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Welcome to Teatopia Wazuka

WazukaTown, located in the southern edge of Kyoto Prefecture, is known for Uji tea and produces half of the whole production in Kyoto Prefecture.

The landscape of Wazuka has been formed over 800 years with the progress of tea production. Its amazing scenic beauty has been designated and registered as the first Landscape Property of Kyoto Prefecture. In 2015, it was also registered as one of the Japan Heritage Sites.

Wazuka is the place where you may encounter the beauty of nature and friendly villagers. We also hope you will enjoy tea fields, local teas, and cuisine that can make yourexperience special.

Sightseeing

Tea Plantations in Ishitera (石寺の茶畑)

In spring, Wazuka becomes increasingly warmer from the West to the East. This area is located in the West where tea picking starts at the end of April, and is called Hayaba (place of early harvest).

Modern farm development has been accomplished here, creating the illusion that these tea plantations reach to the sky.

Tea Plantations in Shirasu & Erihara (白栖・撰原の茶畑)

Since the tea plantations in Wazuka stretch out along steep hills, it is not easy to imagine how large they are by just looking up from the riverside.

In this area, the ridges of tea bushes cover every slope of the hills and make patchwork-like patterns .

Tea Plantations in Harayama (原山の茶畑)

It is said that, in Wazuka Town, the first tea trees were planted at Harayama in the 12th century, in the Kamakura Period. As the tea bushes in Wazuka Town are trimmed and taken care of many times throughout the year, much more frequently than in any other tea production areas, the tea plantations in Wazuka Town present very artistic views.

Tea Plantations in Kamatsuka (釜塚の茶畑)

All the tea plantations on Mt. Kamatsuka were cultivated by our ancestors with hand spades. The pleasant scenery where the residence of the farmers and their tea plantations lie side by side is the typical landscape here in Wazuka.

Miroku Magai Buddha (弥勒磨崖仏)

The standing image of Mirokubosatsu, Maitreya, in the cliff is looking down upon the Wazuka River. It was carved on a gigantic granite stone with the inscription of April, 1300.

Prince Asaka's Imperial Mausoleum (安積親王墓)

Prince Asaka, the son of Emperor Shomu died at the age of 17. It is said that this tomb was built for the prince, who loved the road connecting Heijo-kyo, Kuni-kyo and Shigaraki Palace. Also known as Taikoyama, the scenery of the tomb surrounded by tea fields is magnificent.

Shoho-ji Temple (正法寺)

Gyoki opened this Zen temple to pray for the repose of Prince Asaka, the son of Emperor Shomu. The autumn leaves are splendid.

Cherry blossoms around Iwai Bridge (祝橋の桜並木)

Around the end of the Kamakura Period, Wazuka villagers offered Emperor Godaigo the help to build a bridge over a night. The emperor later named the bridge “Iwai (congratulation) Bridge”.

The row of cherry trees that line both sides of the river by the bridge come into full bloom in spring; the scenery is unparalleled.

Towering Kitayama Cedar Tree in Yasaka Shrine (八坂の大杉)

This Kitayama cedar tree, 12.8 meters around and 31 meters high, is believed to be more than 1300 years old. It is said that, after the main trunk had fallen down in the past, eight saplings grew from the stump into one large tree. There is no other Kitayama cedar tree in the town, and it is designated as a Prefectural Natural Treasure.

Wazuka Tenmangu Shrine (和束天満宮)

This shrine was founded in the year 983 when the painted image of Lord Sugawara Michizane was enshrined. The main hall of the shrine presents the architectural style of the Muromachi Period in the 15th century, and it is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

Jubu-san Kontai-ji Temple (鷲峰山金胎寺)

It is said that this temple was founded by En-noOzunu, a famous mystic in the Nara Period, around the end of 7th century. Later, Emperor Shomu reconstructed it as a royal temple in order to protect Kimon, the devil's gate, of Heijo-kyo.

Tea&Souvenir

Wazuka-cha Café (和束茶カフェ)

You can enjoy both Wazuka tea sold directly from local farmers and the sweets made with Wazuka tea. And it also provides tourist information, rental bicycles, and maps.
Cafe Maps Bicycle Rental Parking
  • Regular holiday: New Year Holidays
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00 L.O. 16:30

Tenku Cafe (天空カフェ)

Private tea room with a great view of town located at the top of the hill in Wazuka Sports Park. Please make a reservation at Wazuka-cha Café.
  • Regular holiday: New Year Holidays
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00

Japanese Tea Café Yamajin (和束・茶屋 山甚)

You can enjoy many kinds of Japanese teas and tearelated sweets here inrelaxing outdoor seats. Popular among cyclists.
Cafe Parking
  • Regular holiday: Wed
  • Business hours: 10:00-17:00

d:matcha kyoto CAFE & KITCHEN

A cafe and gift shop run by tea farmers located in the heart of Wazuka. They also offer various tours and experiences including green tea picking, original sencha blending, and matcha grinding workshops.
Lunch Cafe Parking English OK
  • Regular holiday: Tue/Wed (Dec-Mar)
  • Business hours: 11:00 ~ 16:00

dan dan café

You can enjoy a gorgeous view of the tea plantations of Ishitera, the most famous view point of Wazuka. Gelato using Wazuka tea is splendid. Reservation is recommended for lunch.
Lunch Cafe Parking
  • Regular holiday: Tue/Wed
  • Business hours: 10:00-16:00(-17:00 in summer)

Restaurant

Kyoto Wazukaso (京都和束荘)

Ryokan-style hotel, where you can savor tea using all five senses, is offering a lunch set meal beautifully prepared by a Japanese cuisine chef. Dinner party plans are also available. A reservation (for a minimum of four) is needed.
LunchDinner
  • Regular holiday: Irregular
  • Business hours: 10:00-21:00(front -16:00)

Cafe & Lunch Waka (CAFE & ランチ 和花)

Daily special plate lunch is nutritious and satisfying! You can also have omelet and rice, noodles, etc. Small and homey family-run restaurant.
Lunch
  • Regular holiday: Sat/Sun
  • Business hours: 11:45-14:00

Udon Eboshi (烏帽子)

Udon restaurant, whose soup is made from bonito, seaweed, and fish. Elegantly delicious.
Lunch
  • Regular holiday: New Year Holidays
  • Business hours: 11:00-14:00

Izakaya Sakura (居酒屋さくら)

You can enjoy karaoke at night. Home-style Higawari (daily special) lunch is popular among locals.
LunchDinner
  • Regular holiday: Sun
  • Business hours: 11:30-14:00 / 18:00-23:00

Sushi & Washoku Takumi (寿司・和食 たくみ)

You can enjoy delicate sushi and Japanese food by the owner who has more than 20 years of experience at a Japanese restaurant. Sushi set meal only in lunch time.
LunchDinner
  • Regular holiday: Tue
  • Business hours: Lunch 11:30-13:30 / 10:30-18:30

Okonomiyaki Tampopo (お好み焼き たんぽぽ)

Always lively with local people; and travelers are welcome. They also serve pasta and pizza besides okonomiyaki.
LunchDinner
  • Regular holiday: Mon
  • Business hours: 11:30-21:00

Izakaya Kitene (居酒屋来てね)

A restaurant with a variety of international dishes such as stone-grilled bibimbap and a friendly atmosphere. Daily special set meal are offered at lunch. Lunch is on weekends only.
LunchDinner
  • Regular holiday: Wed
  • Business hours: Lunch 11:30-14:00 / 17:30-23:00

Shopping

Ishida Choeido (石田長栄堂)

Traditional Japanese sweets shop near Ishitrera tea plantation. Cute looking breads and sweets made by the owner and his wife are very popular.
  • Regular holiday: Tue
  • Business hours: 9:00-18:00

Midori-ya (美土里屋)

Japanese sweets shop open on weekends by Lawson. Salty Daifuku (rice cake with red bean paste) and black bean Daifuku are popular among cyclists.
  • Regular holiday: Weekday
  • Business hours: 9:00-17:00

Meat shop Kizaki (猪肉のキザキ)

You can get wild boar meat as well as beef, pork and chicken. Frozen boar and venison can be taken out. Croquettes available on weekends are also popular.
  • Regular holiday: Mon
  • Business hours: 9:00-18:00

Taketani Liquor Shop (竹谷酒店)

Local liquor store where you can get Wazuka Cha beer using sencha from Wazuka. Good for a souvenir!
  • Regular holiday: New Year Holidays
  • Business hours: 7:00-20:00

Accommodation

Kyoto Wazukaso (京都和束荘)

Ryokan-style hotel, where you can savor tea using all five senses, offers you a course meal using tea, tea bath, tea incense, and matcha service after breakfast. Group plans are available.
LunchDinner
  • Room: 4 rooms (main building) & 3 rooms (annex)
  • Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: 10:00
  • Price: From 10000 yen per night per person for double occupancy

Farm Stay Tea Farm Nagomi (農家民宿 茶畑なごみ)

Farm stay surrounded by tea fields. You can enjoy okonomiyaki and homegrown tea. Farming experience is available.
  • Room: 1 (occupancy of 1 to 4)
  • Check-in: depends on if you want to joinfarming experience Check-out:10:00
  • Price: 7000 yen per night per person with farming experience, dinner and breakfast, 5000 yen per night per person with farming experience and breakfast
  • Experience: farming in tea field, vegetable field or rice field

Farm Stay Hagakure (農家民宿 はがくれ)

Run by the owners of Cafe & Lunch Waka. Homestyle meals are delicious. Optional matcha making experience is available.
  • Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: 10:00
  • Room: 1 (occupancy of 1 to 4)
  • Price: 8500 yen per night per person with dinner and breakfast, 7000 yen per night per person with breakfast, 6000 yen without meals
  • Experience (extra charge): matcha making, tea factory tour, vegetable harvest

Blodge Lodge

Bed and breakfast run by American husband and Japanese wife. Homey and comfortable room with tea field view.
Lunch
  • Room: 2 (occupancy up to 7)
  • Check-in: 16:00 Check-out: 10:00
  • Price: 14300 yen per night per person with dinner and breakfast, 8800 yen per night per person with breakfast (tax included)
  • Experience (extra charge): cooking, tea tasting, tea ceremony

Farm Stay Fuwari (農家民宿 風和里)

80-year-old house renovated for private villa use. Quiet and relaxing. Limited to one group per night.
  • Room: 2 (occupancy up to 7)
  • Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: 10:00
  • Price: 6500 yen per night per person without meals
  • Experience: green tea soba making (extra charge), tea brewing

Farm Stay Atsuan (農家民宿 篤庵)

Run by a couple who relocated to Wazuka. Nice interior with cool furniture and decorations. You can also experience pottery classes and tea-related experiences. Many overseas guests have enjoyed visits.
  • Room : 2 (occupancy up to 5)
  • Check-in: 15:00 Check-out: please notice in advance
  • Price: 12000 yen per night per person with dinner and breakfast, 7000 yen per night per person with breakfast, 5000 yen without meals
  • Experience (extra charge): pottery class, matcha art, chakabuki (tea guessing game) , etc.

Tea Farm Stay N&N (茶農家民宿 えぬとえぬ)

A tea farm guesthouse with the concept of "an inn that only tea farmers can offer". Various kinds of homegrown teas would hit the spot for any tea lover.
Lunch Dinner
  • Check-in: 16:00 Check-out: 10:00
  • Price: 12000 yen per night per person with dinner and breakfast, 9000 yen per night per person with breakfast
  • Experience (extra charge): tea picking, tea field tour, tea factory tour, tea tasting

Tourist Information

Please stop by here first. Sightseeing maps and rental cycles are available.

Wazuka Town Tourist Information Center

Business hours
9:00~17:00
Regular holiday
New Year Holidays
Parking
5 cars (Electric car charger available)
Rental cycles
4 bikes
Access
3 minutes walk from “Naka-wazuka” bus stop.

Wazuka-cha Cafe

Business hours
10:00-17:00 (16:00 L.O.)
Regular holiday
New Year Holidays
Parking
40 cars, 4 buses
Rental cycles
6 bikes
Access
4 minutes walk from “WazukaYamano-ie” bus stop.