Matcha Mastery 2027: 6 Days in Kyoto of Taste, Craft, and Tradition

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Overview

Matcha Mastery 2027: 6 Days in Kyoto of Taste, Craft, and Tradition
Kyoto, Japan
Oct 11 - 16, 2027
Group size: 5 - 10
Third Culture Travels image
Third Culture Travels
$3,700
Deposit: $500

About this trip

Immerse yourself in the heart of Kyoto, where ancient tradition meets exclusive access with the founders behind Third Culture Bakery and Third Culture Matcha. Over six days and five nights, you’ll visit matcha farms of different scales, go behind the scenes of a private matcha factory, witnessing every step of the delicate art of green tea production—an experience not open to the public.

Beyond matcha, savor Kyoto’s culinary scene curated by Third Culture founders over their 6+ years of travel in the area. Engage in artisanal workshops: craft your own ceramic tea bowls, learn the art of whisk-making from masters, attend a private tea ceremony, whisk many bowls of matcha, ensuring every moment is hands-on and unforgettable.

This is not just a tour; it’s a deep dive into matcha history and soul. Connect with the culture, bring home handcrafted memories, and transform your understanding and appreciation of the craft of Uji matcha forever.

Book now for an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime journey.

What's included

Immersive Japanese Stay

Accomodation for 5 nights in a beautiful Kyoto hotel (nearby to infamous Japanese convenience stores of course!)

Japanese Breakfast

Enjoy a beautiful Japanese breakfast buffet each morning of your stay.

Traditional Hot Bath

Includes access to Japanese Onsen (hot bath) each night during your stay (May be restrictive of tattoos)

Curated Meals & Bites

Includes all breakfasts and 5 curated lunch/dinners; The founder's favorite soba, traditional Japanese shabu shabu, & some unexpected bites. And so much matcha and tea!

Trip Transportation

Includes all car transportation and train tickets to and from all activities, classes, and excursions. Does not include transportation to/from airport or any airfare.

Matcha Farm Tour

Visit a small, tucked away family-run matcha farm and see what a young self sustaining matcha farm operations looks like.

Behind The Scenes Tours

Go behind the scenes inside a private large scale matcha processing plant factory, not open to the public. Exclusive to Third Culture guests.

Private Chasen Class

Spend an intimate morning at the home of a 20th generation whisk master, over 500 years of craft. And make your own chosen (whisk).

Make Your Own Chawan

An intimate class to learn how to make your own chawan (tea bowl). Working with Japanese clay.

Nara Deer Park

Access to the famous Nara deer park! Feed the famous gentle deers of Nara and explore ancient temple grounds.

Marukyu Koyamaen Tour

Tour the factory of one of Japan's most famous and oldest matcha producers: Marukyu Koyamaen.

What's not included

Flights / Airfare

Does not include any airfare to Japan.

Travel Insurance

Does not include travel insurance. We recommend obtaining your own travel insurance for this trip and your stay in Japan if you wish to be covered for any reason.

Amenities

Does not include any travel amenities, please bring your own toiletries and personal care items.

Airport Transfers

Airport transfers to Kyoto Main Station from Kansai (KIX) Airport or any other airport. Assistance obtaining transfer is available for an additional fee.

To/From Hotel

You will be responsible for getting to the Hotel on arrival day and to your next destination on departure day from the hotel.

Hotel Room Deposit

You will be responsible for your own hotel room security deposit upon checking into the hotel.

Alcohol/Specialty Drinks

Meals do not include purchases of any alcoholic or specialty beverages.

Tips/Gratuities

Additional tips for guides, drivers.

Personal Expenses

Laundry services at the hotel, room service, additional hotel services, personal shopping, souvenirs,.

Day 1

Day 1 image

Arrival & Welcome to Kyoto

Arrive to your beautiful Kyoto hotel. Meet your Third Culture team and get settled in with a warm welcome and celebratory dinner. This evening sets the tone: relaxed, intimate, and deliciously anticipatory. All with traditional Japanese shabu shabu no less.

Day 2

Day 2 image

From Leaf to Field: Matcha Farm Immersion

Travel to a small family run working matcha farm to see tencha cultivation up close, followed by a leisurely lunch featuring matcha and tea in the dishes. Return to Kyoto with free time to wander, sip, and take in Kyoto before dinner. at a restaurant with a history of rice farming for over 100 years.

Day 3

Day 3 image

Masters of Matcha & Handmade Chawan

Visit Marukyu Koyamaen for an inside look at one of Japan’s most respected matcha producers. Back in Kyoto, create your own ceramic chawan before unwinding into the evening.

Day 4

Day 4 image

Behind Closed Doors: Factory & Ceremony

Gain rare access to a large-scale matcha factory closed to the public, followed by lunch at an unexpected way to eat like a true local growing up in Japan. Then we're off to a traditional matcha tea ceremony and learn how to conduct a proper bowl of matcha.

Day 5

Day 5 image

Craft & Culture in Nara

Journey to Nara for hands-on chasen (bamboo whisk) making and then spend a few hours exploring iconic Nara Park and temple grounds. Feed the famous Nara deers, visit the famous Unesco Heritage Todaiji Temple, explore the many shops and stalls. End the day with a cozy dinner and return to Kyoto feeling deeply connected to the craft.

Day 6

Day 6 image

Mata Ne! With So Matcha Love

Enjoy a final breakfast together before check out at 11am. Depart to Kyoto Main Station, or your next destination, carrying new skills, deeper knowledge, and a lifelong relationship with new friends and matcha. Mata Ne!

Map of the trip locations

A. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan

About your organizer

Third Culture Travels is an immersive cultural journey experience curated by the founders of Third Culture Bakery. These journeys will take you into exclusive (not open to the public) behind the scenes of matcha making, tea processing, and so much more in countries like Japan, Taiwan, and beyond.

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