Experience Japan’s Best Tea & Crafts on This 2-Day Yame Tour
Step off the beaten path and into the heart of Fukuoka’s countryside with the Yame Gyokuro & Craft Tour, a two-day journey through tea fields, artisan workshops, and gourmet delights. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast, culture lover, or curious traveler, this immersive experience will leave you with a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich traditions—and a few handmade treasures of your own.
Why Visit Yame?
Yame, located in southern Fukuoka Prefecture, is famous for Yame Gyokuro, one of Japan’s highest-grade green teas. But this quiet region is also home to centuries-old traditional crafts, charming towns, and warm hospitality. This guided tour invites you to discover both its scenic beauty and artisanal heritage—complete with hands-on experiences, fine dining, and comfortable accommodation.
Tour Highlights
🍃 Day 1: Tea Fields, French Lunch & Gyokuro Pairing
Morning Pick-Up in Fukuoka City (9:00 AM)
Begin your journey with a convenient pick-up from your hotel, Hakata Station, or Fukuoka Airport.
☀️ Yame Central Tea Plantation
Walk among the sprawling 70-hectare tea fields where Yame’s renowned Gyokuro has been cultivated since 1410. Learn about the cultivation techniques that make this tea so exceptional.
🎎 Yame Traditional Craft Center
Explore traditional textiles like Kurume Kasuri, lacquerware, and other locally made crafts. It’s also a great spot to shop for unique souvenirs.
🍽️ Lunch at NIPPONIA HOTEL “LE UN”
Dine on elegant French cuisine using local ingredients in a beautifully restored merchant town building. Vegetarian options available upon request.
🍵 Tea Pairing at Seisuian in Hoshino Village
Enjoy a guided tea tasting and food pairing experience with a tea master. Learn the secrets behind Yame Gyokuro’s flavor profile and how it pairs with seasonal ingredients.
🏡 Overnight at YABENOMORI Villa
Unwind in a peaceful countryside villa surrounded by forest. Savor a dinner made with fresh local produce and sleep in a spacious room (2–4 guests per room).
🎨 Day 2: Hands-On Craft Experiences
Choose One of the Following Workshops:
- Kurume Kasuri Weaving (Azuma Bag Making)
Craft a traditional woven cotton bag at a 120-year-old textile studio. - Yame Sudare Bamboo Screen Making
Create elegant, seasonal screens using time-honored bamboo techniques. - Knife Crafting at Morihiro Forge
Forge your own knife from scratch in a rare, highly sought-after blacksmith experience. - Lacquer Accessory Making
Design and lacquer your own jewelry under the guidance of a skilled artisan. - Yame Lantern Painting
Paint a traditional Bon lantern using freehand techniques passed down for generations.
🍱 Lunch Included
Savor a final meal featuring regional flavors before heading back.
🚌 Return to Fukuoka (Tour Ends Around 3:30 PM)
You’ll be dropped off at your original pick-up point, relaxed and inspired by your Yame adventure.
Tour Details
- Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
- Price: JPY 138,000 per person
- Languages: Japanese (Guide) + Interpreter (English, Mandarin)
- Availability: Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays
- Pick-Up Locations: Fukuoka City hotels / Hakata Station / Fukuoka Airport
- Included: Meals, accommodation, transportation, experience fees, interpreter
Insider Tips
- Book early to secure your spot—some experiences (like knife crafting) are rarely available!
- Let the operator know in advance if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially for the craft workshops and tea plantation tour.
Ready to Explore Yame?
This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a deeper cultural connection beyond Japan’s major cities. Whether you’re sipping rare tea, crafting a one-of-a-kind souvenir, or simply soaking up the peaceful countryside, Yame will surprise and delight you every step of the way.
