Field to Cup: A Tea Harvesting Experience in Sayama

Discover this top green tea-producing region, just a stone’s throw from the capital

Try your hand at picking tea leaves in one of Japan's most prominent tea-producing areas. About an hour away from Tokyo is Sayama City, famous for the sweet, rich, and robust flavor of the tea produced from the local harvest. Escape from the big city bustle and get hands-on with one of Japan’s quintessential beverages at a century-old tea farm in the green tea heartland.

From May through October, Miyanoen invites visitors into their fields to learn about how tea is harvested, as well as to experience the process firsthand. Collect fresh and fragrant leaves in a bamboo basket, then make your own aromatic tea by hand, and nibble on tempura tea leaves. For the full experience, try on the short navy kimono and red apron of a cha-musume, or tea girl. A separate program allows guests to enjoy a variety of other tasty and culturally alluring activities, such as making matcha tea or taking part in a traditional tea ceremony, tea tasting, and blending.

Slow down and take the time to savor the rich, layered flavors of your very own hand-picked cup of Sayama tea. 

Access: From Tokyo Station, take the Yamanote Line to Takadanobaba Station (about 29 minutes), transfer to the Seibu Shinjuku Line and take a limited express train to Sayamashi Station (about 33 minutes), then take a taxi to Miyanoen (about 10 minutes).

Tea Leaf Picking Experience Event (Miyanoen)