Attractions in Saitama Prefecture:

Tea-Leaf Picking Experience near Tokyo

Saitama Prefecture's western region, about one hour by train from central Tokyo, offers every hands-on Japanese tea-making experience for visitors: from tea-leaf picking to the production process of tea and matcha (powdered green tea) products.

Sayama, the region known for quality tea production and its tea brand

Lies within easy access from central Tokyo, Sayama is the region having the largest tea plantation in Saitama Prefecture. The tea produced in this region is called Sayama-cha or Sayama tea which has been a tea brand with history over 800 years. Blessed with the climate, the tea trees grown in the region have thick leaves, and it brings the tea a deep, rich flavor. Also, the traditional production method adds sweetness to the tea.

In the Sayama region, including Sayama City and Iruma City, there are tea gardens which offer tea-leaf picking experiences as well as tasting quality Sayama tea. Taking a train from Shinjuku or Ikebukuro in central Tokyo, you can visit the garden and have the unique experience on a one-day trip.

Business Showcase
News Release from Saitama Prefectural Government Department of Industry and Labor Tourism Division

Visit tea gardens and cafes in Sayama and explore the Sayama tea.

The change in the seasons from spring to summer at the end of April marks the beginning of tea-leaf picking (tea harvesting) season.

Enjoy the delightful weather and experience the rich aroma and flavor of freshly made tea, all while surrounded by the vivid green of the tea plantation, where you can pick your tea leaves among the healthy budding plants. We look forward to welcoming you to Saitama Prefecture to enjoy this special activity unique to Japan.

Miyano-En (Sayama City)

At Miyano-En you can enjoy hands-on tea-leaf picking between May and October, during which time new tea leaves begin to sprout and grow. After being picked, your tea leaves will be processed and canned so that you can take them home with you. Visitors can also attend tea-brewing seminars and enjoy green tea-leaf tempura made from their fresh, hand-picked leaves: a taste like no other. As part of the Matcha-tasting Experience, you can enjoy making your matcha (powdered tea) by grinding whole green tea leaves into a fine powder and then relax with your freshly brewed cup of matcha tea.

As an optional service, you can wear traditional Japanese tea-harvesting attire.

Try your hand at matcha tea art!

Miyano-En 宮野園

25-2, Kitairiso, Sayama-shi, Saitama, 350-1315, Japan
https://miyanoen.com/

Fees:
Green tea picking experience: From JPY1,000 （Negotiable)
MATCHA experience: From JPY 2,500 (Negotiable)
*Please book by phone or E-mail in advance.
E-mail:info@miyanoen.com
Phone: 04-2959-3025

Open:
Green tea picking experience is held between early May and late October (only fresh green tea season).
*The store opens basically 365 days.
Time:
Green Tea picking experience: From 10:00 AM - , From 1:00 PM - (90 minutes)
Store open: 10:00 - 18:00
Closed: Irregular (Please contact us before coming)

Getting there from Tokyo (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
From Seibu-Shinjuku station, take an express train then get off at Iriso Station (Travel time: about 48min)
From Iriso station, it is about 10 minutes by taxi or about 40 minutes on foot.
OR
From Seibu-Shinjuku station, take an express train then get off at Sayama-shi Station (Travel time: 52min)
From Sayama-shi station, take a bus bound for Danchi via Sayama-Minami and get off at Sayamadai Minami, about 10-min on foot from the bus stop.

Note: Tea-leaf picking experience may be canceled in case of bad weather.

Café Musashi Rikyu (Tokorozawa City)

Musashi Rikyu is a tea café established in a traditional Japanese tea shop and run by the owner of a tea plantation. Here you can enjoy rich, full-flavored matcha sweets and treats.

Photo: Rich Matcha Affogato - 750 JP yen (tax excluded)