From booking our tour to the end of our tour, Akito was such an exemplary tour guide/coordinator.

He had in depth knowledge and was so organized putting our tour together. He was very flexible to coordinate our group of six people, for he usually only takes groups of four or less due to transportation accommodations.

We took a taxi to the Tea Factory and Akito met us punctually. There he went over our schedule. He was well spoken in English. He answered all of our questions and brought his local knowledge with him.

His father, a distinguished older gentleman also joined us as a second driver to bring us up to the farm. He only spoke Japanese, but he was such a delight to be around.

As we drove up the hill, the tea farm was just breathtaking! The view from the top was stunning seeing the beautiful landscape of rows of tea shrubs. Here we learned how the farmers grew, maintained, and how they picked the tea leaves.

Lastly, we went back to the factory to look at all the machines and learned about the different types of teas and how the teas are processed.

We were also thrilled that we got to sample some great teas.

Thank you Akito for going the extra mile and recommending some great restaurants and tea cafes. Your suggestions were all excellent choices!

We will surely tell our friends and family about this tour for this was the best experience ever!

Thank you again Akito!

Akito is a wonderful tea tour guide who has a great knowledge of Shizuoka tea and Japanese tea culture in general. The style of the tea tour is a small and exclusive tea tour experience, you are encouraged to ask questions, Akito is very friendly and informative.

We had a great time being in the tea garden and tea tasting experience.

We arrived by Shinkansen from Tokyo in just an hour. Akito waited for us at the station and took us to the plantation, where he showed us the tea bushes and the work area, and gave us a tea tasting session. They even gave us a delicious mochi!

We had underestimated our travel time and arrived late to meet Akito, our guide. He was incredibly kind and patiently waited for us without making it an issue. Once we arrived, he drove us to the tea farm, sharing stories along the way about his personal connection to tea and how he became involved in the tea world.

The tea plantation is situated on a hillside, offering a breathtaking view over the entire valley and Shizuoka in the distance. Akito explained the different harvesting methods and even showed us videos illustrating the process. After a photo opportunity among the tea rows, we sampled various types of tea while Akito explained their distinct characteristics. To our delight, we even got to enjoy a delicious tea salad.

Next, we visited the co-op factory, where we caught a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the production facilities as they were being cleaned in preparation for the upcoming harvest season.

To conclude the tour, Akito welcomed us into his home, where he demonstrated how to prepare Hojicha. We then tasted the freshly brewed tea and had the chance to purchase a selection from his carefully curated assortment. He kindly dropped us off at the bus stop, from which it was very easy to return to the train station.

Akito explained everything clearly and was very responsive to our more in-depth questions about tea. I highly recommend this tour to any tea lover or budding enthusiast—it’s a wonderful experience that offers both insight and enjoyment.

Akito the tour guide and owner of the company is very informative, well versed in the art of tea making process as he gave us a tour of the mountain fields, factory and tea making. We tasted several levels of tea from Sencha to Black tea. Akito has a friendly personality and has a kind. Heart. We got to sample various tea and brewing methods. It is an awesome tour and gave me a whole different perspective of the art of Tea. I would highly recommend contacting Akito and schedule the tour. You will learn so much and appreciate the Art of Tea.

The private TeaCupTrip on a sunny day in March was an unforgettable experience. Akito answered our many (sorry, Akito!) questions about the tea production process with ease and enthusiasm, and sparked a newfound love for Japanese green tea in us. We’d recommend this experience to anyone with even a passing interest in tea. We will probably be back on our next visit to Japan!

We travelled from Tokyo for this tour and it was very easy on the Shinkansen, approx. 1hr.

We had such a lovely time on Akito’s family farm up in the Shizouka mountains. His family is so kind and we felt truly welcomed!

Akito’s tour takes you through the journey from leaf to cup, and it was fascinating to learn what processes go behind making different varieties of Japanese green tea.

We’re really looking forward to trying the rice with sencha at home 🙂

Thank you Akito!

What an unforgettable experience! Our tour with Akito was nothing short of incredible. From breathtaking views to exceptional tastings and fascinating insights into tea and the industry, this tour far exceeded our expectations! Akito’s expertise and warm, friendly demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable, and his great English skills ensured we understood every detail. We gained a deep understanding of the art of tea and the Shizuoka region. Without a doubt, this was the highlight of our time in Shizuoka. If you’re a tea enthusiast or simply curious to learn more, this tour is an absolute must.

Thank you again, Akito, for sharing your passion, hospitality, and all the incredible tea. We’ll certainly think of you every time we enjoy a cup of Japanese tea back in Canada!

Akito was a great host and generous in sharing his knowledge and love of his local tea farms. He was flexible in finding time for us to take a tour. Me and my wife had a lovely time, and left with tea, knowledge and a greater appreciation for local farming techniques.

Akito’s tour demonstrated a deep appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of tea. The tour was wonderful – scenic views, thorough explanations, and welcoming hospitality. You are also given the option to purchase some of the single origin teas that come from the area at the end. Would highly recommend the tour for anyone interested in tea and looking to switch up a trip otherwise focused on city life in Tokyo.

Not only was he a great tour guide, he also gave us great anime recommendations!

Highly recommend Tea Cup Trip! Akito is a wonderful host who is passionate and knowledgeable about all things Japanese tea. The tour is on a small farm cooperative in a stunning location and includes amazing tea tasting and a small factory tour. I learned so much from a kind and generous person. The tour was a trip highlight!

Everything about the tour was amazing!! Akito is very knowledgeable about tea and made the tour super enjoyable yet informative! I love that Akito took us to spots that had gorgeous views of the tea farm too! The effort and care he puts into the tour really shows and created such a high quality experience. We learned so much about tea and also got to drink some of the different kinds of green tea too ☺️

10/10 would recommend!!!

I am a big fan of tea and especially Japanese tea so I was very excited to come. The guide was very knowledgeable and speaks very good English. We toured the fields, samples several delicious teas and took a tour of a tea factory. I could not recommend this tour enough!

This was hands down the best experience I’ve ever had! Akito was an absolute treasure trove of knowledge, and I learned more in this one tour than I ever have during my entire passion for Japanese Green Tea. His detailed explanation of the tea process—from the very beginning to the final brew—was so insightful. He covered everything from the various types of tea and their distinct characteristics to the intricacies of brewing techniques and how each tea brings out unique flavors. It was truly fascinating. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast. I’ll definitely be back to do the tour again because it was that amazing. A huge thank you to Akito for sharing his passion and offering such an unforgettable experience!

This was hands down the best experience I’ve ever had! Akito was an absolute treasure trove of knowledge, and I learned more in this one tour than I ever have during my entire passion for Japanese Green Tea. His detailed explanation of the tea process—from the very beginning to the final brew—was so insightful. He covered everything from the various types of tea and their distinct characteristics to the intricacies of brewing techniques and how each tea brings out unique flavors. It was truly fascinating. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour to anyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned enthusiast. I’ll definitely be back to do the tour again because it was that amazing. A huge thank you to Akito for sharing his passion and offering such an unforgettable experience!

This was such an incredible experience. Akito was extremely friendly and we really appreciated the pickup service at Shizuoka station. This was an easy trip on our way to Tokyo on the shinkansen from Kyoto, and is definitely worth the trip!! Akito taught us a ton about the tea farms in Shizuoka and the tea industry in general, with a beautiful tour by car up into the mountains of a local tea farm and processing factory. By far my wife and my favorite part of the tour was the tea tasting and conversation about Japan and different types of tea. Akito is a certified tea instructor/sommelier, and it really shows both in his knowledge and his passion about tea. I think the best kinds of tours are those that leave a lasting impact and appreciation for what you experienced, and learning about how tea is made and the processes that go into different kinds (especially the oxidation process and chemical effects on the tea that can make sencha vs. oolong, for example, and the effects that had on catechin, l-theanine, and caffeine) really has changed my appreciation for tea going forward. The views from the farm and mountain were also beautiful and I really appreciated him taking pictures of our group. And for the tea tasting, Akito showed us several different kinds of tea (sencha, genmaicha, a cold-brew sencha, and freshly roasted kukihojicha), which all ranked among the best tea I’ve had in my life. He also hosted us in a friendly family-style setting rather than a formal rehearsed tour, which really helped with all the questions we had. The woman in the office at the factory also talked to us a bit and was very fun to talk to as well, and they helped us book a taxi so we could get to our next destination in Shizuoka city. If you like tea and are visiting Tokyo, this is well worth a trip to Shizuoka! The food and the surugaya flagship store nearby were very fun to check out too. Thanks Akito!

Had a great time visiting the green tea farm. Akito-san was very knowledgeable and I learnt quite a bit about green tea and how to brew it.

Had the opportunity to visit the green tea factory too.

Overall it was a good tour.

We spent three weeks exploring Japan and our tour with Akito was one of our favourite things that we did! Akito was so friendly and knowledgeable and it was such a privilege to get to understand the tea farm from an expert. The setting was gorgeous and tasting the different teas on the mountainside was such a peaceful, beautiful experience. We learnt so much about the tea growing process, but it also gave us a true appreciation of the care and effort that goes into making such beautiful teas. I would highly recommend to any tea fan or anyone seeking a truly unique, authentic experience in Japan, with the friendliest guide. Thank you so much Akito!

I had a great time om the tour with Mr. Akito. He has wonderful insight into the world of Japanese tea and a wealth of knowledge to accompany it. The mountain tea farm was beautiful with wide ranging views of the mountains and the city below, as well as, of course, the tea farm itself.

The tea tasting gave me a new appreciation for tea and also gave me some ideas for tea at home.

The factory tour was great as well. Seeing the process from fresh leaf to sencha ready to be made was good to see.

Its definitely worth a visit!

The tour was everything I had hoped for! Most importantly, the tour was led by Akito, who is very passionate about tea. He knew the answer to every question I had and was able to relate information in a fun and engaging way. I had a fascinating journey from standing in the tea field, to being guided through the factory, to tasting (drinking & eating!) different teas. I learnt a great deal about Japanese tea and can highly recommend this tour to tea lovers or anyone looking for an authentic and educational experience! Thank you Akito, for this wonderful afternoon 🙂

Wow, what an unforgettable experience! We’ve always been interested in tea, but to actually visit a tea farm and see how it is made brought our appreciation to a new level. Akito was a wonderful tour guide, and did a great job of structuring and pacing the tour to our interests. We got to taste tea grown in Shizuoka, and learn the different production processes for creating the different types of teas. Overall, I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in tea!

We had a great time learning about the ins and outs of Japanese tea with Akito. It was just my wife and I, so felt very private. We have a deeper appreciation on Japanese tea. It was really nice to be away from the hustle and bustle of downtown and be in the fresh mountain air. Akito is clearly very passionate and knowledgeable; he was receptive to all our questions and we learnt so much from him. A highlight of our trip!

My dad and I are visiting Japan from Alaska and Nebraska, respectively. Since being a tea drinker for many years, I absolutely had to book us on this tour. Akito was our guide and there is no better guide than him! He is super knowledgeable and was able to answer every single question we asked him… and there was a lot! He was also fun to listen to and shared great facts and stories. I didn’t know much about tea coming into this, but I left knowing a lot more. As we were tasting the teas, Akito explained why and how the teas taste different based on how they’re made (water temperature, when they were harvested, etc.). Moral of the story, if you’re able to book this tour, it’s a must do!!

If you are tea lover or have chance to visit Shizuoka, this tea farm tour is worth to be added in your trip. It’s such a great experience to enjoy a wonderful view of the tea farm from top of the mountain, learning about Japanese tea and tea processing and taste different types of tea. Also got some tips on how to brew or make tea to your own preference.

I had an incredible local tour with Akito and Kazuto. They were exceptionally kind and patient, answering all the questions I asked. The tea tour was incredibly informative, and I learned a great deal about Japanese tea. I sincerely hope more people discover and appreciate Japanese teas. Shizuoka’s countryside is absolutely stunning, and it’s the perfect escape from the bustling crowds of Tokyo and Kyoto. If you’re looking to experience a more tranquil side of Japan, I highly recommend visiting this beautiful area.

Akito picked us up from the train station and from the beginning we could tell we were in for an incredibly insightful tour. We were shown a scenic route to the tea farm, where Akito brewed fresh Sencha in a variety of ways. He expertly explained the whole process of tea production to preparation, and the interesting effect of different temperatures of water on the final taste, and finished by roasting the tea to create houjicha for us to try as well. The tea farm was beautiful and the discussion was highly engaging. We would recommend this to anyone interested in tea and the relaxing landscapes of Shizuoka.

This is a tour that felt like we were being guided by a long time friend; Akito has such a welcoming and kind demeanor and he showed us the most breath-taking scenic spots along the way to the tea farm. After my fiancé spent just over a week in Tokyo and Kyoto, this felt exactly like something we needed, peace and nature. You can feel the passion and care Akito has towards the world of tea. The knowledge Akito shared was presented in a very approachable and engaging way, as we enjoyed tea in different forms while outdoors and indoors beside the tea farm. Although the factory itself was closed since it was off season, it was still super cool to see the facilities. My fiancé and I got very lucky as well that it turned out to be a private tour, as no one else had booked it that day. We also had the best Matcha gelato we had in our lives based upon the recommendations Akito shared with us about Shizuoka! Without a doubt, this tea tour is a must for anyone visiting Japan!

This tea tour was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. The tour gave us detailed knowledge of the whole tea making process and included various tea tastings. The biggest surprise was the tea salad from boiled tea leafs we ate after the last sencha brewing. Akito and Kyoko were great hosts, it was a pleasure meeting them. I highly recommend it!

Our tour was greeted by Akito at the Shizuoka Station. He drove through the charming town of Shizuoka and beautiful hills to the tea farm.

Akito was really knowledgeable and passionate about tea making. Akito prepared several types of tea for us to taste with detailed explanations of why each tea tastes different from another. It was a delightful experience to see the farm and learn about the Japanese tea making process.

It’s about an hour Bullet train ride from Tokyo. Thank you Akito for amazing day!

I enjoyed the tour a lot. Akito is an amazing host, who gladly answers any questions (not only tea-related) and finds a perfect balance between imparting knowledge and entertainment.

The tasting was also very interesting and gave me some new insights into preparation of tea.

Incredible tour of the mountains, tea farm and beautiful surrounding area. Akito spoke clear English and answered every single question that we threw at him. We tried 4 different teas and got to walk around the factory afterwords. Wished we could have seen it in operation, but it only runs 2 weeks out of the year based on the harvest season! Would recommend!!

I managed to book an empty slot that ended up being just me. Most of the time, these bookings just end up getting cancelled so it was already an amazing surprise to see the booking flow through.

Akito spoke with me about tea and so many other things. Rather than a simple one way spout of tour info, it felt like a friend was guiding you through their hometown. And of course it should! Because this is his hometown and tea runs in his family.

This was a stellar experience and my only regret was not being able to come during the spring time when the first leaves are harvested and to see the local farming co-op process their crop live. I cannot recommend this tour enough.

Akito’s tea trip is a truly wonderful experience that takes you into the pristine mountains of Shizuoka to visit a beautiful tea farm. Akito has a warm heart and is brimming with stories and information which he is excited to share about tea. We learned a lot on this trip and got to experience and enjoy some wonderful teas and even got to roast some of our own tea which was a truly unique experience. The experience and tea were both truly delicious! Thank you Akito! Next time we are in Japan we hope to join you on another tea adventure!

First we started by seeing the farm on some observation places, which looked incredible with the city in the back. Next we were guided through the actual farm and the factory and finally we tried different kinds of green tea, which were amazing!!!

I did this tea tour at the end of my first week in Japan and it’s one of my favourite things I’ve done so far. Akito was so knowledgeable and passionate about tea! I was able to learn a lot about tea and taste some amazing tea. The farm has beautiful scenic views that overlook the city. I would highly recommend, and it’s worth the trip to Shizuoka just for this!

My family and I very much enjoyed our experience with Akito for the Hidden Gem Saranti Tea Farm Tour. First of all, the farm is beautiful. Akito surprised us with a cup of delicious and refreshing Sensha cold brew, brewed just for us, which we enjoyed from the top of the mountainside looking down over the tea farm and the Shizuoka valley. Akito spent quality time with us to help us understand the Shizuoka tea industry, community and culture, including answering a ton of questions from our curious group. We learned so much that day and the knowledge and passion for his work was evident. Our group highly recommends the Hidden Gem Saranti Tea Farm Tour for your family. Thanks Akito!

We had the best experience with Akito-san and learned so much! It was so amazing to see the whole production process of the tea, and we enjoyed the personalized aspect of the tour as well and listening to his stories. The view over the farm is breathtakingly gorgeous, and Akito is so passionate and enthusiastic about the art of tea production and it made the experience even better than we could have hoped for. I highly recommend this!

I was very much looking forward to the tea tour based on the reviews I had read, and I was not disappointed! In fact, my expectations were even surpassed. Akito was such a lovely and passionate host, and he made us feel really welcome. He explained the entire process, from growing to manufacturing and selling the tea, and answered all of our many questions. We loved that the group consisted of only four people, so we had plenty of opportunities to ask anything we wanted to know. Akito was also very patient with us as I translated much of what he said for my dad, and he was okay with repeating himself when we didn’t catch something, making sure that we truly understood what he was explaining. He even picked us up at the train station and drove us back there when we missed our bus!

Overall, it was an amazing experience. We learned a lot about the entire tea-making process and Japanese culture as a whole. We tasted delicious tea and enjoyed some beautiful views of Shizuoka. I’d highly recommend the tour to anyone who wants to learn something new and spend pleasant few hours in good company.

My family was blown away by our half day tea tour with Akito. He was kind, knowledgable, energetic and inspirational. He was both interesting and interested in us–and attentive to our every need and question.

We were on cruise and opted for the Tea Cup Farm Tour instead of Mt. Fuji tours during our port day in Shimizu. We are so glad we did. From the the moment he picked us up at the Shizuoka Train Station to our departure from the processing factory, we were treated to wonderful sights, smells,, tastes and tales.

We were able to samples many teas, hot and cold. And we were able to buy a few of our favorites in the small shop on the property.

The day was enchanting and we will remember it as a highlight of our trip to Japan.

The tour takes you through the process of creating Japanese tea leaves. It was led by a friendly and passionate tour Akito.

Leading up to the tour, Akito communicate very well how the tour would work including logistics on how to be picked up. You will not have to worry about anything including getting back to the station.

The tour was exceptional and beautiful. We were able to see the tea fields and then learned about the full process and supply chain of Japanese tea leaves.

Afterwards, Akito made us different teas and showed us the factory where they process to store the tea.

If you want to learn about the different ways tea gets their profile or even the logistic of making, selling, and the tea leaf economy, this tour is for you!

Our family visited the Saranti tea farm on our June trip to Japan. Akito was an accommodating host! We watched and listened to instructions (how and why) as he prepared tea. We then enjoyed drinking green tea. We also had roasted green tea. We purchased some at the farm, which is excellent, and are preparing some almost daily at our home in Florida, US. We now love green tea, we have learned how to make it properly.

We also toured the tea farm. Akito described how the tea is cut and harvested. His father was with us on the farm tour, which was special for us.

It was a wonderful experience! We would recommend the tea and tour to visitors to Japan. We will continue to enjoy our Sencha green tea at home. Arigato Akito!

Our private tea tour with Akito was a wonderful learning experience. He is so knowledgeable and even had slides to show us to further explain some concepts about tea making. The scenery of the tea farm was breathtaking! Having our tea tasting with the beautiful view and Akito as a guide made this part of our trip to Shizuoka extra memorable. Thank you Akito!!

This was an amazing experience for both myself and my wife. Akito is incredibly knowledgeable and approachable about everything tea. He not only took us on a wonderful tour of the tea fields and the factory but answered all of our questions along the way. We both learned so much during the tour and my wife, who loves green tea, could not wait to arrive back home and put some what we learned into practice. I cannot recommend this tour enough for everyone. Thank you for everything Akito

If you love tea, you will love this tour. Akito will teach you all there is to know about green tea growing, harvesting and processing while you take in the beauty of the tea farm. Akito is a brilliant communicator and we thoroughly enjoyed his company as we toured through the tea farm. This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy an informative and authentic experience of green tea in Japan.

Akito was an amazing guide! He comprehensively explained to us the Japanese tea process and clarified any questions we had. The tea tasting experience was also really interesting with the tea being brewed at different temperatures. An amazing experience – even in the heat of summer! Would highly recommend!!

I am so happy I found Hidden Gem Saranti Tea Tour in my search for a tea-related activity in Shizuoka. Akito-san, my guide and host for the tour, is extraordinarily knowledgeable about tea and its relation to the Shizuoka region, both through the experience of his family as well as a clear passion for Japanese tea. I had done some reading and explored different types of Japanese tea in the past, but I learned so much on this tour and feel much more equipped to enjoy Japanese tea in a more enlightened and educated manner. In addition, just being in the mountains in a gorgeous and peaceful environment made the experience that much more enjoyable.

In addition to his knowledge and skills, Akito-san is such a kind and warm person and made sure I felt welcomed to the farm and tea factory. It was such a pleasure spending the afternoon with him. It was clear that Akito-san truly was excited about sharing his knowledge and passion for tea.

I have done a fair number of guided tours in various contexts, but this was one of the most enjoyable that I have experienced. If you enjoy tea, do not miss this during your trip to Japan and the region! Even if you don’t consider yourself a tea lover, you may change your mind after spending the afternoon with Akito-san!

We loved our tea experience with Akito. He was incredibly passionate about tea, welcoming, friendly and answered our many questions. We learned a ton about the hard work that goes into tea production and got to taste several delicious teas. We particularly enjoyed driving out to the countryside of Shizuoka and seeing the views of the mountains and the tea plantation. We will definitely be recommending this to our friends 🙂

We came in not knowing a whole lot about Japanese tea, but were surprised by the details of the japanese tea market and brewing process. By the end, we became experts thanks to Akito’s tour where he walked us through each aspect of harvesting, processing and brewing. Some highlights of the tour were seeing the amazing views over all the tea farms at the observation spot atop the mountain and tasting the nuances of different types of tea after seeing the different preparation method.

My girl and I had the most amazing experience. It was our favorite part of our two week trip and we went to Ghibli Park. It was informative, fun, delicious and beautiful. He is an amazing host and so knowledgable. Excellent English and amazing access. We would go again if we could. Our pictures were amazing.

We thoroughly enjoyed our time on this tour with Akito. He was kind, thoughtful, passionate, and knowledgeable about the entire tea process, from growing, harvesting, processing, and brewing tea. We got to experience it all first-hand, with beautiful vistas from the farm to touring the traditional and modern machinery to make Japanese green tea. Akito guided us each step of the way, answering our questions, and brewed some wonderful tea for us as well. We especially enjoyed trying the hojicha, roasted right in front of us!

Our family of 4 (two adults, two children ages 10 and 11) all agreed this was a HIGHLIGHT of a 2-week trip to Japan. This private tour gave us a real glimpse of tea farm life and the intricate process. Meeting Akito’s parents and making tea in his home was so very special. He has such wonderful knowledge of, and appreciation for, tea and we learned so much. We love that he spends his time sharing this beautiful (and delicious!!) aspect of Japanese culture with people. It was so nice to get away from the crowds for a few hours and have this experience. We recommend it to ANYONE traveling to Japan!!

I really enjoyed the tea farm tour. Akito was very kind, knowledgeable and gave us an unforgettable tour. During the trip, we toured tea farm, tried different types of tea and a tea processing facility. I also bought some tea for me later.

Akito showed us tea farms fields and explained us everything about shizuoka tea culture; we also had a very pleasant and interesting degustation, visited the tea factory with the different process

He is a very nice person with a big heart and we are so glad that we decided to plan this tour with him

So if u come near Shizuoka, it is a Must Do !

Thank you again Akito

We were so inspired by Akita’s passion for the tea industry and depth of knowledge about tea from the growing process to processing and the chemistry behind the brewing process. I went into this tour with a love for tea and hoping to learn more about how Japanese tea is special and unique and got so much more than that out of this tour. We were taken through private roads only accessible to local farmers and got to experience breathtaking views of the Shizuoka mountains, got to try our hand at picking tea, have a tasting of how different brewing methods can alter the flavor of Japanese green tea, visit the factory, and get answers to so many questions. I felt every dime we spent on this tour was worth it and goes to a great cause to support the local tea farmers in Shizuoka holding up an industry that is aging out

An absolutely amazing day from start to finish. Akito’s instructions on how to get there were easy to follow, and he picked us up right on time! The tour started with a drive up a picturesque mountain to the tea farms, with plenty of photo opportunities and time to soak in the views. Akito was patient and answered all of our questions about the tea harvesting and processing process, and we got to enjoy fresh tea in various pour stages while learning all about the best ways to drink (and pour!) tea. The second half of the tour was in the factory where we got to see the entire process of tea processing from start to finish, and tasting more delicious tea made from the stems of the harvest. It was such a good day, and an absolute highlight of our trip. We highly recommend this tour to everyone.

Akito’s tea experience was so comprehensive, insightful, and delightful that it completely changed the way we drink tea–and we drink lots of it! Covering production, preparation, and enjoyment in one session, the experience was really special. Absolutely would recommend.

This was our first-time visiting Japan, and our first-time in Shizuoka. Our guide Akito was a pleasure to spend the afternoon with who filled in any questions we had about tea farming, processing, and dispensary. We started our trip by meeting Akito just outside the main transit hub in Shizuoka. He provided us with clear directions by email well in advance and arranged to pick us up at a time that easily fit into our schedule. From there it was roughly a 30-minute car ride from the center of the city, past the tea processing facility, up to the tea farm nestled in the mountains. It was a gorgeous, sunny day with plenty of opportunities for us to stop and take some pictures of wild cherry blossoms, bamboo groves, and tea farms in the surrounding hills and valleys. We even managed to see some wild wisteria starting to bloom on the mountainside!

When we reached the tea farm Akito took us to a vantage point above the farm where we could see it in its entirety, rolling across the mountain. Afterwards we had a lovely time walking around the farm itself learning about the history of tea cultivation, the various methods of tea leaf harvesting, the history of the farm, and a bit about the climate of both Shizuoka and Japan. This was paired with a mini tea ceremony where we enjoyed and learned about various methods of tea preparation while enjoying the country-mountain air, sunshine, and birdsong.

Once finished at the farm Akito took us down the mountainside to the co-op processing plant where we were treated to some other forms of tea preparation. Inside was an interesting experience where we learned the ins and outs of green tea processing. Everyone was friendly and knowledgeable, quick to answer any questions that came to mind throughout our tour. My wife Gwendolyn speaks conversational Japanese while all I know is English. The tour was a delight all around with no issues in communication. This was one of my personal highlights for our first visit to Japan. I would highly recommend a personal tour to anyone interested in learning about the small business side of the tea industry.

Personal tour to tea farm and factory in Shizuoka, the biggest tea producing region in Japan. We had the honor to be hosted by Akito and learned the A to Z of farming, processing and tasting. I love the intimate and refreshing feeling in the mountain. Thank you.

If you are a tea addict like me and my spouse, this is the perfect activity for you! Discover the authentic backstage of japanese green tea production process as the friendly and knowledgeable Akito takes you through a a lush tea field up in the beautiful mountains of Shizuoka prefecture, from the tea bush to the finished product in a tea factory. You will also learn alot about key characteristics of japanese tea types and preparation tips while enjoying them!

We had so much fun and will remember this afternoon for a long time. Thank you Akito!!

We had such a fantastic tea tour with Akito in Shizuoka! The tour is well diversified, from tea fields to tea factory, through lunch and multiple tastings, we had an amazing time!! Akito is super knowledgeable and really showcased his (tea) region. I can’t wait to be back and explore it more! Book with no hesitation! Thank you Akito!

This tea tour takes place on a peaceful multi-generational tea farm in Shizuoka with amazing views of the city!

Our host あきこ (Akiko) was a great and educated our group about the tea grown on farm and history of tea in Japan. We learned so much and can’t wait to visit again!!

This was a once in a lifetime experience and highlight of our trip, especially after being in the hustle and city life of Tokyo this mountain farm was the perfect was to relax away from city!!

Thank you so much, Akiko!!! 🍵

ありがとうございます、あきこ!!! 🍵

Fantastic tour ! Highly recommend.

Akito is passionate about tea and his home region of Shizuoka, working with the community to keep the tradition of tea growing alive . It gives the whole tour a personal touch and makes it interesting.

The visit is very well organised, with a pick up from the station and a short drive through the countryside, including a beautiful bamboo forest and orange trees !

Once arrived at the tea fields I was able to walk around , meet the tea farmers and see the harvest , with a delicious tea tasting break . Then off to a quick factory visit, which was great too . Akito is very knowledgeable and accommodating, the tea from the farm tastes amazing .

I really enjoyed my visit!

Anne , UK

Thank you Akito for your amazing tour! It was a true highlight of our visit to Japan. We all loved the amazing views of the tea farm, getting to learn about tea manufacturing and Shizuoka, and having the opportunity to taste such unique teas. ありがとうございます！

If you’re passionate about tea or local food culture, I highly recommend traveling to Shizuoka Prefecture and connecting with Akito Ohashi through his Tea Cup Tours. Akito is a true tea ambassador, with extensive knowledge of every aspect of the tea-making process—from cultivation to consumption. Moreover, he is one of the nicest and most engaging individuals you could meet.

As a fellow entrepreneur, it was thrilling to witness the innovative spirit in Shizuoka, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of Japanese Tea.” Akito’s connections in the local community enriched our experience, and seeing the entrepreneurial efforts in the region was a highlight.

Luckily, we got to experience the tea fields on a foggy, rainy day after the first harvest, surrounded by wild mandarin plants. This added a mystical and lush green atmosphere to the tour. It was like experiencing an immersive interpretation of Basho’s famous haiku about the Shizuoka road.

Akito tailored his explanations to our level and interests, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. He also provided a deep understanding of Japanese agriculture and culture.

My only regret is not buying more shincha from Akito directly. The quality of his tea is unparalleled compared to what I can get in Europe. Be smart and make room for buying a lot.

Superb host, fascinating trip. Highly recommended!

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Akito has a lot of knowledge about tea, the processing, the factory and the region. He provided an excellent tour, answered all our questions, had interesting teas to taste. Akito communicates well, was very helpful in organizing a taxi for us to take us to the tea factory and we had a wonderful time. We definately recommend a tea tour with him!

We had a really great time on our Tour. Akito was a super nice and pleasant guy with a ton of knowledge about Japanese Tea and everything around it. As it is a private tour you have all the time to get your question answered. Also the tea tasting and the different brewing procedures that are necessary were very interesting and tasteful.

We will never forget our time with Akito and Kyoko who gave us a such a warm welcome and informative experience!

We had a wonderful day with Akito, who is truly passionate about Tea. Its a great tour for beginners and advanced tea drinkers alike.

Thank you again for your hospitality and sharing your knowledge!

Rosi & Tilman

Akito-San was an amazing tour guide, and our family learned a lot throughout the Tea Farm Tour. Akito-San is truly an expert at his craft, and we thoroughly enjoyed the very personalized tour. Best tour we have experienced! If you are in the Shizuoka area, we would definitely recommend this tour.

Akito possesses a great deal of kindness and is particularly passionate about his work. His passion is conveyed with joy. I can only advise on this activity.

Très satisfait de notre journée avec Akito. Il m’a aidé à mieux comprendre le thé japonais, le processus de culture. Très bonne dégustation et échange autour du thé. Le cadre est très joli. Merci Akito pour tous. Cela restera une belle rencontre et une belle journée

Very satisfied with our day with Akito. He helped me better understand Japanese tea, the growing process. Very good tasting and exchange around tea. The setting is very pretty. Thank you Akito for everyone. It will remain a great meeting and a great day

We had a wonderful tea field tour with Akito. We didn’t realize it up until the minute we met him that this is going to be a special day, a private tour of a beautiful mountain side, overlooking the city Shizuoka and even have a glimpse at the sea. We learned a lot about Shizuoka, the production and preparation of green tea. Akito speaks English very well, so it was also possible to have a little chit chat and get to know each other. It was truly a special day and if we are once again in Japan we would definitely do it again, maybe this time the longer tour. If you’re into japanese green tea this is a must do on your trip.

If you are a fan of the tea world, I highly recommend this tour. We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day and had tea in the mountains. Thank you so much

Do not miss on this very special tea cup tour in Shizuoka! Akito is the most kind and knowledgeable host. He picked us from the Shizuoka station up to the mountains where he gave us the most amazing tour, starting by going up all the way up to the top to enjoy a wonderfull view of the valley and the tea fields. From then, we went visiting the fields while he explained everything about tea farming, and Akito was kind enough to answer every last one of our numerous questions. We then had a lovely tasting session by the tea bushes, were Akito shared even more of his knowledge about the right way to brew top quality green tea leaves. We ended with a tour of the factory and some more tasting, truly a wonderful and very unique experience to have for tea lovers! And a big thank you to Akito for having us and making this trip to Japan even more memorable!

Audrey #1

Akito is an incredible and welcoming guide! His explanations are really detailed, clear and interesting. I learned a lot even when I was thinking to be quite knowledgeable on tea. You can feel how much he loves to share his knowledge and to show the tea farm be it the exteriors or the manufacture. The tea tasting was so delicious, I particularly loved to discover the hojicha and the tea leaves with ponzu. I will forever remember the views of the tea fields (so, so green under a clear blue sky) and around the tea farm (forest and valley especially) as all of them are gorgeous and give a Ghibli feeling! And all of that is without mentioning all the small attentions from Akito like the little snack, a small flag of our country, decorations on the table to go with the tasting, showing of a small house in a bamboo forest with a river… This will be one of my best memories from Japan! Thanks a lot again Akito for this tea trip and your kindness!

Audrey #2

Akito was a fantastic guide who spoke excellent English and went out of his way to make all the directions and steps to get to this tour location clear and easy to follow. Once with Akito, you immediately recognize his kindness and pleasing calm demeanor. The tea farm in Shizuoka is in the rolling mountains, is beautiful, and the views of the valley and city beyond are all gorgeous. I thought I knew a lot about tea, but Akito was able to teach me far more than I expected. The tea tasting we did was delightful and I was surprised when he told me we were going to eat the tea after we drank it. He prepared a tasty little snack from the tea that was excellent and a surprise part of the trip. Learning about the manufacturing and trying tea made from different parts of the plant were a surprise delight for me. For any lovers of green tea, or even just beautiful country side experiences, I highly recommend this tour.

This private tour gives you an insight how tea is made from an tea family! From tea farm to tea cafe, from learning on the spot on different types of tea to experiencing how you can brew tea! Akito is a passionate tea instructor showing you the insights on the world behind Japanese tea, a hidden gem in Shizuoka that will help understand tea drinking and ceremonies while you travel through the rest of the country, in short your tea experience in Japan starts here :).

I enjoyed a wonderful tour with Akito and learned a lot about the tea cultivation and the region of Shizuoka in general.

In fact this was one of my highlights of my trip to Japan.

Being a tea lover myself it was really nice to be guided by such an expert.

I can highly recommend this tour to anyone.

Thank you, Akito-san for your hospitality and the truly unique experience!

I went with three friends on the tea farm tour in Shizuoka and it was the highlight of our trip! The tea fields were beautiful and it was so easy to get to Shizuoka from Tokyo. I learned so much about tea and it was so nice to be in the countryside after being in the city a few days.

We saw the farmers harvesting the tea and got to try the tea right next to the field. A magical experience and Akito was so knowledgeable and speaks perfect English.

We also got to visit the factory to see how the tea is produced and got to see how hojicha is made. I thought I knew a lot about tea but I learned so much on this trip. Definitely worth going!

Visiting the beautiful tea farms in the Shizuoka mountains with Akito was one of the best highlights of my trip to Japan.

Aside from the wonderful surrounds Akito was a fantastic host, so friendly and helpful right from the moment we were picked up at the train station.

We learned lots about tea and the way of life of the tea farmers and factory, especially enjoying the tasting portions and the tea salad! Kudos too for the touch of adding little Australian flags for us Aussies at the factory.

An absolute gem of an experience we would recommend to anyone who wants to see more of Japan outside of its main cities. Thank you!

We made in a stop in Shizuoka just so we could go on this tea farm tour and tasting, and it was very worth it. Akito was a personable, and knowledgeable host that made the tour feel really special. Highly recommend!

We recently went on a tea tour, and it was an exceptional experience. Akito, our guide, was incredibly informative, providing deep insights into Japanese tea—from picking leaves to the final cup. The private tour allowed for a personalized learning experience, and Akito patiently answered all our questions. The opportunity to pick fresh tea leaves, visit a tea factory, and taste green tea made the tour not only educational but also delightful. We highly recommend this tour for a truly special and immersive tea journey. Thank you and you never know, we are pretty sure we will be back for some more!

We highly recommend this tour which includes a visit of the tea fields and of the factory + some tea tasting. Beautiful view on the tea plantation, passionnate guide who is happy to answer the questions and to share his knowledge. Very nice and welcoming people. We loved it !

We just had an amazing day with Akito!

The tea farms views where Akito took us were breathtaking, and even if the tea factory wasn’t working that day, Akito showed us around and had some videos of the whole process.

Every step of the tour was punctuated by small details and little attentions, and Akito answered gladly to all our questions about tea and Japan overall.

We definitely recommend this tour to every tea-lover (and ever more to non-tea lover, because Akito will make you change your mind!)

Akito-san was a very engaging and a well spoken host. He was very knowledgeable about tea and had a lot of insight about the farm and the tea processing. We walked away learning a lot about Japanese tea. The farm is beautiful and we had a private tour and tea tasting.

For the first part of the tour, we drove up to the tea fields themselves. Such beautiful views of the tea fields and the area. It would have been worth the trip alone. It was also very nice to walk among the tea bushes and see them up close, and also to see the machines that are used for harvesting.

I also enjoyed the last part of the tour at the tea factory where we tasted different types of Japanese teas, learned how they differ and how to bring out the best of each one. I also got a tour of the factory itself where Akito went through the different steps that the tea leaves go through before the final product and the machines used at each step.

Akito was very welcoming and we had nice conversations about tea and Japan in general, and he was happy to answer any questions I had. He is very knowledgeable about tea and I learned a ton.

The tea tour was definitely one of the highlights of my trip! Highly recommended for anyone who wants to learn more about tea, both beginners and others.

Akito’s tea farm tour is such a great experience. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or someone brand new to the tea world, there’s a lot to see, learn, and of course taste. The views from the mountain make this tour worth it all by them selves, but coupled with Akito’s commentary and conversation make this experience truly special. I can’t recommend it enough. Thanks so much!

We had a wonderfull afternoon with Akito at the tea farm and factory. He speaks really good English, so we could ask him everything we wanted to know about Japanese tea. We tasted various lively teas and got explanations about how to make them our selves!

This was an awesome experience and a must for all tea lovers! We toured the beautiful, lush tea fields and explored the processing of freshly picked tea leaves. Mr Akito took excellent care of us and gave us a wonderful overview of tea farming, including a tea tasting and many useful tips for preparing tea at home. Also, he kindly picked us up from the station, so there was no hassle trying to find the right bus. Definitely recommended!!!

This tour was fantastic! Akito is so knowledgeable and has a real passion for tea. He was very friendly and the tour ran very smoothly. This was the highlight of our Japan trip. Highly recommended!!!

We had an amazing day with beautiful scenery and delicious tea. Akito and Kyoko were great hosts, that made us feel welcome and taught us a lot about the world of tea. Highly recommend!

If you want to learn about Japanese tea this is the best tour you can possibly book! We were picked up at the train station directly and drove around 30 mins to a private tea farm. Akito shared his full knowledge about tea with us. We were able to ask all our questions and got learn everything about the growing, harvesting and production of green tea. We were able to try the tea directly from this farm and later went to the fabric to see how the leaves are being processed. Besides learning a lot and getting to see something you otherwise wouldn’t be able to, Akito is also the nicest host you can imagine.

We will definitely recommend this to any friends and family of ours coming to Japan!

It was such a delight to escape the busy cities and take the tour. The views were breath-taking and we were grateful to be guided to places we could not otherwise visit on our own. Akito is so friendly and knowledgable about the tea, always happy to answer any curious question. In such a short time, you realize how much work is behind the delicious cup of tea we can enjoy and we even learned a few new ways of enjoying the Japanese tea. We would recommend the tour to both the experienced tea lovers and those who are just about to discover it. It made us more confident when visiting a few tea houses later during our travel in Japan.

On our two week trip through Japan we used Akito’s ‘teacuptrip’ to learn about tea. On top of that we met a kind local and had a fantastic time. Can highly recommend his tour to a tea farm, tea tasting and tea company.

We joined the 2.5 hours tour, and we really enjoyed it. The tour started with the incredible views of the tea fields at the top of the mountains in Shizuoka, to continue at the tea factory with a very informative explanation about all the process from taking care of the tea plants to how to brew a delicious cup of tea.

Time flew talking with the friendly Akito san, who is very knowledgeable and passionate about tea!

We recommend 100% this tour and we hope to do it again around May next year to be able to pick up tea leaves and to be able to see the factory running ( tea harvesting has its own timing and we joined the tour too late, in Summer).

My boyfriend and I flew in from Hawaii and happened to stumble across this farm on Google, and we’re so glad we did! We selected the option to get picked up at Shizuoka Station, and the instructions of how to get to the meeting spot was so easy to follow. Akito was already there waiting for us by the time we got there (10 minutes prior to our set pick-up time).

It was a 20-25 minute drive up to the mountain and Akito gave us a little drive by tour of the town, we learned so much! When we got to top of the farm, the view was so worth it! It’s a kind of view that you need to see it in person. Akito set up a little spot to hang out and drink different types of tea, it was so thoughtful and cute! Next, we headed over to the factory which it was good timing because the factory was processing some tea! It was so amazing to see and the whole factory smelled wonderful! We got a chance to buy some of the factory’s tea and I love that we were able to see how the tea was made, it makes it much more meaningful when we drink it.

Akito dropped us off at the bottom of the mountain to the bus station, and I swear the timing was planned flawlessly. We literally got dropped off, walked across the street and our bus that we were supposed to take was there. Everything was planned out so well! All of my expectations have been surpassed. I will recommend this tour to anyone that is going to Japan! It’s a one of a kind experience and unique.

Our tea trip was a highlight of our travels in Japan. Akito was our friendly & knowledgeable host, he walked us through a well-built story: from seeing the beautiful views of the farm, to tasting the teas in this scenery, and visiting the processing factory. He kept us engaged the whole time, and taught us a lot about the historical, cultural, technical aspects of tea production. You could tell he was very invested in giving a great experience. We were even welcomed with Hungarian flags in the factory. Thanks for the trip, we can wholeheartedly recommend it.

We had an amazing private tea tour with Akito! He drove us to the top of a very picturesque mountaintop tea farm whilst discussing all things #japanesetea. So beautiful! Elderly but hardcore tea farmers (during tea harvests they can work up to 20 hours a day for two to three weeks straight) even put in a working guest appearance and laughed so much at my desire to return some day for totally clueless but muscled help getting in the tea: what fun!

My wife and I consider ourselves tea-nerds, but our tea acumen mostly encompasses Taiwanese, Anxi and Dan Cong oolongs, dragonwell and puehr. We learned so much about Japanese tea- but not too much… Akito is clearly passionate about tea and deftly balances both education and enjoyment, with a side of tea conservation.

We had a really great day and would do it again (and again).

Thank you, Akito,

Jay and Janelle

Amazing and enlightening tour; we had a super cool experience with Akito. He is a serious tea lover and has great knowledge about the tea world. We chose this trip because we wanted to understand how the tea world works all the way from farm to table as well as tasting. We have no regrets! Our journey started with a short drive from Shizuoka to the tea fields, with astonishing views of the valley and fields along the way. Akito is very knowledgeable and carefully explained all the process. From how the farmers work, to how the tea is picked and its different harvest seasons. After walking around, Akito set up a picnic in the middle of the fields for tea tasting; he explained different brewing methods, how the taste changes in accordance and how to give the tea a twist, like home roasting. After that nice break, we headed to the tea factory, where we learned about the manufacturing process. We saw first hand how the leaves are steamed, dried and rolled for packing.

Akito is a super host, giving us lengthy and informed explanations, answering all of our questions. He is a true tea lover!

We enjoyed a lot our tour : it was more than we expected ! The fields were astonishing of beauty, the tea testing and all the explanations on something we thought we already knew were greatly appreciated. The kindness and attention of our guide made this a very special day (april 2023) that we will always remember.

We set out to Shizuoka prefecture to learn more about tea, specifically about the work that goes into producing it and the people who make it, and this tour delivers on that! Akito took us to the Shizuhata tea farm and Saranti factory and walked us through the whole process of production, from the plant to the teacup. He clearly has a deep passion for tea, and was able to answer all of our questions without hesitation, whether about the risks to the plants from weather and climate, the different tea “terroirs”, the economic difficulties for farmers selling tea, or even about the international market! And of course, his explanations of the differents steps in the factory process, that emulate the steps of traditional hand-rolling techniques were very clear.

The experience of drinking tea right there in the tea fields was particularly special, experiencing different ways of drinking sencha (cold-brew, multiple infusions of a warm brew and genmaicha), with explanations of the science behind the brewing of tea, and how different method change its flavour profile. But most important for us was the personal relationship Akito had with all the people at Shizuhata, who he is clearly close to. This is not the kind of tour where you ever feel like you are intruding, or stepping on anyone’s toes as they are going through their day. Everyone at Shizuhata was comfortable with Akito’s presence and were incredibly welcoming to us! We really enjoyed talking to all of them, especially the immensely personable Kyoko-san.

All in all, a unique experience I would strongly recommend to anyone interested in learning more about tea, enjoying wonderful landscapes and meeting some lovely people!

What a wonderful tour! Our green tea experience was exceptional and worth every penny. Akito is so passionate and knowledgeable about green tea, extremely well organized and made the tour unforgettable. From the pick up at the station to exploring the plantations, drinking tea together, visiting the local factory and talking about the history and science behind green tea, we got what we were looking for and more. Akito is also full of energy, humour and candor, and you’ll love spending time with him. If you want to explore a deeply authentic place at the heart of Japanese green tea and its farming community, look no further! Shoutout to the green tea factory staff as well who welcomed us so warmly and showed us around.

I fully recommend this tour to anybody with an interest in tea, and who would prefer a genuine personal tour away from tourist trappings. Akito is the perfect guide on a trip that takes you into the mountains with breath-taking scenery to see the tea plantations and factory. His friendliness, knowledge and excellent English combine for a thoroughly enjoyable day to see and learn about this key tea growing area. Akito was also super-helpful with travel directions to and from the visit, which is easily accessible from Tokyo.

It’s my great experience to take Akito’s tour. He’s so knowledgeable and kind. We really enjoy the tour. Recommend everyone who has a passion in tea to take Akito’s tour. You would not regret at all. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Wow, just finished my tour with Akito and it was awesome. He is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, I have never had such an amazing tour before.

We got to visit the tea farm and the factory. Learned a lot in a very short amount of time. Thankful that he let me join!

It was really great to spend time and meet Akito. He is very kind and has a great knowledge of tea manufacturing. He takes the time to explain everything. We had a wonduerful time. Also the tea was excellent !! Much recommended if you come along Shizuoka.

Today we had a tea tour in Shizuoka with Akito @eswakito. It was a relaxing experience and I had an awesome time whilst learning a lot of new things. Akito is a really friendly person and the whole tour gives off more of “an old friend telling you all about his expertise” like vibe, rather than a tour guide just showing you around 🙂

Be sure to take a day and visit Shizuoka and Akitos tea tour.

I bought this experience as a wedding present for my sister and husband-in-law. They had the most wonderful time and the location and views looked stunning. Akito is an incredible host and so kind and welcoming. He even gave them a wedding gift! Akito was also really flexible in letting us select a date after the booking. I can’t recommend this experience enough 🙂

This tea farm experience was one of the best experiences my friends and I had while traveling throughout Japan. Akito was knowledgeable, accommodating, and personable. The location of the farm and views overlooking the tea farm & city were magical and would not have been possible without Akito’s wonderful experience! He taught us so much about green tea and had us craving more tea when we got home. Highly recommend to anyone interested in tea, a serene and calm getaway from the bustling city, great views, or a unique IG moment.

A truly memorable experience that I would recommend to all! Akito gave us much insight on the entire tea process from the growing, to the harvesting and processing, to the brewing, and even a glimpse into the modern take and future evolution of what tea consumption might be. He walked us through the background stories at the different points and also explained the science behind why things are done in various ways.

Today was the experience of a lifetime for my partner and I! If you are visiting Japan or the Tokyo area, I strongly recommend making the trip out to Shizuoka for this experience with Akito – it is worth its weight in gold. Upon meeting us, Akito was very hospitable and truly made us feel welcome and at home for the entire duration of our trip. He is wonderfully conversational and was sensitive to ensuring any/all of our needs were met. The drive itself to the farm was beautiful and Akito offered many opportunities for us to take photos (and also offered to take some photos of my partner and me together!). We were privileged in getting to taste high quality, fresh tea straight from the farm while admiring the scenery. The most special part of this experience was the fact that the three of us were the only ones on the farm – I can’t think of any other experiences where you have exclusive access and one-on-one time to truly develop a personal relationship with your guide. Akito is very knowledgeable and answered all of our questions happily and with ease. We learned an incredible amount from him not just about tea, but about Japanese culture in general. Lastly, Akito also went through the trouble of recommending to us some other places we should visit while in the area, and also other areas of Japan. He is a wonderfully friendly individual – we will miss him dearly!

We had an amazing tour with Akito. This is an incredibly unique and once in a lifetime experience to visit the tea farms of Shizuoka, taste more variations of matcha then you knew possible, see some truly incredible sites and meet wonderful people. Akito was an amazing host who knew so much and made us feel so welcome. I would strongly recommend this tour when you visit Shizuoka – it’s a fantastic experience.

I had the most wonderful tea tour with Akito! My two friends and I got to learn all about the tea farms in Shizuoka. We toured a beautiful farm in the area, the views were absolutely breathtaking. We also got to interact with some of the local farmers. Akito then gave us a tasting of various teas that were delicious while explaining the different histories and techniques for making tea. Akito was extremely knowledgeable on the tea industry and he was such a polite and pleasant host! Out of everything I did during my two weeks in Japan, this tea tour was easily my FAVORITE experience!

Highly recommend this experience. It was truly magical. Already planning future trips to visit Akito and the tea farm with additional guests this Spring!

What an amazing once in a lifetime experience this was. Thanks all to Akito!!! He’s the most graciously generous host who allowed me to experience something I couldn’t possibly have done without him. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves tea or simply wants to experience something special while in Japan. Arigato Gozaimasu Akito 😊😎🇯🇵 🍵🍃

What an experience. What an experience! The tea bushes are nestled on a beautiful mountain side in Shizuoka. It was breath taking looking up — and breath taking looking down! Akito is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable and did a fantastic job explaining tea culture. From the farmers to processing, from the culture around tea and its slow disappearance, the entire presentation was compelling. We ended drinking green tea and getting a lesson about harvesting, brewing, etc. It was amazing. I don’t want to go too in depth because really, even if you’re not a super tea drinker, this is still an a worthwhile experience. It feels really special and unique, but also educational. You get to see the beauty of Shizuoka, Japan, and the work that goes into bringing tea to the table.