THE PARU–SURUGA TOUR: FIRST SIPS

JOIN US FOR THE 2025 PARU–SURUGA TOUR!

Group A: October 28 to November 2

Group B: November 4 to November 9

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.

ACCOMMODATIONS & SCHEDULED EXPERIENCES

5-night stay at the Hotel Grand Hills Shizuoka with daily breakfast

One set lunch and two tea pairing dinners · Three guided tea farm tours

Reserved craft workshops · Tea Museum, Shizuoka  


    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.

    CONTINUE TO THE PARU-SURUGA TOUR BOOKING PAGE 

    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 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?

    Both the reservation form and payment for the 2025 tour can be completed online by clicking here. Please reach out to us directly at hello@paruteabar.com if you have any questions arise.

    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.