Tourism is important for Shizuoka and Japan, but because of the pandemic, there have been no foreign tourists. As a result, the Japanese government is promoting tourism with the residents of Japan with several discount travel campaigns.
The prefecture I live in, Shizuoka, is well known for the green tea grown here. Even though I've lived in this prefecture for several years, I didn't know anything about the tea grown here. I was invited to participate in a tour of all things green tea last weekend. The participants included our very knowledgeable tour guide, six foreigners (Canada, France, Vietnam, and the US) who all live in Japan, and an employee of the Suruga Marketing and Tourism Bureau, as well as two photographers.
Our first stop was HAZ Cottage. We had a tour and explanation of the outside area first, where there is a drinking establishment, as well as an area for camping and a gorgeous view.
Next we moved indoors for the tea brewing and tasting experience.
Then we went out to the tea fields and learned about the growing and harvesting of the tea.
The next stop on the tea tour was the Fujinokuni Tea Museum, a beautiful new museum and Japanese Garden.
Inside the museum were many interesting exhibits about tea all over the world. It was nice to be able to read about the exhibits in English.
We ate lunch at the museum restaurant and it was wonderful.
There is still more to this tour. Please come back to read Part 2!
6 comments:
I can't wait for the next part! This looks like a fascinating tour -- I would love something like this. And your photos are just terrific. They really tell the story. I'm so glad you got out, too!
What a pity the new and excellent museum was established just as the pandemic hit. I am sure, though, that it will be a place of pilgrimage for tea lovers from all over the world once the virus is under control.
Tea is a fascinating drink, and can be found in so many forms all over the world. Think of all the herbal teas, and even Swedish Silver Tea which is simply hot water and cream, not a single tea leaf in sight!
Looking forward to reading Part 2.
That looks like a wonderful tourist attraction, once tourists return.
That is a very interesting place, looks like a great tour.
Fabulous excursion and tour.
How nice! I think I would like to take this tour. The food looks delicious too! I so miss Japan...
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