Ioka Tea Plantation

The tea fields in Iioka have been certified as a valuable location for the "Walk through 800 Years of Japanese Tea History" heritage site. This region symbolizes the history and culture of Japanese tea, with unique and beautiful tea fields that can't be found anywhere else. It's also characteristic that representative elements of tea culture, such as tea shops and tea festivals, remain in excellent condition. The purpose of the heritage site program, certified by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, is to protect and pass down cultural traditions rooted in the history of the region, and contribute to the revitalization of the area. The tea fields in Iioka comprehensively maintain, utilize, and promote tangible and intangible cultural assets as an important place rooted in the historical background and climate of Japan's tea culture. Visitors can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea fields, but also taste traditional tea and tea sweets at tea shops, and experience the local tea culture at tea festivals. Through these activities, the region's culture and traditions are passed down and the area's charm is widely promoted. The tea fields in Iioka are loved by many people as an important heritage site symbolizing Japan's tea culture!

The tea plantation tour in Iioka is a wonderful experience where you can enjoy the elegant fragrance of tea. During this tour, you will visit the tea plantations in Iioka, the largest producer of Gyokuro tea in Japan, and enjoy a fun hiking tour of the surrounding cultural sites. Along the way, you can enjoy a game called "Chakoufuku," where you guess the name of the tea based on its flavor (flower, bird, wind, moon, guest). Even beginners can participate and enjoy the game, as a Japanese tea instructor will kindly teach you the tips. This tour is a great opportunity to experience the culture of Japanese tea firsthand. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea plantations in Iioka, the birthplace of Gyokuro tea, and the game of Chakoufuku, which allows you to appreciate the names of tea in a stylish and enjoyable way. The guide will kindly show you around, so even beginners can participate with peace of mind. This will be a valuable experience for Japanese tea lovers and those interested in Japanese culture!

The area around the tea plantations in Iioka is a charming region overflowing with history. As ancient ruins, burial mounds from the 4th to 6th centuries such as the Yakushiyama Tomb, Todzuka Tomb, Gorogoro-yama Tomb, Iioka Kurumazuka Tomb, and Mida-yama Tomb are scattered about. In particular, copper mirrors, swords, horse equipment, and jade beads have been excavated from the Todzuka Tomb, and the Gorogoro-yama Tomb is said to be the tomb of Prince Waneko, the son of Emperor Keitai. These ruins convey the rich cultural heritage of the region and evoke a sense of history dating back to ancient times. By visiting the tea plantations in Iioka and the surrounding burial mounds and ruins, you can experience Japan's ancient history and culture. For history buffs and those interested in culture, it's sure to be an intriguing tourist spot!

Daigondo Kannonji is a temple located near the tea fields of Iioka, said to have been founded over 1300 years ago by imperial decree. Once boasting a grand complex of seven halls, the temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, leaving only the main hall, Daigondo, and the local shrine, Chinju-sha. The temple's national treasure is an 11-faced Kannon statue made during the Tenpyo period. Made using the ichimonji-shiki mokushin kanshitsu-zukuri technique, the statue's soft curves and gentle expression are its defining features. The approach to the temple is lined with cherry blossom trees, and in spring, the harmonious scenery with the surrounding fields of rapeseed flowers is breathtaking. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of Daigondo Kannonji and appreciate its historical significance while surrounded by beautiful nature. It's a place where you can spend a peaceful moment, learning about the temple's national treasure, the 11-faced Kannon statue, and its historical background.

Idenotamagawa is located near the tea fields of Iioka and is known as a famous spot for cherry blossom trees, with a stretch of about 1.5km along the embankment of the Tamagawa River. The "Sakura Festival" is held from late March to early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. During this time, food stalls and other vendors line up under the cherry blossom trees along the Tamagawa River, and the town is bustling with cherry blossom viewers. During the season when the beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom, local residents and tourists visit, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Idenotamagawa is not only known as a famous spot for beautiful cherry blossoms, but also receives recognition as a famous water source, making it a popular destination for tourists. It is a place where the charm of nature and culture harmonize, and is a popular spot where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kyoto.