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.
Accomodation for 5 nights in a beautiful Kyoto hotel (nearby to infamous Japanese convenience stores of course!)
Enjoy a beautiful Japanese breakfast buffet each morning of your stay.
Includes access to Japanese Onsen (hot bath) each night during your stay. Perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.
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!
Includes all car transportation and train tickets to and from all tours, classes, and activities.
Visit a small, tucked away family-run matcha farm and see what a small self sustaining matcha farm operations looks like.
Go behind the scenes inside a large scale matcha processing plant and factory, not open to the public! Exclusive to Third Culture guests.
Includes workshops on how to make your own ceramic matcha bowls, traditional wagashi (dessert for tea pairing), and chasen whisk making.
Access to the famous Nara deer park! Feed the famous gentle deers of Nara and explore ancient temple grounds.
Tour the factory of one of Japan's most famous and oldest matcha producers: Marukyu Koyamaen.
Does not include any airfare to Japan.
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.
Does not include any travel amenities, please bring your own toiletries and personal care items.
Airport transfers to Kyoto Main Station from Kansai (KIX) Airport or any other airport. Assistance obtaining transfer is available for an additional fee.
You will be responsible for getting to the Hotel on arrival day and to your next destination on departure day from the hotel.
You will be responsible for your own hotel room security deposit upon checking into the hotel.
Meals do not include purchases of any alcoholic or specialty beverages.
Additional tips for instructors, guides, and hotel staff.
Laundry services at the hotel, room service, additional hotel services, personal shopping, souvenirs,.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
