For centuries, Nishio has been celebrated as Japan’s hometown of matcha—a place where tea is not only cultivated but cherished as a living tradition. Nurtured by the breezes of Mikawa Bay and the clear waters of the Yahagi River, Nishio’s tea leaves have developed a distinctive richness. Over time, this matcha became renowned throughout Japan for its deep umami flavor and brilliant green color, earning the admiration of tea masters nationwide.
Nishio matcha is more than just a drink—it is a cultural jewel, shaped by the land, climate, and generations of people who have dedicated their lives to its cultivation and refinement. This tour invites you to step into that story and experience matcha as both a taste and a tradition.
Your journey begins in a noble family’s historic tea room, where a licensed tea master will demonstrate the elegance of a formal tea ceremony. You will then take part yourself, learning to whisk a bowl of matcha with grace and mindfulness.
The experience continues with stone-milling, where you will grind shade-grown tea leaves into fresh, fragrant matcha powder. Along the way, your local guide will weave together the history and culture of Nishio, revealing how this humble leaf became a cultural treasure.
Finally, the story of matcha comes to life at Ryujin Mitsuyama, a restored traditional residence, where you will savor a seasonal kaiseki meal infused with Nishio’s prized tea. Each dish is a reflection of place and season, completing your journey into the heart of Japan’s matcha culture.
This tour operates in two time slots: Morning (10:00 AM start) or Afternoon (3:00 PM start). The flow of activities is the same for both.
Gather at the Nishio Tourist Information Center, where your guide will greet you before a taxi ride to Nishio Castle Park.
Step into a tea room once used by aristocrats. Grind Nishio’s shade-grown tea leaves with a traditional stone mill, observe a master-led tea ceremony, and try whisking your own bowl of matcha.
Enjoy a guided walk through the atmospheric streets of Nishio, where the story of this tea town comes alive, on the way to your meal venue.
Savor a refined multi-course kaiseki meal, where each seasonal dish is subtly infused with the fragrance of Nishio matcha.
After the meal, relax with a short taxi ride to Nishio Station.
Conclude your journey with memories steeped in the spirit and story of matcha.
Nishio Tourist Information Center
– From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the train bound for Kira Yoshida and get off at Nishio Station.
This tour requires the ability to walk short distances and to sit on tatami mats for part of the tea ceremony and dinner.
Please inform us in advance of any dietary restrictions. We will do our best to accommodate, but substitutions may be limited due to the seasonal kaiseki menu.
Please wear shoes that are easy to take on and off, as you will be entering traditional spaces where footwear must be removed.
This experience is booked on request. The owner of the experience will respond to the request within 5 days
| Cancellation Date | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| No-show or cancellation after tour departure | 100% of the tour price |
| On the tour date | 50% of the tour price |
| 1 day prior to the tour date | 40% of the tour price |
| 2 to 7 days prior to the tour date | 30% of the tour price |
| 8 to 10 days prior to the tour date | 20% of the tour price |
| 11 or more days prior to the tour date | Free |
Nishio City
