1-Day Tour from Nagoya: Matcha, Confections, and Traditions in Nishio

Step away from the hustle of modern Japan and into a world where centuries-old traditions meet unparalleled craftsmanship. As you are led by an experienced, English-speaking guide from Nagoya on this full-day tour, you will have the rare opportunity to explore the birthplace of premium matcha, experience the art of creating delicate Japanese confections, and immerse yourself in the cultural traditions that makes this region truly unique.

This isn’t just a sightseeing tour; it’s a deep dive into the production and cultural significance of one of Japan’s most beloved exports—matcha green tea. From crafting your own tea ceremony sweets to a behind the scenes look at the production of premium quality matcha, this tour will take you deeper into one of Japan’s most treasured traditions than ever before. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur, a culinary enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, this is an opportunity to experience Japan in a way that few ever do—through the flavors, sights, and stories that make the country so uniquely captivating.

*As lunch options are limited, please purchase a bento box or other food items before the tour starts, and bring them with you. Time will be allotted to eat while on the tour.

Highlights

• Discover the secrets behind premium matcha and tour a tea field.
• Craft beautiful, seasonal sweets in a hands-on workshop.
• Tour a matcha factory and try milling matcha yourself.
• Sip Nishio matcha in a historical tea house.

*For those looking to join the tour from Tokyo, please see the FAQ Section below.

Tour Description

Your day begins at Nagoya Station at 10:00 A.M., where your guide will meet you in front of the Silver Clock tower near the Shinkansen Gates. You will have the opportunity to put your belongings in a coin locker at the station if you feel the need.

Your first stop is a traditional sweets workshop, where you’ll learn all about wagashi—Japanese sweets designed to complement the bold flavors of matcha. Here, you’ll be introduced to nerikiri, the beautiful seasonal confections that are as much a work of art as they are a treat. These sweet creations are made from a mixture of bean paste and rice flour, and they’re often molded into shapes representing the changing seasons. In a hands-on session, you’ll learn how to create two of these delightful confections yourself, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved.

Once you’ve crafted your confections, we’ll board the tour bus and head towards Nishio, a picturesque town located near Nagoya. As we drive, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a pre-purchased bento box or snacks while taking in the scenic beauty of the countryside. 

While Nishio is not as well known internationally as Uji or Shizuoka, this small town outside of Nagoya specializes in matcha and is well known within Japan for producing some of the country's highest quality matcha.

Nishio’s tea fields are a sight to behold—with over 90% of its tea cultivation dedicated to tencha (the tea leaves used for matcha). Your guide will lead you though the tea fields, explaining the process behind growing tea leaves for matcha production. 

We will continue our tour of Nishio through one of Japan’s leading matcha factories where you’ll gain exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the matcha production floor. Even more special, you’ll have the chance to grind your own matcha using a chausu (matcha mill), an centuries-old technique that allows you to make matcha by hand. Afterward, you’ll have time to shop for premium matcha and all other manner of tea related products to bring home as a reminder of your time in Japan. 

No matcha tour would be complete without experiencing the serenity of a traditional tea house and drinking matcha for yourself. At a beautifully preserved historic tea house and garden, you’ll have the opportunity to sit and relax, sipping a cup of freshly prepared matcha served alongside your handmade nerikiri—bringing your journey full circle. 

From here, we will return to Nagoya station via our tour bus and say our goodbyes there. Feel free to ask the guide for dinner recommendations or instructions back to your hotel.

TOUR MEETUP POINT

NAGOYA STATION @ 10:00 A.M.

The meetup point is at the base of the SILVER clock tower outside of the Shinkansen gates. 

If you are arriving via Shinkansen, the clock tower should be located directly in front of you as you exit the gate.

If you are arriving via a JR line, please look for signs directing you towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

For those coming from outside the station, you will most likely be entering through the Sakura-Dori gate (the side with the gold clock). In this case, please walk straight through the station towards the Taiko-Dori Gate. The silver clock is located inside the station just before the Taiko-Dori exit.

You may wait nearby there until the tour begins at 10:00 A.M. Be sure to look for the guide holding a SNOW MONKEY RESORTS tour sign. We highly recommend arriving early as Nagoya station can be quite crowded. 

NOTES

Included

• English speaking guide
• Transportation during the tour
• Traditional Japanese sweets workshop
• Entry fees at all tour locations

Excluded

• Lunch
• Accommodation
• Transportation to/from Nagoya Station

Other Information

• This tour involves long periods of walking outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or raincoat if necessary.

• In the summer, temperature highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) and above with extreme humidity. We recommend wearing something light and airy while minding sunburn and heatstroke. A parasol is highly encouraged.
• Winter temperatures around Nagoya average between 0℃-10℃ (32°F-50°F). Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for cold conditions.
• There will be free time along the way for guests to purchase souvenirs to remember their trip.