206.849.8511
Make Travel Make A Difference
TASTE OF SURUGA with ryokan stay
Suruga
Suruga is a picturesque destination offering a wide range of attractions and experiences that are surely on every wish list for Japan. Some of the top reasons to explore this amazing area are included on this short stay in Suruga.
Mt Fuji: Suruga is home to majestic Mt Fuji. As you move around, you will see different aspects of Japan's tallest mountain. One of the main climbing routes to the summit starts in Suruga.
Cherry blossoms: Sakura trees blooming herald springtime in Japan, and Suruga boasts many cherry trees that bloom slightly earlier than other parts of Honshu. Hanami, the traditional practice of enjoying cherry blossom viewing, fosters sense of community and appreciation for nature's fleeting wonders.
Tea Terraces and Ceremonies: Suruga really is tea country but beyond just being famous for production this is a special area where you can learn from farmers who have been perfecting their teas and tea blends for generations. Visit the valley farms and mountain terraces and sip different teas while looking out over the fields and talking with the farmers who pour their passion into every cup. Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony.
Artisans: Since the days of the samurai, artisans have made Suruga their home. Try your hand at making pottery with a local master, and learn about shodo (Japanese calligraphy) with an expert who uses her family’s history and love of the arts and tea to create a unique experience. See the artistry of carving, painting, and sculptures at historic shrines and enjoy connecting with locals to experience the arts with all five of your senses. Time at the famous craft center, Takumishuku, will leave you with a deeper understanding of traditional arts and crafts... and a piece of your own making.
A ryokan stay: immerse yourself in serene surroundings, enjoying tatami mat rooms and onsen baths. Savor kaiseki meals prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The warm hospitality of the staff ensures a memorable stay, making you feel at home in this haven.
Details
Duration:
4 days / 3 nights
Price:
From $1499 per person sharing
Includes:
2 nights Shizuoka hotel - Fuji view room
1 night ryokan (Japanese inn)
1 full-day private guided tour
1 half-day guided tour
Craft workshop
Tea ceremony
3 breakfasts
1 kaiseki dinner
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This journey focuses on the sustainable production of green tea.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels and a traditional Japanese inn.
Tour guides are local independent contractors.
Departures:
Daily, year round
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Shizuoka
On arrival in Shizuoka, take a 3 minute walk from the station to your hotel for the following 2 nights.
Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Shizuoka Grand Hills Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Shizuoka
It's all about tea today. First, visit the Shizuoka tea museum - the worlds most comprehensive museum about tea and its global importance throughout time. Join an authentic tea ceremony and discover how this ritual has centered and united Japanese people throughout the ages. Then, head to a working tea farm and meet with the farmer. Hear his story and all about the challenges and rewards of modern day tea production. As you move around, keep an eye out for Mt Fuji, who is shy but sometimes makes an appearance (weather permitting).
Stay: Shizuoka Grand Hills Hotel, or similar, (B)
Day 3 Shizuoka
It's your choice! Decide between spending the morning at the Takumishuku craft center where you will learn about various traditional Japanese crafts and create one of your own. Or, head to the cable car and take a scenic ride above the tree canopy to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu. After touring the shrine, visit the adjacent museum and learn all about the life of this beloved Shogun and how he influenced Japan. Continue on to the Yume Terrace viewing platform for Mt Fuji where, on a clear day, you will get unobstructed views of this magnificent volcano.
In the afternoon, check in at your Japanese Inn and enjoy a soak in your private bath followed by a multicourse kaiseki dinner.
Stay: Migiwaya Ryokan, or similar (B)
Day 4 Depart
Depart. The bullet train station is a 3-minute walk. You can be in Tokyo or Kyoto in less than 2 hours.
(B)