THE PARU–SURUGA TOUR: FIRST SIPS
We're excited to share that PARU has teamed up with the Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau and Asia Answers to create a guided tour filled with experiences and activities that will provide a deeper understanding and appreciation of tea production and culture in Japan.
With diverse landscapes made of natural beauty and resources in the Shizuoka prefecture, Suruga is rich with tea culture and renowned as Japan's top tea-producing region.
- Group A: October 1 to October 6, 2024
- Group B: October 8 to October 13, 2024
ACCOMMODATIONS & SCHEDULED EXPERIENCES
- Accommodations: 5-night stay at conveniently located hotel (1-minute walk from JR Shizuoka Station)
- Dining: Daily breakfast / One set lunch / Two dinners (welcome dinner and closing dinner)
- Experiences: Multiple guided tea farm tours, private chanoyu (Japanese tea ceremony) experience, reserved craft workshops, and visit to Tea Museum, Shizuoka
Amy and Lani visiting a local tea farmer, Suzuki-san
TOUR DETAILS
- The first day of the tour will be dedicated to everyone's arrival and check-in. Arrival and check should be done individually. Please ensure enough time is planned when booking your airfare for travel to Shizuoka from the airport you will be arriving to. Transportation from the airport to Shizuoka is not included in the tour cost.
- Private group transportation for Suruga-based experiences is included in the pricing.
- Both tour departures will have similar scheduled experiences with daily breakfast available at the hotel, one set lunch, and two dinners.
- Tea farm visits will require some degree of walking through natural paths and brush. It is highly suggested that you pack proper footwear and attire.
- Any activities, experiences, and expenditures beyond what is scheduled during each tour (e.g. shopping, extended stay in Japan, transportation outside of scheduled experiences) will be the responsibility of each individual guest.
TOUR COST
- ~$3,799.00 per guest (pricing will vary by room type—please see booking page)
BOOKING DETAILS
- Airfare and travel insurance are not included in this pricing, and it will be the responsibility of the customer to complete their own booking booking for their airfare and/or travel insurance.
- Standard reservation is for a double occupancy room. Single occupancy room requests can be made, but not guaranteed. Pricing for a single occupancy room will vary.
- PARU will reach out to guests that have completed the tour payment to discuss the final booking details such as obtaining a copy of passports, dietary restrictions, hotel room occupancy reference.
- Visitors from the U.S. and Canada in possession of a passport with at least 6 months’ validity from date of return and one blank visa page, will be granted an entry stamp on arrival, at no cost. People of other nationalities must inform your travel agent who will advise on your requirements.
- Travelers to Japan can pre-register for airport Immigration, Customs, and Vaccination review, and use “Fast Track” at major airports across Japan using https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/
- A scheduled orientation will be held online before the first tour departure to provide additional information and to answer any other questions.
- Payment options will be available upon booking.
- No refunds or exchanges available. We encourage purchase of travel insurance if you think plans may change.
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Amy Truong (they/them) has over a decade of experience in food, wellness, and culinary operations. Amy is a Certified TAC Tea Sommelier® and a certificate holder specializing in Japanese tea from the Global Japanese Tea Association.
Amy founded PARU in 2017 and actively contributes to the preservation of Japanese tea culture as a board member of Tankokai Urasenke San Diego.
FAQ
How many people will be joining this tour?
To maintain an intimate experience, each group will be limited to 6 people total (not including your host and group translator).
Who is this tour for?
This specialized tour is suitable for travelers 14 and older who are interested in tea and Japanese culture.
Can I join the tour for a partial amount of the scheduled days?
There are currently no options for a partial tour but please stay tuned for future opportunities!
Am I able to stay longer or arrive earlier than scheduled tour dates?
Absolutely! We encourage you to extend your trip to explore other areas of Japan. We're happy to share personal recommendations to help you plan.
Can you accommodate my dietary preferences and restrictions?
We will do our best to work with our tour partners to accommodate you dietary restrictions. We'll request this information from you following your booking. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out to us directly.
Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is highly recommended but not required. We are unable to provided refunds or exchanges on canceled tours.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Click here to visit our booking page. Spaces limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What are my payment options?
Payments options will be available upon checkout (e.g., credit card, Shop Pay, PayPal, and Google Pay). Please contact us directly if you'd prefer to pay by check.