In Japan, tea is more than just a drink—it’s an art form, a ritual, and a journey through time and culture. Whether you’re a seasoned tea connoisseur or an urban explorer looking to immerse yourself in Japan’s most elegant traditions, this seven-day itinerary blends the best of Japan’s tea heritage with modern, vibrant experiences. From matcha-infused mornings in Kyoto to stylish tea lounges in Tokyo, let’s embark on the ultimate tea-inspired getaway.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – A Modern Tea Awakening
Start your journey in Tokyo, where contemporary tea culture meets innovation.
- Check-in: The Hoshinoya Tokyo, a luxury ryokan offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city.
- Afternoon Tea: Indulge in a matcha-inspired afternoon tea at Sakurai Japanese Tea Experience, a sleek yet intimate tea bar where every cup is a ceremony.
- Evening Stroll: Wander through the neon-lit streets of Ginza and stop by Cha Ginza, a chic tea boutique where you can sample artisanal Japanese teas paired with delicate sweets.
Urban Tea Life Moment: Pair a handcrafted gyokuro with wagashi for a taste of refined Tokyo indulgence.
Day 2: Tokyo – Old Meets New in the World of Tea
Dive deeper into Tokyo’s vibrant tea scene by exploring both its historic and modern tea spaces.
- Morning Ritual: Join a private tea ceremony at Happo-en, a stunning garden teahouse where a master will guide you through the art of matcha preparation.
- Midday Break: Sip on refreshing cold-brew sencha at Tokyo Saryo, the world’s first hand-drip tea café in Meguro.
- Cultural Afternoon: Explore the historic Nezu Museum, known for its tea utensils and serene gardens.
- Dinner with a Twist: Experience Cha Kaiseki, a tea-pairing multi-course meal at Yakumo Saryo, blending Japanese aesthetics with modern gastronomy.
Day 3: Hakone – Tea and Tranquility in the Mountains
Escape the city and retreat to Hakone, a haven of hot springs and picturesque landscapes.
- Morning Journey: Take the Romancecar train for a scenic ride to Hakone.
- Tea Break with a View: Enjoy a cup of genmaicha at Amazake Chaya, a historic teahouse serving traditional amazake and roasted rice tea.
- Hot Spring Retreat: Check into Gora Kadan, a luxury ryokan with open-air onsen and a tea-infused wellness experience.
- Sunset Views: Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum, where you can sip on hojicha while admiring outdoor art installations.
Day 4: Kyoto – The Timeless Heart of Japanese Tea
Kyoto is where tea tradition is deeply woven into everyday life, from hidden teahouses to refined matcha rituals.
- Check-in: The Sowaka Kyoto, a boutique ryokan blending modern comfort with Kyoto’s tea heritage.
- Morning Matcha: Visit the Uji Tea Houses, particularly Tsuen Tea, Japan’s oldest tea shop, for a private tasting of ceremonial-grade matcha.
- Cultural Afternoon: Tour the Kodaiji Temple Tea House and partake in a historic tea ceremony.
- Evening Charm: Stroll through Gion, where teahouses glow in the twilight, and enjoy a matcha cocktail at a stylish Kyoto bar like Gion Nishimura.
Urban Tea Life Moment: Find Kyoto’s trendiest matcha dessert at % Arabica in Higashiyama, where aesthetics and taste go hand in hand.
Day 5: Kyoto – Immersing in the Art of Tea
Another day in Kyoto allows for a deeper connection to Japan’s tea legacy.
- Morning Hike: Walk through Fushimi Inari Shrine, then refresh with a cold brew gyokuro at Ippodo Tea.
- Bamboo Forest Escape: Visit Arashiyama, where you can enjoy kaiseki lunch at a riverside teahouse like Shoraian.
- Tea Farm Experience: Travel to Wazuka, one of Japan’s best-kept tea-growing regions, for a hands-on tea-picking experience.
- Sunset Zen: Conclude with a quiet moment at Ryoanji Temple, where a warm cup of sencha enhances the meditative ambiance.
Day 6: Nara – Slow Sips in Japan’s Ancient Capital
Just a short trip from Kyoto, Nara offers a serene atmosphere perfect for tea exploration.
- Temple Tea Culture: Visit Todai-ji Temple, then enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at Mizuya-chaya.
- Deer Park Picnic: Sip on roasted kukicha while picnicking with Nara’s famous deer.
- Evening Relaxation: Check into Nara Hotel, where you can enjoy a cup of black tea from Nara’s Yamato region on the terrace overlooking the city.
Day 7: Back to Tokyo – Tea-Inspired Shopping & Farewell
- Luxury Tea Boutiques: Explore Jugetsudo in Ginza for premium matcha and Kamakura Ogawa for artisanal Japanese tea blends.
- Farewell Sip: Conclude your journey with an elegant matcha latte at Higashiya Ginza.
- Departure: Board your flight with a suitcase filled with rare teas, handcrafted ceramics, and the inspiration of Japan’s tea culture imprinted in your heart.