THE PARU–SURUGA TOUR: FIRST SIPS

JOIN THE INTEREST LIST FOR THE 2025 TOUR

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.  


    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?

    We'll be planning for our 2025 tour soon. Complete our interest form to stay connected and get all the latest updates.

    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. 

    What did previous tours entail?

    2024 was our first time offering this tour. Accommodations were a 5-night stay at a conveniently located hotel, welcome and closing dinners, multiple guided tea farm tours, and reserved craft workshops.