One-Day Cycling Journey Through Wazuka’s Calming Tea Fields

Wazuka is the largest producer in the tea-growing region of Uji, which is famous for its high quality tea, matcha in particular. Around 40% of Uji tea comes from Wazuka. Tea fields make up about 600 hectares of the town and 75% of its land is covered in forest. This combination of factors results in stunning scenery that was the very first to be registered as a Kyoto Scenic Asset, in 2008, and designation as one of The Most Beautiful Villages in Japan in 2013.

Wazuka’s tea fields are unlike any you’ll find elsewhere in Japan. Here, tea is grown on the steep, rugged slopes of mountains that soar over 400 meters high. The views are nothing short of spectacular, with each season painting the landscape in a new palette of colors. Sometimes, you’ll even spot tea plants wrapped in black nets, carefully draped to shield the leaves from harsh sunlight and allow their flavor to fully develop.

What truly sets Wazuka apart is how its tea is cultivated. The fields are tended by several independent farmers, each bringing their own touch to the land. This means that the tea’s flavor can vary depending on the specific plantation, location, and even the harvest year. It’s a beautiful testament to the artistry and individuality of Wazuka’s tea, offering a rare opportunity to taste the nuances of single-origin green tea. This individuality is what makes Wazuka tea truly exceptional.

Wazuka Town is located to the south of KyotoPrefecture, close to Nara. To get there by train, take West Japan Railway’s Kansai Main Line or Yamatoji Line to Kamo station. Then, from the west exit of Kamo Station, take a Nara Kotsu number 65 bus toward Wazuka-cho Harayama. There is usually only one bus an hour, or less so we recommend you check the time table beforehand. Get off at the Wazuka Yama-no-ie bus stop.

Before renting bicycles at the nearby Wazuka-cha Café, there’s a little exploring that is best done on foot. The first stop is Shoho-ji Temple. To get there, start at the Wazuka Yama-no-ie bus stop, cross to the opposite side of the street, and with the river at your back, walk up the slope. Just as the slope curves to the right, you’ll find Shoho-ji Temple.

This Zen temple was built to commemorate Prince Asaka, who died in 744, aged 17, and was a son of Emperor Shomu. The canopy of maple and ginkgo leaves that covers the stone stairs leading up to the temple contributes to making this Wazuka’s top spot for viewing fall colors.

At the top of the stairs, turn to the right and you will find a slim, 13-tier stone pagoda and the main temple hall. Be sure to look behind the building that is across from the main hall to see a set of 12 adorable stone carvings that each feature one of the animals from the Chinese zodiac.

Turning to the left at the top of the front stairs takes you to a gorgeous view of Kamatsuka mountain. Tea fields stretch all the way to the summit of its 495.7-meter high slope.