Wazuka-cho
Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
If you're looking to escape the bustling city of Kyoto and immerse yourself in 800 years of Japanese culture and nature in a secluded green space filled with the sounds of birds, this is the perfect place for families and people of all ages. All experiences are offered in traditional Japanese houses or Zen temples.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to Wazuka-cho, a hidden valley in the southern reaches of Kyoto Prefecture that is often described as the 'home of matcha.' As you step off the bus and into this verdant landscape, the first thing you will notice is the…
Listen in the app2The Ishitera Tea Fields — Architecture of the Earth
We begin our exploration at the Ishitera tea fields, a site that has been designated as Kyoto Prefecture's first 'Landscape of Cultural Assets.' Standing at the base of the hill, you see rows of tea bushes, trimmed into perfect…
Listen in the app3The Harvest and Production — From Field to Factory
As you continue your walk through the village, you will likely pass one of the many tea processing factories. The transcripts describe the sensory experience of walking through Wazuka: the pervasive scent of matcha in the air is…
Listen in the app4D-Matcha and Modern Innovation
While Wazuka is steeped in tradition, it is also a site of exciting modern innovation. A primary example is 'D-Matcha,' a company founded by a younger generation of tea enthusiasts who are working to revitalize the local industry…
Listen in the app5The Five Senses of Tea — A Cultural Immersion
One of the most unique ways to experience Wazuka is to stay in a 'tea-themed' inn or ryokan. The transcripts mention a specific accommodation where the guest is encouraged to immerse themselves in green tea through all five…
Listen in the app6Encounters on the Trail — Yoko and the Local Heart
As you wander the backstreets of Wazuka, you may find that the most memorable moments are the unplanned encounters with the locals. The transcripts share a touching story of a traveler meeting a seventy-seven-year-old woman named…
Listen in the app7The Future of Wazuka — Sustainability and Stewardship
As we conclude our tour, it is worth reflecting on the future of this unique landscape. Like many rural areas in Japan, Wazuka faces the challenges of an aging population and a decline in traditional agriculture. …
Listen in the app8Closing
Our journey through Wazuka-cho has come to an end, but the essence of this place—the 'green tea through the five senses'—is something that lingers. From the stunning vistas of the Ishitera fields to the warm smile of Yoko in her…
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What is Wazuka-cho?
Wazuka-cho is a place in Kyoto Prefecture · Japan with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Kyoto Prefecture · Japan |
|---|---|
| Type | Activity |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 34.8105, 135.9294 |
| Last updated |