Visit Yame and Experience Green Tea Like Never Before
The Home of High-Quality Green Tea
Embark on the ultimate Yame Tea Tour and discover why this region, nestled in the verdant hills of southern Fukuoka, is renowned for producing Japan’s finest tea. Our curated tour offers an immersive look into Yame, a place where lush, emerald plantations meet a rich heritage of traditional craftsmanship.
You will explore a world where local artisans meticulously preserve historic legacies: from the intricate creation of Yame Buddhist altars and handmade washi paper to delicate bamboo artistry.
We ensure a seamless, private, and comfortable journey from your Fukuoka hotel, allowing you to focus entirely on the rich cultural heritage and umami-rich flavors of this hidden Kyushu gem.
Tour Highlights & Cultural Experiences
Scenic Yame Tea Plantations: Escape to the lush, terraced hillsides of Oku-Yame. These emerald-green tea plantations offer a breathtaking view of the landscape and a rare glimpse into the labor-intensive cultivation of Japan’s finest tea leaves.
Premium Gyokuro Tea Tasting: Learn the secrets of Gyokuro, often called the "dewdrop" tea, from local master farmers. Discover the intricate techniques of shading and hand-picking that result in its signature deep, umami-rich flavor, and learn the precise art of brewing the perfect cup.
Historic Fukushima District Walking Tour: Step back in time as you wander the preserved streets of the Fukushima district with its charming, white-walled shirakabe storehouses offering a perfectly preserved window into Edo-period architecture.
Artisanal Workshops: Discover master-crafted Yame Buddhist altars, Kurume Kasuri textiles, and bamboo work.
| Duration | Approx. 8 hours (1-day tour from Fukuoka City) |
| Price | From 140,000 yen (for 2 people) |
| Location | Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Highlights | Green tea tasting, historic Fukushima district, artisanal workshops, local expert guide |
| Best For | Cultural enthusiasts, tea lovers, photographers |
Detailed Itinerary
● Depart from a hotel in Fukuoka city and take a private car to Yame with your guide
● Visit Yame Central Tea Garden
● Yame Traditional Crafts Centre
● Explore Fukushima Hachimangu Shrine
● Lunch
● Tea tasting experience at Yokomachi Machiya Cultural Centre
● Learn the history of Yame tea at Konomi Honke + time for shopping
● Explore Unagi-no-Nedoko (narrow traditional townhouses)
● Back to Fukuoka City
For Individual Travelers
Ready for green tea to surprise you?
For Travel Agencies
Please feel free to send us an inquiry via our form for quotes, questions and customizations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Yame Tea Tour
Is this tour suitable for beginners to Japanese green tea?
Yes, absolutely! While Yame is famous for producing some of Japan’s highest-quality Gyokuro, our tour is designed for everyone from tea novices to connoisseurs. Your guide will introduce you to the unique “shading” cultivation technique and provide a guided tasting session to help you appreciate the delicate, umami-rich flavors of Yame tea.
Can the tour be customized to focus more on crafts or tea?
Certainly. Because this is a private, bespoke tour, we can tailor the itinerary to better match your interests. Whether you want to spend extra time in a hands-on washi paper workshop or prefer an extended visit to the tea plantations for photography, just let us know your preferences when you inquire, and we will coordinate the details.
What is the best time of year to visit the Yame tea plantations?
The tea plantations in Yame are beautiful year-round, but late spring (around late April to May) is particularly special as it coincides with the first tea harvest (shincha). However, the Fukushima district’s historic architecture and the artisanal workshops are accessible throughout the year, offering a unique glimpse into traditional Japanese culture regardless of the season.