a renowned tea-producing region of Japan, to gain insights into tea production. Relish lunch at a historic ryotei and explore the centuries-old Asahiyaki pottery. Days 4-6: Delve into the unique tea ceremony craftsmanship of Aizu, presenting a distinct contrast to Kyoto's style.
Overview
This tour offers a distinctive exploration of Japanese tea ceremony craftsmanship, seamlessly integrating local artistry with the natural splendor of Japan. Each day is enriched by the expertise of bilingual guides proficient in both English and Japanese, presenting a tailored experience of Japan’s cultural heritage. Days 1-2: The journey commences in Kyoto, immersing you in the fundamental elements of Chanoyu, including the flow of water, tea utensils, and settings. It features a tea ceremony and a visit to a craftsman. The experience deepens with an engagement in Chanoyu's spirituality at Daitokuji Daijiin Temple, complemented by Zen meditation and a traditional shojin-ryori meal. Day 3: Venture into Uji, a renowned tea-producing region of Japan, to gain insights into tea production. Relish lunch at a historic ryotei and explore the centuries-old Asahiyaki pottery. Days 4-6: Delve into the unique tea ceremony craftsmanship of Aizu, presenting a distinct contrast to Kyoto's style.
What's Included
Included
Expenses for experiences listed in the itinerary
All admission and entrance fees
Lunch
Dinner
Breakfast
English interpreter guide fee
Meal and transportation specified in the itinerary
Not included
Other services not clearly indicated in the itinerary
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
The meeting point will be on the 2nd floor of the Building. An English-speaking guide will be waiting for you there.
End point
On the night of the 7th day, you will stay at a hotel near Tokyo Station. The tour will conclude with a check-out from the hotel on the morning of the 8th day."
Itinerary
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
3 hours
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
9:00 The tour orientation will be held at the event space.
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
2 hours
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
12:00 Visiting Shimogoryo Shrine to Experience the Connection Between Water and the Tea Ceremony
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
2 hours
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
14:00 Experience a tea ceremony at Totosha with the young tea practitioner, Dairiku Amae, at Dairiku's House.
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
2 hours
Introduction & Immersion into the Sophisticated World of Tea Ceremony Artifacts
16:00 Visit lacquer craftsman（KEIKO NISHIMURA）
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
3 hoursAdmission included
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
8:00 Experience Zazen at Daitokuji Daijiin temple with Seizan Toda, chief monk of the temple. Afterwards, you will enjoy shojin cuisine at the Daitokuji Temple.
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
5 hours
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
11:00 Free Time. Please stroll through the streets of Kyoto.
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
3 hours
Zen Reflections & Deep Dive into the history of tea
18:00 We will host a welcome dinner party at a rented Kyomachiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse) with catering services.
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
1 hour 30 minutes
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
9:00 Introduction of Uji by the local host (Mr. Toshiyuki Matsubayasi, Brand Maneger of Asahiyaki) who will accompany you throughout the day.
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
2 hours
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
10:30 Visit the tea producer and wholesaler (Horii Shichimeien). Learn a traditional cultivation method, Horii style tencha dryer and more.
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
3 hours
Uji's Tea Legacy Supporting the Tea Ceremony and the 400-Year History of Asahi-Yaki Pottery
14:00 Spend three hours at Asahiyaki, a tea pottery in Uji with a history of over 400 years. There will be ample time for questions during the visit.
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
6 hours
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
You will begin your journey at 8:00 with a taxi transfer from your hotel to Itami Airport. You're scheduled to arrive at Itami Airport by 9:00. Your flight, JL2243, will depart from Itami Airport at 10:20. After a flight, you will arrive at Niigata Airport at 11:20. Then, at 12:00, you will board a charter bus to proceed to Fukushima.
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
2 hoursAdmission included
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
14:00 Visit Oyaku-en garden. Exploring the link between the tea ceremonies of Kyoto and Aizu with a local guide.
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
2 hours
From Kyoto's Court Culture to Aizu’s Samurai Tradition: Understanding Craftsmanship Across Regions
16:00 Aizu, renowned for its lacquerware that's integral to the tea ceremony, hosts the notable center Human Hub Tenneijisoko, a key site for lacquerware production. Aizu is unique area in its ability to manage the entire process locally, from cultivating lacquer trees and harvesting sap to the processing and finishing of lacquerware.
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
2 hours
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
You will visit two wood craftsmen (Kijishi). You will learn about the different types of wood used for making wooden bowls (wan kiji), the techniques of cutting the wood differently, and the historical context behind these variations.
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
4 hours
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
13:00 Visit Human Hub Tenneiji Soko to meet with Brush Craftsmen (Hakekitsune). Engage in a dialogue with Ms. Utsumi Shiho, the sole artisan carrying on the techniques of Mr. Tanaka Nobuyuki, a master lacquer brush maker. 14:30 Then, experience the inner lacquer coating. Through this journey, by participating in this stage of the lacquerware-making process which you have come to understand and appreciate, you will deepen your connection with the craft.
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
Unpacking Aizu’s Craft and Culture
17:00 Free time.
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
2 hoursAdmission included
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
10:00 Experience Nodate (outdoor tea ceremony) around Tsurugajo Castle. To wrap up your experience of craftsmanship in Aizu, you'll enjoy a casual outdoor tea ceremony, Nodate, which presents a style unique from Kyoto's tea traditions, allowing you to feel its link to daily life.
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
2 hours
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
13:00 Final reflection on the journey
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
4 hours
Outdoor Tea Ceremony Experience
You will depart from Aizu-Wakamatsu at 16:20 and then leave Koriyama at 18:06. Upon arriving in Tokyo at 19:28, we will take a taxi to your hotel. Your hotel check-in in Tokyo is scheduled for 20:00.
Return to Everyday Life and Begin to Practice Tea Craftmanship in Your Daily Life
1 hour
Return to Everyday Life and Begin to Practice Tea Craftmanship in Your Daily Life
Breakfast at accommodation
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
No Pregnant
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Physical Medium
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Policy type
Custom
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 6+ days before
Refund eligibility
50% refundable 2-6 days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-2 days before
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