Matcha, Sake, & Hidden Quarries: Taste the Flavors of Ibaraki in a Day
Trade the city for a full-day escape packed with uniquely Ibaraki experiences: gaze over Japan’s largest Inada-stone quarry and its photogenic “hidden lake,” sip whisked matcha in a historic tea room, taste sake at a 150-year-old brewery, and tuck into a chestnut rice lunch in Kasama—Japan’s leading chestnut region. The tour departs conveniently from JR Ueno and runs as a seamless bus day trip.
Tour at a Glance
- Duration / day: ~11 hours, Fridays
- Meeting & end: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit), 08:30 → 19:20
- Includes: Lunch, bus fare, sake tasting, matcha experience
- Minimum participants: 25 (tour may cancel if not met)
- Always check the live schedule and inclusions on the activity page before you book.
About the Ishikiri Mountains & Inada Stone
The Ishikiri mountain range in Kasama City is a long-running complex of Inada-stone quarries—the largest in Japan—supplying the durable, fine-grained white granite seen in major structures including Tokyo Station and the National Diet Building. The quarry scenery includes a striking rain- and spring-fed lake pooling in the excavated basin, creating a dramatic, photogenic contrast to the pale rock.
Sake Tasting at Isokura Brewery
Founded in the 19th century, Isokura Sake Brewery crafts “INASATO” with a terroir-first approach—locally grown rice and fresh spring water that percolates through the granite of Kasama. Expect a warm, small-brewery welcome and labels that emphasize rice character and balance.
Matcha at the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History
On the museum grounds, you’ll join a simple tea ceremony in the dedicated tea room, then step outside to the ginkgo promenade of 62 trees. Fall color usually peaks mid–to–late November, making this stop particularly magical in autumn.
Chestnut Lunch in Kasama
Ibaraki Prefecture leads Japan in chestnut production, and Kasama is a core growing area. Your lunch features chestnut rice, a regional staple that showcases the prefecture’s sweet, large-kernel varieties—an ideal pairing with a crisp local sake.
Why Book this (brand-new) Day Trip
- Ishikiri Mountains quarry — One of Japan’s biggest active quarry belts for Inada stone, the white granite used in famous Tokyo landmarks like Tokyo Station and Nihonbashi Bridge; on site you’ll spot an otherworldly, emerald lake formed in the cut.
- Sake tasting at Isokura Brewery — A Kasama brewery established in the 1800s, known for INASATO sake brewed with local rice and spring water filtering through Kasama’s granite.
- Matcha at the Ibaraki Prefectural Museum of History — Join a calm tea ceremony and stroll a promenade of 62 ginkgo trees (stunning gold in late autumn).
- Kasama chestnut lunch — Ibaraki ranks #1 in Japan for chestnut production by area and output; Kasama is a major producer.
- Smooth logistics — Round-trip bus from JR Ueno; lunch and tastings included.
Best Time to Go
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) for chestnut season and sake that pairs beautifully with cool weather; ginkgo foliage around the museum typically turns brilliant gold mid–late November.
- The tour currently departs on Fridays; check the activity page for up-to-date dates and availability.
Good to Know (Policies & Access)
- Meeting/End: JR Ueno Station (Park Exit) only; no hotel pick-up.
- Language: The tour accepts international guests; portions may be conducted in a foreign language, but no dedicated interpreter accompanies.
- Dietary requests: For departures on/after May 1, 2025, changes to meal content for allergies/religion incur a 1,500 JPY per-meal fee; requests made≥14 days before departure.
- Minimum number: 25 participants required; the operator may cancel if not met (you’ll be notified).
Matcha Made in Ibaraki
Screens off, vibes on. Lock a Friday, claim your bus seat from JR Ueno, and let Ibaraki do the heavy lifting—scenery, sips, and stories you can’t screenshot. Seats are limited; tap “Book Now” and make your plans rock-solid.
