YokaBus Heritage in a Cup Yame Tea and Sake Tasting Expedition
The tour begins at Yame Central Tea Garden, a breathtaking spot featuring vast tea fields. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautifully lush landscape, resembling a green carpet. On clear days, you can even see Ariake Sea and Shimabara Peninsula, making it a perfect location for photography.
◆ Experience at the Tea Culture Museum
You will visit the Tea Culture Museum, where you can fully appreciate the charm of Yame tea.
・Lunch at Yame Charyo: Enjoy a meal featuring local ingredients and dishes that highlight Yame tea.
・Matcha Grinding Experience: Participate in a hands-on experience where you grind your own matcha and enjoy it alongside traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets).
◆ Sake Factory Visit and Tasting Experience
You will visit one of famous sake factory that offers a very intimate and authentic look into traditional sake making and having a tasting experience.
◆ Guided Experience with Bilingual Support
Enjoy the insights and stories of Fukuoka’s history and culture with a professional English & Japanese Speaking guide throughout your tour. For guests who prefer assistance in Chinese, a Chinese-speaking assistant can be arranged upon request.
This tour offers a luxurious experience where you can savor two major local specialties of Fukuoka "Yame tea and Japanese sake" all in one day. Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery while indulging in the rich flavors of local cuisine in this well-rounded itinerary.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Meal arrangement | Lunch included |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Bus tour |
| Transport | Bus tour |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
The tour guide will provide language support using a translation device (Pocketalk) that provides real-time translations in up to 75 languages.
Participants are required to bring their own smartphone with an internet connection and earphones (optional for audio translation).
You will join the tour with other guests. Tour will be conducted with a minimum of 15 participants.
Depending on the number of participants, it may be a small-sized bus or a big-sized bus.
If the minimum number 15 of participants is not reached 7 days before departure, the tour may be cancelled. We will notify you by email, so please be sure to check.
Infants under 3 years old are FREE (No seat and meal arrangement).
Meeting Place for Shared Bus Tour：In front of LAWSON on the 1st Floor of Hakata Station Chikushi Gate Oriental Hotel.
Reminders
Japanese lunch set menu will be served in this tour.
We kindly request that you inform us in advance of any food allergies or dietary restrictions you may have, as lunch will be provided during this tour.
Schedule stops and timing are subject to change with or without notice. In case of traffic congestion or any other reasons that affect the tour schedule, the staying time at each sightseeing spot will be shortened and arrival time will be delayed.
As it is stipulated by the law of Japan, please wear your seat belt on the tour bus. The bus is not provided with a toilet onboard.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 8 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 30% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
Yamecha is a premium green tea produced in the Yame region of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is renowned for its unique geographical environment and traditional tea-making craftsmanship. It typically boasts a rich umami flavor, sweetness, and a refreshing aroma, with a beautiful green liquor. Yamecha has a long cultivation history and is regarded as one of Japan's highest-grade teas.
When brewing Yamecha, it is recommended to use water around 60-70°C (140-158°F). Place the tea leaves in a teapot, pour hot water, and let it steep for about 60-90 seconds. The first infusion can be shorter, with subsequent infusions gradually extended. Gentle water temperatures will bring out the tea's sweetness and umami, avoiding bitterness and allowing you to fully experience its delicate flavor profiles.
During the tour, you can select from a variety of Yamecha-related products at the 'Tea Culture Museum' or nearby shops. This includes high-quality Yame green tea, matcha powder, tea ceremony utensils, as well as specialty sweets or souvenirs made with Yamecha. It's an excellent opportunity to directly experience the local tea culture and take a piece of it home.
At the 'Tea Culture Museum's' matcha grinding experience, you will have the chance to personally grind matcha powder using traditional tea mills. After grinding, you will enjoy the matcha you made yourself, paired with exquisite traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets). This is an interactive experience that allows for a deep understanding of Japanese tea ceremony culture and the enjoyment of fresh matcha.
'Yame Central Tea Garden' offers different landscapes throughout the year. The period from late spring to early summer (around April to June) is when the tea leaves sprout, and the garden presents a vibrant, lush green scenery that is particularly spectacular. During this time, you can gaze upon the vast tea fields resembling a green carpet from the observation deck. On clear days, you can even see across to the Ariake Sea and the Shimabara Peninsula.
The 'Shinonokura' sake tasting experience is special because you will sample various Japanese sakes, meticulously brewed by local breweries, in a unique space called 'Mori no Hana' (Flower of the Forest). It's not just a tasting session but a cultural experience that combines ambiance with expert knowledge, allowing you to delve into the charm of Fukuoka's sake.
The 'YokaBus Cup of Heritage' tour typically designates a convenient meeting point, such as near major transportation hubs in Fukuoka city center. It is advisable to plan ahead and take the subway, bus, or taxi to the meeting point. Please be sure to check the exact meeting time and location on your tour confirmation to ensure you arrive punctually.
When visiting attractions such as the 'Yame Tea Culture Museum' and 'Shinonokura,' professional English and Japanese guided tours will be provided for explanations throughout. If you require Chinese service, a Chinese assistant can be arranged upon request. This will ensure you gain a deep understanding of Fukuoka's history, culture, and the various experiences offered.
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