16.May.2022
DISCOVER JAPAN
Tea-Leaf Picking Experience near Tokyo
Attractions in Saitama Prefecture
Saitama Prefecture’s western region, about one hour by train from central Tokyo, offers every hands-on Japanese tea-making experience for visitors: from tea-leaf picking to the production process of tea and matcha (powdered green tea) products
Saitama, the region known for quality tea production and its tea brand
Lies within easy access from central Tokyo, Saitama is the region having the largest tea plantation in Saitama Prefecture. The tea produced in this region is called Sayama-cha or Saitama tea which has been a tea brand with history over 800 years. Blessed with the climate, the tea trees grown in the region have thick leaves, and it brings the tea a deep, rich flavor. Also, the traditional production method adds sweetness to the tea. In the Sayama region, including Saitama City and Iruma City, there are tea gardens which offer tea-leaf picking experiences as well as tasting quality Saitama tea. Taking a train from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro in central Tokyo, you can visit the garden and have the unique experience on a one-day trip.
Miyano-En (Sayama City)
At Miyano-En you can enjoy hands-on tea-leaf picking between May and October, during which time new tea leaves begin to sprout and grow. After being picked, your tea leaves will be processed and canned so that you can take them home with you. Visitors can also attend tea-brewing seminars and enjoy green tea-leaf tempura made from their fresh, hand-picked leaves. As part of the Matcha-tasting Experience, you can enjoy making your matcha (powdered tea) by grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder and then relax with your freshly brewed cup of matcha tea.
Fees:
Green tea picking experience: From JPY1,000
MATCHA experience: From JPY 2,500
Thank you for reading me and I really hope I will be able soon to write about my new adventure.
