Immerse yourself in the world of Sayama Tea, one of Japan’s most prestigious green tea brands. Located in Saitama Prefecture—just a short train ride from central Tokyo—this exclusive private tour offers a complete “farm-to-cup” experience combining history, hands-on learning, scenic field walks, local farm visits, and tea-infused gastronomy.
Note: Illustrative map for reference only. Not to scale.
Why Sayama Tea?
While Shizuoka and Uji(Kyoto) are famous worldwide, tea connoisseurs in Japan know the old saying: “Shizuoka for color, Uji for aroma, but Sayama for rich flavor.”
- Climate & Rich Umami: Grown near the northern geographical limit for commercial tea, the tea trees endure cold winters. Harvested only twice a year, the leaves grow thick and store an exceptional amount of natural sweetness and deep umami.
- Signature Roasting (Sayama-hiire): Thick tea leaves require a specialized, strong roasting process. This tradition creates a rich body with a uniquely warm, nutty aroma (hika).
- Artisanal Tradition (Jien-Jisei-Jihan): Unlike large industrial production regions, Sayama tea farmers traditionally handle every single step themselves—from cultivation and harvesting to processing and direct sales. Throughout the region, around 100 of these small retail shops, processing facilities, and private residences are seamlessly combined, reflecting a deeply rooted tradition of producing tea right where these families live and work. This ensures unmatched craftsmanship and distinct local personality in every cup.
- Sencha: Sayama tea is primarily green tea (Sencha), traditionally brewed in a teapot (Kyusu). While a few farms produce black or powdered tea (Matcha), Sayama is best known for its high-quality Sencha leaves.
Tour Highlights & Itinerary
Experience the complete story of Sayama Tea in Iruma City, the vibrant heartland of Sayama tea production.
| Time | Activity |
| 10:30 AM | Meet at Iruma-shi Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line) Greeting by your licensed private guide and depart by bus. The bus departs at 10:50. |
| 11:00 AM | Iruma City Museum “ALIT” Explore the museum’s dedicated tea exhibition. Learn about the history, culture, and traditional tools of green tea production. |
| 12:00 PM | Special Tea-Infused Lunch Savor a unique lunch featuring green tea as a culinary ingredient at the restaurant located inside the museum grounds. |
| 1:00 PM | Scenic Tea Field Walk Stroll through lush, picturesque tea fields and capture stunning photographs surrounded by vibrant greenery (taxi transportation included / by taxi). |
| 1:30 PM | Authentic Tea Farm Visit & Tasting Travel by taxi to the first location, followed by a walking tour of 2 to 3 local family-run tea estates. Meet passionate producers, sample high-grade Sayama tea, and shop for exclusive factory-direct teas. |
| 3:30 PM | Return to Iruma-shi Station by bus Tour concludes at the station. |
Note: Alternative shops may be visited depending on regular closing days; visits to specific locations are not guaranteed. As family-operated estates, shops may sometimes be attended by senior family members while others are actively working in production.
Pricing & Details
1. Professional Guide Fee
- ¥27,500 per group (Flat rate)
2. Transportation Fee
- Round-trip Bus fare: about ¥600
- Taxi(1–3 guests): about¥4,000(from Museum to Shop)
- Taxi(4–7 guests): about¥8,000(from Museum to Shop)
Note: Guests are required to cover the guide’s taxi fares, but not bus fares.
3. Per-Person Expenses (Paid individually on site)
- Museum Admission: ¥200 per person
- Tea-Infused Lunch: All menu items are under ¥2,500 per person
Note: Lunch for the guide is not required.
Important Information & Rules
- Operating Days: Thursdays through Sundays (subject to museum and shop availability)
- Group Size Capacity:
- Default maximum capacity is 3 guests per single taxi.
- Groups of up to 7 guests can be accommodated by booking two chartered taxis.
- Meeting Location: Iruma-shi Station (Seibu Ikebukuro Line, approximately 40 minutes from Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo).
- Shopping: Cash is recommended for shopping, as some local shops do not accept credit cards.
