Theme: Tea fields, Green tea, History
1. Overview
Wazuka-town and Kasagi-town in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture are introduced as places to visit where you can avoid crowds and enjoy Japanese culture at a leisurely pace. This area has long been an important region connecting Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, which were the centers of Japan, and therefore has many old temples and historical and cultural heritage sites. 1 hour from Osaka and Kyoto by JR line, and 15 minutes from Nara to the nearest station, Kamo Station.
Wazuka-town is known as the main producer of Uji tea, which is renowned as a high-grade green tea, and tea fields spread endlessly across the hilly terrain. The town itself is surrounded by tea fields, and the scenery of tea fields, tea factories, and tea farmers combined together is spectacular. Walking along the walking trails, you will be bathed in fresh greenery, which will soothe your body and soul. Refresh yourself by tasting local green tea and sweets at one of the many cafes scattered throughout the area.
2. Must-see spots
1) Wazuka Tea fields
Uji tea is a green tea made from tea leaves produced in the four prefectures of Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, and Mie, and processed in Kyoto Prefecture by Kyoto-based tea producers using methods originating in the Uji region, with approximately 40% of the tea produced in Uji being made from Wazuka tea leaves. Tea production in Wazuka dates back to the 13th century, and in the 16th century, the production of matcha powdered tea was established in Uji. In Wazuka, tea plantations spread over sloping land such as mountainsides, and are highly valued as scenery.
2) AZUMA Teanery
Tea fields are important cultivation land for tea farmers, so even if there is no fence, you are not allowed to go off the walking path and enter the fields without permission. However, people want to walk through the tea fields to their heart's content. In such a case, go to AZUMA Teanery of Azuma Tea Farm, which has been running a tea farm in Wazuka for 150 years. The house is located in the middle of a tea plantation, where you can enjoy a cup of delicious seasonal green tea while looking out over the vast tea plantation.
Azuma Tea Farm also produces rare organic green teas and black teas made from Japanese tea leaves at a nearby factory. Before and after tasting the tea at AZUMA Teanery, visitors can take a walk in the tea fields and, depending on the season, experience tea picking or tea flower picking, etc. Advance reservations are required for use, so contact tea lover Mika Hasegawa.
3) Mt. Kasagi
Mt. Kasagi in Kasagi-town is the historical site where the emperor of the time fled Kyoto and established a government in exile in the 14th century when the nobles and warriors were fighting for supremacy. The entire mountain is rocky, with huge rocks rising here and there, and is also a bit of a hiking course. The area is dotted with small but ancient temples with a history of more than 1,000 years, which provide visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility.
3. Access
JR Kamo Station (1 hour from Osaka and Kyoto by JR lines, and 15 minutes from Nara)
When you visit Wazuka-town and/or Kasagi-town, it is strongly recommended that you go with an experienced tour guide for easy booking. It is strongly recommended to hire a chartered taxi to look around this area.
If you want a private guide, please click the button below and fill in an inquiry form.