Discover Tamba-Sasayama’s 1,200-Year Tea Legacy in Style🍃

Unwind, explore, and sip your way through one of Japan’s most historic tea-producing regions this autumn. 

Nestled in the misty Ajimaoku tea‑growing area of Tamba‑Sasayama, Hyogo Prefecture, this experience begins with donning a charming cha‑musume (tea‑maiden) costume over your usual clothes, offering an idyllic and highly photogenic introduction to Japan’s ancient tea culture. 

Just as the air begins to cool and the Kansai hills blush with early hints of fall, there’s no better time to slow down and immerse yourself in a timeless tradition: tea culture in Tamba‑Sasayama.

This month, we’re featuring a truly unique, hands-on tea experience in the serene Ajimaoku areal; renowned for over 1,200 years of tea-growing heritage. Ajimaoku is not only beautiful- it’s scientifically ideal for tea. As the tea-producing region with the lowest average temperature in Japan, it is blessed with nutrient-rich soils and a dramatic daily temperature swing. These natural conditions create the famous “Tamba Fog” , a soft, rolling mist that enhances the sweetness and complexity of local tea leaves. The result? Rich, aromatic teas with distinctive umami and a smooth finish. 

The journey begins with a delightful transformation: slip into a charming cha‑musume (tea maiden) costume layered over your clothes. These traditional outfits, often worn with colorful aprons and patterned head scarves, aren’t just comfortable- they’re incredibly photogenic and sure to delight anyone with a soft spot for cultural aesthetics. You can also rent additional kimono pieces to elevate the look even further.

Led by a warm and knowledgeable local producer, your group will explore the mist-draped tea fields that have been cultivated since the Heian period (as far back as 815 AD). This highland climate- with its cool air and gentle fog- is ideal for producing rich, aromatic tea leaves. During the Edo period, tea from these very hills was shipped to Osaka and beyond, making the region a key player in Japan’s tea history.

From Leaf to Cup

After a scenic stroll, your group will step inside an authentic tea processing facility. There, you'll watch freshly picked tea leaves being steamed, rolled, and dried using traditional techniques passed down through generations. You'll then take part in a guided tasting led by a certified Japanese tea instructor, who will show you how to brew local tea to bring out its most subtle and beautiful notes.

You’ll also get to try your hand at stone-milling matcha, just like they did centuries ago. Grinding tea leaves into a fine powder connects visitors with the meditative, hands-on process behind this revered drink. The freshly made matcha is served in the atmospheric tea hall next to Daikokuji Temple, a peaceful space surrounded by trees that change colors with the seasons. Sipping your handcrafted tea here, in view of temple grounds and mountain mist, is a serene experience that blends nature, heritage, and spirituality.

Tea Picking

If you visit in May, July, or September, you’ll also have the chance to hand-pick fresh tea leaves in the fields- an extra activity that adds tactile joy to your visit. Combined with the tea-maiden outfit, it’s a perfect photo opportunity for social media or memory-making.

Tour Details

• Duration: Approx. 90 minutes (or 120 minutes with costume + tea field visit)

• Pricing: ¥5,500 for the standard tour

  • +¥2,000 for tea picking (seasonal)

  • +¥2,500 for full costume rental

• Available: May through November (excluding October), no tours on Fridays or Saturdays

• Sessions: Morning and afternoon slots (usually 13:00–14:30)

• Group Size: Intimate- 3 to 10 participants per session

• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, hat

Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a fan of cultural dress-up, or a shutterbug in search of scenic backdrops, this experience checks all the boxes. From misty fields to traditional tea houses, you’ll walk away not just with great photos, but a genuine appreciation for the art of Japanese tea.