New tea season - Experience Japanese "tea picking" -

Do you know how Japanese tea is made?
In fact, spring is the season when tea making begins.
In particular, from late April to early May is the time when the freshest tea of the year, known as "shincha," is picked.
Today, I would like to introduce you to one of Japan's traditional spring events: the tea picking experience.

【【What is tea picking?】
"Tea picking" refers to the process of picking tea leaves by hand.
In Japan, it has long been a tradition for the whole family to go into the tea fields in the spring and carefully pick the leaves.
Among these, the day known as "Hachijuuhachiya" (the 88th day after the beginning of spring, around the beginning of May) is considered a special day, and tea picked at this time is believed to be good for longevity and good health.

[Even foreigners can do it! Tea picking experience]
In recent years, the number of places where tourists and foreigners can experience tea picking has increased.
Places that can be reached from Osaka on a day trip, such as Kyoto, Uji, and Wakayama, are especially popular.

In the experience...
You can actually go into the tea fields and pick new buds.
You can try on traditional work clothes and Japanese clothing and enjoy taking photos.
You can also try brewing your own tea using the leaves you picked!
It will be a special experience where you can experience Japanese culture using all five senses.

【【Recommended spots (Osaka area)】

★Uji Tea Ceremony Hall "Takumi no Yakata" (Kyoto Prefecture)
Experience authentic tea picking in the home of Uji tea
Foreign language support available (reservations required)

★Yuasa Town Tea Farm Experience (Wakayama Prefecture)
A homely experience where you can interact with local people
A relaxing space in nature

The best season to experience this is from the end of April to mid-May.
Many places require reservations, so be sure to check before you go.