Serenity of Tea and Artisan:
A Premium Japanese Wellness Retreat
“Three Days Exploring the Roots of Japanese Tea in Uji and Wazuka”
A special experiential program set in southern Kyoto Prefecture—Uji City and Wazuka Town—Japan’s major tea-producing region.
Over the course of three days, Guests will systematically learn about the culture of Japanese tea from production to consumption, while also engaging with traditional crafts that embody the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.
Itinerary
Day 1
Exploring the History of Tea Culture in Uji and Experiencing Traditional Crafts
After gathering at Kyoto Station, the program begins with a visit to Kennin-ji Temple to learn about the role of Zen Buddhism in the history of tea.
Guests then travel to Uji City for a tea-themed lunch at a restaurant adjacent to Fukujuen, a well-known tea merchant.
In the afternoon, we visit the Asahiyaki pottery kiln, a traditional Uji craft, to take part in a pottery-making experience or a kiln tour and history session. Through this, Guests gain a deeper understanding of the close relationship between tea utensils and tea culture.
After arriving at the accommodation, guests will take part in preparing their own dinner as part of the program to learn Japanese home cooking.
Day 2
Deepening Knowledge of Japanese Tea and Cultural Experience
In the morning, Guests visit Fukujuen to learn about the types, cultivation, processing, and brewing methods of Japanese tea.
The afternoon features a tea ceremony experience and cultural workshop, offering insight into the spirit and etiquette of chado (the Way of Tea).
For dinner, Guests will shop for ingredients at a local fresh market, gaining firsthand experience with regional food culture.
During the meal, tea will be served in traditional handcrafted utensils, allowing Guests to appreciate their beauty and craftsmanship.
Day 3
Exploring Tea Landscapes and Visiting Traditional Craft Studios
On the final day, Guests visit Wazuka Town, home to cultural assets recognized under the Japan Heritage: 800 Years of Japanese Tea History Walk, and tour its scenic tea fields.
In the afternoon, visits include Kanaami-Tsuji, a renowned Kyoto wire-mesh workshop, and Kaikado, a maker of handcrafted tea caddies highly regarded internationally.
Through direct conversations with artisans, Guests will gain insight into the craftsmanship, traditions, and challenges of passing these skills to future generations.
The program concludes at Kyoto Station.
Schedule
Day 1
- 10:30
- Meet at JR Kyoto Station
- 11:00～12:00
- Special visit to Kennin-ji Temple
- 13:00～14:00
- Tea-themed lunch at the restaurant adjacent to Fukujuen
- 14:00～15:30
- Asahiyaki pottery experience*
- 16:00
- Check-in
- 17:00～19:00
- Dinner preparation & dinner
- 20:00
- Lights out
*If the pottery workshop is unavailable, Guests will instead learn about Asahiyaki’s history and tour the kiln.
Day 2
- 08:00
- Breakfast
- 10:00～12:00
- Learning about Japanese tea at Fukujuen
- 12:00～13:00
- Lunch
- 13:30～15:00
- Tea ceremony experience & cultural workshop
- 15:30～16:00
- Shopping for dinner ingredients at a local market
- 16:30～19:00
- Dinner preparation & dinner
- 20:00
- Lights out
Tea at the accommodation will be served using traditional handcrafted utensils.
Day 3
- 08:00
- Breakfast
- 10:00～11:30
- Check-out and stroll through Wazuka Town
- 11:30～12:30
- Lunch
- 13:00～14:30
- Visit Kanaami-Tsuji
- 14:30～16:00
- Visit Kaikado
- 16:30
- Program ends at JR Kyoto Station
Plan Details
- Available Period:
- August 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026
- Blackout Dates:
- December 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026
- Price:
- ¥400,000 per person (excluding tax)
- Includes:
- Meals, accommodation, experience fees, transportation
- Minimum Guests:
- 2
- Maximum Guests:
- 4
- Cancellation Fees:
- 30% up to 2 weeks before departure
50% up to 1 week before
70% up to 3 days before
100% on the day or no-show