Ceramics and Green Tea Tour of Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture, this immersive tour offers a unique blend of ceramics and green tea experiences. Visitors will explore the historic pottery town of Arita, renowned for its exquisite blue-and-white porcelain, and engage in hands-on workshops with skilled artisans. The journey continues through lush tea plantations, where guests can uncover the art of tea production and partake in a traditional ceremony. With scenic landscapes and local delicacies, this tour promises an unforgettable cultural odyssey.

Key Points

• The tour provides a comprehensive experience of Japan’s ceramic and green tea culture, including visits to pottery studios and tea plantations in Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.
• Guests can participate in hands-on pottery-making workshops under the guidance of skilled artisans and learn about the history and traditions of Japanese porcelain.
• The tour includes a visit to Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, where guests can explore the region’s famous blue-and-white ceramic wares.
• Participants can enjoy the tea-making process, from harvesting to learning about the tea ceremony and history.
• The tour offers a seamless and hassle-free experience, with air-conditioned transportation, lunch, snacks, and bottled water provided, as well as accessibility options for guests with mobility challenges.

Tour Overview

The tour, named "Ceramics and Green Tea Tour of Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture," takes travelers on an approximately 8 to 10-hour journey, including around 3 hours of travel time, through the picturesque regions of Nagasaki and Saga in Japan.

It’s a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. The tour includes lunch, snacks, and bottled water, along with air-conditioned transportation equipped with WiFi.

Pickup is available from various locations in Fukuoka, and the tour is accessible for wheelchair users and families. Booking confirmation is received upon reservation, though the tour is non-refundable if canceled.

Inclusions

Lunch, both sit-down and on-the-go options, features Japanese and Western cuisine.

Snacks are provided on board and at picnic spots. Bottled water, both sparkling and still, is available throughout the day.

The air-conditioned vehicle has WiFi to stay connected. Parking fees and gratuities are included, so there are no hidden costs.

Whether you choose to explore the ceramics studios or savor the verdant green tea plantations, this tour offers a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Pickup Information

Pickup is available at all hotels in Fukuoka, Fukuoka airport, and Hakata Train Station. This allows for a seamless start to the tour, no matter where you’re coming from.

Tour options include:

1. Hotel pickup in Fukuoka
2. Pickup at Fukuoka airport
3. Pickup at Hakata Train Station
4. Shore excursions from Fukuoka International Cruise Terminal, but only with an extended stay in port.

Communication is made easy with WhatsApp, ensuring a smooth transition to the start of the tour.

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible transportation and facilities are provided for this tour, ensuring all travelers can participate comfortably.

Stroller and infant seats are available, making the tour family-friendly. While serious medical conditions may prevent participation, most travelers can join this excursion.

The tour operator is dedicated to accommodating the needs of all guests, from individuals with mobility challenges to families with young children.

Accessibility is a priority, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the ceramics and green tea experiences throughout Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture.

Booking Information

Booking confirmation is received at the time of reservation.

The tour pricing starts from $681.44 per group (up to 4 people). This is a non-refundable tour, and no refund is provided if canceled.

Travelers should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance. Tour options are available, and customers can select their preferred option to see the opening hours.

The key booking details are:

1. Confirmation received at time of booking
2. Pricing from $681.44 per group (up to 4)
3. Non-refundable, no refund if canceled
4. Confirm start time with local provider

Ceramic Workshops and Demonstrations

The tour explores the rich ceramic heritage of Nagasaki and Saga prefectures, offering visitors the opportunity to witness skilled artisans at work.

At a renowned pottery studio, guests can observe the intricate process of hand-throwing, glazing, and firing porcelain and stoneware pieces. They’ll also have a chance to try their hand at pottery-making under the guidance of experienced potters.

In Arita, the birthplace of Japanese porcelain, the tour visits a centuries-old kiln and showcases the region’s signature blue-and-white wares.

Participants gain insights into the techniques, traditions, and cultural significance of these timeless ceramic arts.

Exploring the Tea Plantations

After exploring the rich ceramic traditions, the tour takes visitors to the lush tea plantations of Saga Prefecture.

Here, guests can:

1. Wander through verdant tea fields, admiring the neat rows of bushes and the picturesque landscape.
2. Visit a traditional tea house, where they’ll learn about the intricate tea ceremony and sample local green teas.
3. Participate in a hands-on tea harvesting experience, plucking the delicate leaves with guidance from expert tea farmers.
4. Discover the fascinating history and cultural significance of tea production in the region.

The tour offers an immersive journey into Saga’s renowned tea heritage, providing a well-rounded cultural experience for visitors.

The Sum Up

The Ceramics and Green Tea Tour of Nagasaki and Saga Prefecture offers a unique opportunity to take in Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Participants can explore the historic pottery town of Arita, engage in hands-on pottery-making, and visit lush tea plantations to learn about the art of tea harvesting and partake in a traditional tea ceremony. This tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the beauty and traditions of Japan.