Located at the southern tip of Kumamoto Prefecture—spanning the areas of Minamata, Tsunagi, and Ashikita—native tea trees over 90 years old still thrive in the mountains at an altitude of 600 meters. Although this land produces Japanese black tea that has won the world's top awards, the path to reach these groves is a narrow private road not even marked on maps.
Over these three days, you will tour two tea estates guided by the owners themselves: Toshihiro Kajihara of Kajihara Tea Gardens—creator of the *Benifuki* tea that won "Best in Show" at THE LEAFIES 2022—and Hiroshi Amano of Amano Tea Gardens, who has steadfastly maintained pesticide-free and chemical-fertilizer-free farming practices. You will be guided not by a professional tour guide, but by the very people who craft the tea.
You will walk through the tea fields, hand-roll the leaves, and craft your own black tea. In the evening, enjoy a tea-pairing dinner at a hot spring inn, featuring Japanese black teas from both estates matched with ingredients from the Shiranui Sea. On the final day, overlooking the sea, you will conclude your journey with a cup of tea—selected by a tea sommelier—that perfectly suits your taste.
Unlike green tea, black tea’s greatest appeal lies in the rich aromas—reminiscent of flowers, fruits, and forests—that emerge during the fermentation process. Why have people in this region—a place with a history marked by Minamata disease—continued to produce pesticide-free tea? The answer lies in the flavor of the tea itself. Through a special experience woven from the inherent power of the ingredients and the delicate craftsmanship that brings out their best qualities, we hope to offer you a peaceful time where you can reconnect with your true self.
We invite you to enjoy these three days centered on the theme of *ZAIRAI* (native varieties), savoring the beauty created by nature and the dedication of those who have preserved these traditions.

■ Recommended for:

● Those with a deep interest in tea, food, and fermentation.
● Those who wish to hear directly about the producers' philosophies.
● Those interested in environmental regeneration and sustainability.

■ Three-Day Itinerary

For tours scheduled in November and December 2026. Please note that the itinerary is subject to change depending on the weather. A three-day journey to learn the art of Japanese black tea production, experience the hand-rolling process, and savor your own unique blend.
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<Schedule for seasons when tea leaf picking is not feasible>
Day 1
★ Japanese black tea making experience
10:30  Meet and register at Shin-Minamata Station
11:00  Travel (approx. 60 min by jumbo taxi)
12:00  Lunch at Roadside Station Ohno Onsen OR overlooking the century-old native tea fields of Tsunagi Town
Lunch: Welcome lunch
(Country-style buffet at Ohno Onsen OR a special lunch basket from Tsurunoya)
13:00  Ocha no Kajihara – Tea fields in the Tsuge district
Walk through tea fields scattered across a remote mountain hamlet, guided by the owner, Mr. Kajihara
14:00  Ocha no Kajihara
Learn about Japanese black tea production methods
Demonstration of hand-rolling and hands-on tea-making experience
Hand-roll the tea leaves (1 hour) to create your own Japanese black tea
15:00  Ocha no Kajihara
Japanese black tea tasting (while the tea leaves ferment for about an hour)
*Uses tea leaves harvested and withered the previous day, or frozen tea leaves
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Day 2
08:00  Breakfast at your accommodation
09:00  Meet and travel to the Ishitobi district of Minamata City (approx. 60 min by jumbo taxi)
Amano Tea Garden: Walk through a tea field of native varieties (over 90 years old) with the owner, Mr. Amano
Introduction to the history and culture of the Ishitobi district
10:30  In the forest of the Ishitobi district
Forest Tea Party (featuring earthenware, tea plants, Japanese black tea paired with Japanese cuisine, and sweets)
14:00 Ten Tea Garden: Demonstration of hand-rolling Japanese black tea & hands-on tea-making experience
*Includes a "Rod Tea" experience
Introduction to earthenware tea vessels for enjoying Japanese black tea
15:00 Optional activity (for interested participants)
*Options include visiting Eco-Park Minamata, the Minamata Disease Museum, or Kameman Sake Brewery, and strolling through the townscape
18:30 Dinner at the accommodation (individual arrangements)
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<Schedule for the tea-picking season>
★Tea picking while touring the tea garden on Day 1; Japanese black tea making on Day 2
Day 1
10:30 Meet and register at Shin-Minamata Station
10:40 Transfer (approx. 20 min by jumbo taxi)
11:00 Lunch in Tsunagi Town, overlooking a century-old native tea plantation
Lunch: Welcome lunch (Tsurunoya special lunch)
13:00 Transfer (approx. 50 min by jumbo taxi)
13:50 Ocha no Kajihara – Tea plantations in the Tsuge district
Tea plantation stroll: Walk through tea fields scattered across a remote mountain hamlet, guided by the owner, Mr. Kajihara
15:00 Ocha no Kajihara – Tea picking (1 hour)
15:00 Ocha no Kajihara – Factory tour
Learn about the Japanese black tea production process; observe the withering stage
17:00 Transfer to accommodation and check-in
18:30 Dinner at Yunotsuru Geihinkan Tsurunoya Japanese Black Tea Pairing Dinner
Return to respective accommodations after the event
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Day 2
07:00　Breakfast at respective accommodations
08:00　Gather and depart for Ocha no Kajihara (Tsuge district tea fields) (approx. 60 min by jumbo taxi)
09:00　Japanese black tea making experience at Ocha no Kajihara
Includes 30 minutes of hand-rolling; during the 1-hour fermentation period, enjoy a factory tour, tea tasting, and sales event
11:00　Gather and depart for Ishitobi district, Minamata City (approx. 60 min by jumbo taxi)
Visit Amano Tea Garden; walk through tea fields of native varieties (over 90 years old) with the owner, Mr. Amano
Introduction to the history and culture of the Ishitobi district
12:00　In the forest of the Ishitobi district
Forest Tea Party (featuring earthenware, tea plants, Japanese black tea, a meal, and sweets)
15:00　Amano Tea Garden: Hand-rolled Japanese black tea demonstration and making experience
*Paperless tea bag making: "Rod Tea" experience
16:30　Optional activities (for those interested)
*Options include visiting Eco-Park Minamata, the Minamata Disease Museum, or Kameman Sake Brewery, and strolling through the townscape
18:30　Dinner at respective accommodations
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Day 3
08:00　Breakfast at respective accommodations
09:00　Gather and depart for Yunoko Onsen "Umi to Yuyake" (approx. 40 min by jumbo taxi)
Stroll around Yunoko Onsen
09:40　Yunoko "Umi to Yuyake" – "Soho-no-ma" Room
Private tea gathering with a view of the sea. TEA ACADEMY JAPAN: Demonstration of Japanese black tea brewing by a tea sommelier
Personalized tasting and custom tea blending experience
11:30 Lunch (bento box style)
11:45 Closing
12:50 Dismissal at Shin-Minamata Station
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