THE PARU–SURUGA TOUR: FIRST SIPS

 

Join PARU founder Amy Truong on a small-group journey through Shizuoka, Japan's most celebrated tea-growing region.

Created in partnership with the Suruga Marketing & Tourism Bureau and Purposeful Travel, this experience offers a deeper look into the people, places, and traditions that shape Japanese tea culture.

Through tea farm visits, shared meals, artisan encounters, and time spent in the communities behind the tea, travelers will gain a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and relationships that inspire PARU's work.

Limited to a small group, this journey is designed for curious travelers, tea enthusiasts, and anyone interested in experiencing Japan through a different lens.

WHAT YOU'LL EXPERIENCE


· Five nights in Shizuoka with daily breakfast included.

· Time with long-time PARU partners, tea producers, and growers in Shizuoka.

· Hands-on craft workshops.

· Tea focused meals and curated pairing experiences.

· Small-group travel hosted by PARU founder Amy Truong.

WHY TRAVEL WITH PARU

    For nearly a decade, PARU has built relationships with tea farmers, producers, and craftspeople throughout Japan. This journey offers travelers the opportunity to experience tea through those relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the people and communities behind each cup.

    Rather than simply visiting tea destinations, travelers will gain insight into the people, traditions, and craftsmanship that shape Japanese tea culture.

    Complete our online interest form to receive the latest updates on this year's tour.

    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.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    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 years 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?

    Please complete our online interest form to receive the latest updates on this year's tour.

    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 goes into the pricing of this tour?

    This tour is intentionally kept small and intimate, with limited spots available to ensure each guest receives a nearly private, immersive experience. The pricing reflects the true cost of creating a thoughtful, high-quality journey that supports a more sustainable tea industry. This includes:

    • Direct support to small-scale farmers, family-run producers, and local artisans

    • Fair compensation for time, expertise, and labor across all experiences

    • Private or semi-private transportation and accommodations

    • Translation, coordination, and on-the-ground local support

    • Curated tastings, meals, and cultural activities unique to each season

    Prices may vary depending on season, availability, and local market rates. Every detail is designed with care to minimize environmental impact while fostering meaningful, lasting connections to the people and places shaping the future of tea.