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.

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 .

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.

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.

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, 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You can enjoy many kinds of Japanese teas and tearelated sweets here inrelaxing outdoor seats. Popular among cyclists.

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.

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.

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.

Daily special plate lunch is nutritious and satisfying! You can also have omelet and rice, noodles, etc. Small and homey family-run restaurant.

Udon restaurant, whose soup is made from bonito, seaweed, and fish. Elegantly delicious.

You can enjoy karaoke at night. Home-style Higawari (daily special) lunch is popular among locals.

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.

Always lively with local people; and travelers are welcome. They also serve pasta and pizza besides okonomiyaki.

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.

Traditional Japanese sweets shop near Ishitrera tea plantation. Cute looking breads and sweets made by the owner and his wife are very popular.

Japanese sweets shop open on weekends by Lawson. Salty Daifuku (rice cake with red bean paste) and black bean Daifuku are popular among cyclists.

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.

Local liquor store where you can get Wazuka Cha beer using sencha from Wazuka. Good for a souvenir!

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.

Farm stay surrounded by tea fields. You can enjoy okonomiyaki and homegrown tea. Farming experience is available.

Run by the owners of Cafe & Lunch Waka. Homestyle meals are delicious. Optional matcha making experience is available.

Bed and breakfast run by American husband and Japanese wife. Homey and comfortable room with tea field view.

80-year-old house renovated for private villa use. Quiet and relaxing. Limited to one group per night.

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.

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.

1.5 hour tour for individual visitors! You will enjoy a guided tea field walk including stories about Wazuka Town and tea farming. After the walk, you will enjoy seasonal Wazuka tea brewed in a careful manner and sweets.

We offer a variety of tea culture experience programs to support original tours for groups of 10 or more people upon request. Please feel free to contact us.

We are offering a countryside homestay experience. You can interact with the people in Wazuka Town and in Yamashiro area. It began in 2014, hosting foreign tourists, and now we can accommodate 10 to 100 people. From junior high school students to senior, many people have come, stayed at Japanese houses and had a splendid time with local families. For more information, please contact us.

Wazuka is one of the main production areas of Uji Tea and produces about 45% of the tea made in Kyoto Prefecture. Not only tea itself, but also the tea field sceneries attract many people. The sceneries are maintained by tea farmers. Please enjoy Wazuka while keeping good manners.

1. Tea fields are private properties. Please do not enter them.
2. Do not touch tea leaves or equipment.
3. Do not take photo from close distance during farming. When filming farmers at work, please adhere to rules regarding filming consent.
4. Please take garbage with you.
5. Please avoid walking in the middle of the road.
6. Please greet farmers kindly when you see them.

Good manners will allow farmers to work more smoothly and help to keep the beautiful sceneries. Thank you for your cooperation.