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Overview

Matcha Mastery: 6 Days in Kyoto of Taste, Craft, and Tradition (copy)
Kyoto, Japan
Oct 19 - 24, 2026
Third Culture Travels image
Third Culture Travels
$3,000
Deposit: $500

About your 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 treasures curated by the 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, make your own wagashi, ensuring every moment is hands-on and unforgettable.

This is not just a tour; it’s a deep dive into Kyoto’s infamous matcha history and soul. Connect with the culture, bring home handcrafted memories, and transform your understanding of 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. Perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

Curated Meals & Bites

Includes a curated selection of lunch and 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 tours, classes, and activities.

Matcha Farm Tour

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

Behind The Scenes Tours

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

Matcha Accessory Classes

Includes workshops on how to make your own ceramic matcha bowls, traditional wagashi (dessert for tea pairing), and chasen whisk making.

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 instructors, guides, and hotel staff.

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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

Location

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1. 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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