Private Cultural Experience with a Local Farmer
-This is not a commercial tour organized by a travel agency, but a private cultural experience hosted by Sky Tea House, a countryside guesthouse run by a local tea farmer and guide.
-Guests can enjoy tea field visits, tea tastings, and guided walks in the Yame countryside as part of our community-based hospitality.
-If you don't have a vehicle or much time for traveling, but still wish to visit the Sky Tea House or learn about Yame tea, this could be the best choice for you.
Yame City is celebrated throughout Japan as a premier producer of exceptional green tea. While not the largest in volume, its dedication to quality has earned it a legendary reputation. Experience the pinnacle of Japanese green tea here, where some of the finest varieties in the country are cultivated and crafted.
Even without a car, it’s easy to explore the tea culture of Yame!
We offer a locally-hosted tea experience where you can learn about the history of Yame tea and enjoy tasting exquisite local brews.
As part of this experience, guests are invited to visit Sky Tea House and other beautiful locations in the countryside, guided by a local tea farmer.
Tea Experience Details
This private experience includes:
・English-speaking guide
・Lunch with local ingredients
・Hands-on tea activities
・Transportation support (pick-up/drop-off for guests staying nearby)
🌿 Yame Central Tea Garden
Begin your journey with a visit to the iconic panoramic tea fields—Yame’s largest plantation.
Here, you'll enjoy breathtaking views and an introduction to the deep tea culture of the region.
🍵 Yame Traditional Craft Museum (Hoshino Village)
Enjoy a relaxing lunch in a peaceful mountain village.
Learn about the history and production methods of Japanese tea. Optional hands-on activities include:
・Grinding matcha by hand
・Tasting Gyokuro by option(Shizuku-cha style)
🧘♂️ Reiganji Temple – The Spiritual Origin of Yame Tea
Discover the birthplace of Yame tea and learn about its connection to Zen culture.
Optional short hike to the sacred mountaintop and an introduction to Zen meditation are available for those interested.
🏭 Local Tea Factory Visit
Take a guided visit to a working tea factory and see firsthand how the leaves are processed with care and tradition.
🏡 Visit to Sky Tea House
Finish your day with a relaxing tea tasting session at Sky Tea House, hosted by a local tea farmer.
Enjoy stories from the farm, explore the surrounding tea fields, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the countryside.
🚉 Meeting Point & Schedule
Please meet at 9:00 a.m. at one of the following locations:
You will be returned to the same or a nearby location by around 5:00 p.m..
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JR Hainuzuka Station
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Chikugo-Funagoya Station (Shinkansen stop)
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Nishitetsu Kurume Station
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Yame IC (Highway Bus Stop)
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Any hotel in Downtown Yame (Fukushima area)
💴 Price
¥15,000 per person
(first year special– available during 2025 only)
Includes:
✔ English-speaking local guide
✔ Local transportation support
✔ Tea activities
✔ Lunch
Unavailable Days
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Sunday: Tours are not available.
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Saturday: Tours are not available, but optional overnight stay's tour plan might be possible.
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Tuesday: The Hoshino Tea Museum is closed, but we will arrange an alternative tea-related activity.
Notes:
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Minimum 2 participants required
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Optional experiences such as Gyokuro tasting (Shizuku-cha style) and tea souvenirs are not included in the base price
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For larger groups, we may need to arrange a hired vehicle, so availability may vary
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We operate independently and flexibly; however, due to family responsibilities, we may occasionally be unavailable.
Feel free to inquire anytime—we’ll do our best to accommodate your request!
🌙 Optional Stay at Sky Tea House
Want to stay longer in the peaceful tea mountains?
You can add an overnight stay at Sky Tea House, including dinner and breakfast.
We will provide transportation back to your original meeting point the next morning.
English Speaking Tea Guide : Jiro Sakamoto
"As the owner of the Sky Tea House and an organic tea farmer, my journey has evolved from military service to a life of global exploration as world traveler for many years. Since settling in Yame City in 2015, I have been deeply embraced by the community. This support has enabled me to establish the Sky Tea House, where I now have the privilege of welcoming guests from around the world daily. Having decided to raise my family here, I was elected to the City Council in 2023, dedicated to contributing to the vibrant life of this community."