Inspiration

Embark on an Unforgettable Day Trip to Wazuka, a Beautiful Town Brimming With Tea Experiences

2021.02.09

Wazuka Kyoto
Kyoto Tea Country

Mid-Afternoon: Cycle Through the Beauty of Wazuka

Bicyclists riding through Wazuka tea plantations
Picture courtesy of Wazuka Town

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Wazuka with a cycling adventure.

Rent an e-bike from Wazukacha Cafe, and embark on a memorable journey. Enjoy more of the gorgeous scenery of tea plantations with the wind blowing in your hair.

Plan your cycling trip for around an hour or two. Or it would be a good idea to include Sky Cafe in your plan before your 1-hour cycling tour. Sky Cafe is a rented tea room on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the town. (You can check in at Wazukacha Cafe.)

Enjoy, but be sure to observe the traffic rules while cycling and taking breaks, and do not enter any tea plantation.

Late Afternoon: Show Off Your Creativity With Matcha Art

Close-up of the green tea art making process

Matcha art, where you can design your own masterpiece on the foamy surface of matcha, is a fun spin on the traditional powdered green tea. Classes at Utena Tea are available by advanced reservation via e-mail (utena.tea@gmail.com). (For details such as the venue and workshop schedule, please contact the teacher by email. English is acceptable.)

Woman making matcha art

This workshop teaches about tea in Wazuka and shows participants how to draw with matcha. After preparing teas, which will serve as the “ink” and the “canvas” for your work of art, it’s time to start drawing! If you make a mistake or want to redo your design, you can easily erase it and restore the surface of the matcha by whisking it. Have fun!

Finished Matcha art

Once you’re satisfied, take a picture and savor your delicious matcha. Even a simple design should give you a sense of accomplishment. A seasonal wagashi (traditional Japanese sweet) comes with it, offering a sweet and refreshing experience.

Take Home Fantastic Gifts From “Teatopia”!

Wazukacha Cafe store interior featuring various kinds of tea, matcha, and tea ware.
Picture courtesy of Wazukacha Cafe

After enjoying amazing experiences unique to Wazuka, you can take home the magic of this “Teatopia.” Wazukacha Cafe offers a wide selection of teas from local farmers, tea-flavored sweets, items for enjoying tea, and more. You can also find single-origin teas grown in Wazuka, each with its own unique charm and seasonal character.

To return to Kyoto Station, take the bus from Wazuka-yamanoie to JR Kamo Station. Buses run only once an hour, and the last departs at 19:56, so check the timetable beforehand.

Then, go back the way you came, with all the fun memories you made.

Wazuka Beckons!

A bus driving through vivid green tea plantations in Wazuka
Picture courtesy of Nara Kotsu Bus Lines Co., Ltd.

How do you like this extraordinary trip? If you’re interested in a tea-filled journey surrounded by nature, it must be perfect. This small, charming town is a treasure trove of natural beauty and authentic tea, offering a new perspective on Kyoto’s charms.

The Kyoto Tea Country region offers many more places to delve into the history and culture of tea through various experiences. For matcha-related activities and destinations, check this article.

Another Kyoto Partners