Stroll through the scenic tea fields of Sonogi with a 3rd-generation tea master.
2 hour private experience
Location: Higashisonogi District, Nagasaki
Offered in Japanese, with a friendly Deeper Japan guide interpreting in your language
Meet the master
Tea culture in Japan has flourished for centuries — if not millennia — and is inseparable from Japanese culture as a whole. The origins of tea in Japanese culture date back to the 9th century, when Buddhist monk Eichu served tea to Emperor Saga. Tea gained further significance in the 12th century with monk Eisei’s introduction of matcha, eventually evolving into a formalized ceremony under tea master Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century. Today, the tea ceremony continues to symbolize refinement while honoring its deeply rooted traditions of hospitality and mindfulness.
Koichi-san brings these traditions into the tea growing process by carefully thinking about the environment in which the tea is grown and the customers who would eventually enjoy his tea, constantly seeking to elevate his production process.
What you’ll do
Stroll the tea fields of Sonogi, learning about the history of tea in Japan and traditional farming practices. Then, after a factory tour, taste a selection of both classic and innovative Japanese teas.
Who can attend
Children must be 7+
Availability
Sunday to Friday
Session 1 (10:00 - 12:00)
Session 2 (13:00 - 15:00)
Unavailable Saturdays and national holidays.
Access
Approximately 45 minutes by taxi from JR Sasebo Station.
What to wear
Shoes comfortable for walking in the tea fields.
From tea to shining tea
Little is more evocative of Japan and its sensibilities than a cup of green tea. Tea cultivation in Japan dates back to the early Heian period, when the Buddhist monks Saicho and Kukai brought back to Japan tea plants from China. Since then, tea has grown into a staple of Japanese culture, spreading from the monks to the gentry and, finally, to the common people. Tea and tea farming are heavily steeped in tradition, simultaneously preserving historical practices and creating challenges in a contemporary farming landscape. However, on the seaside tea-hills of Sonogi, located outside of Nagasaki, third-generation tea farmer Koichi-san blends tradition and innovation. With a knowledge of not only historic Japanese tea, but Taiwanese Oolong and Chinese white tea, the farm produces stunningly unique, fermented teas. Learning about the cycles of nature and the history of tea, stroll through the serene tea farms of Sonogi and enjoy the delicious taste of domestically produced Japanese teas.
Cancellation Policy
Please make your booking at least 14 days in advance. See cancellation policy here.
A detailed itinerary will be emailed to you once your booking has been confirmed.
