KyotoDay tripsFood experiencesCulture and history

    Kyoto WAKIMIZU Half Day Tour: Secrets of Matcha & Wagashi Sweets

    5.0(2 reviews)
    By TranquwellProduct code 482873P11
    Kyoto WAKIMIZU Half Day Tour: Secrets of Matcha & Wagashi Sweets photo 1
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    Duration

    2 hours 40 minutes

    Ticket type

    Mobile Only

    Languages

    English

    Confirmation

    Manual

    Meeting point

    Meeting point provided

    Time zone

    Asia/Tokyo

    Why Travelers Love This

    5.0 rating from 2 reviews2 hours 40 minutesMobile tickets

    Overview

    This tour explores the secrets of "WAKIMIZU," the key to the deliciousness of Japanese matcha and wagashi. Many of you have already tasted matcha and wagashi. But do you know why they are so delicious? The secret lies in "WAKIMIZU" (spring water), which is indispensable for making wagashi and preparing matcha. Kyoto is located in a basin blessed with abundant groundwater. Since ancient times, people have used spring water not only for daily life but also for tea ceremonies and making wagashi. On this tour, we will visit hidden spring water spots in the city and taste the water on the spot. While enjoying the different flavors of each spring, let's explore the secrets of "WAKIMIZU" nurtured by history and culture. Finally, we have a special experience for you at a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded 200 years ago. Enjoy matcha prepared with spring water and namagashi (fresh Japanese wagashi sweets) specially made for this tour, which you cannot usually taste.

    What's Included

    Included

    Food and drink

    A bowl of matcha and sweets will be served.

    Not included

    Transportation amenities

    Private transportation

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    A Tranquwell representative will meet you at Nishiromon Gate of Yasaka Shine.

    If you wish to join the tour from Kyoto Station at 12:40 PM, please contact us to inquire about availability. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your request depending on the circumstances.

    Itinerary

    Standard2 hours 40 minutes
    1

    Stop 1

    20 minutes

    Our walking tour of hidden spring water sources begins at Yasaka Shrine. Kyoto, a city ensconced in legend, is said to be guarded by four divine creatures known as the Shijin, each representing a cardinal direction. The east, where Yasaka Shrine stands, is protected by the Azure Dragon. Beneath the shrine's main hall, a mystical pond, or dragon's lair, is said to be home to this divine creature. The spring water that flows from this sacred place is known as "Gion Shinsui," or "Power Water," and is deeply revered by locals. It is believed that drinking this water, followed by applying a few drops of "Biyomizu" or "beauty water", which emerges from a shrine dedicated to beautiful women, will bestow upon one both inner and outer beauty. This powerful spot is frequented by geisha and maiko alike.

    2

    Stop 2

    10 minutes

    This sacred spring water, said to be blessed by Tenjin, the deity of learning, is believed to grant protection from misfortune, wisdom, and success in academic pursuits.

    3

    Stop 3

    10 minutes

    This sacred spring water from a shrine revered as a fire-preventing deity has a fascinating history. It is said that during the Hamaguri-gomon Incident in the late Edo period, this area miraculously escaped a great fire. Since then, there have been numerous tales of the shrine's divine protection against fire.

    4

    Stop 4

    30 minutes

    After a walking tour of three unique spring water sources, our journey will conclude at a confectionery founded in 1803, where you can enjoy matcha made with spring water and exquisite namagashi (fresh Japanese wagashi sweets), which are not typically available in the shop.

    Additional Info

    Public Transportation Nearby

    Public transportation options are available nearby

    Physical Easy

    Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Other

    Please note that our tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate. If we don't reach this minimum number, unfortunately, we'll have to cancel the tour. You'll be notified of any cancellation 4 days before departure, and a full refund will be issued.

    Cancellation Policy

    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

    Policy type

    All Sales Final

    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

    Experience may be cancelled if minimum traveler count is not met.

    Refund eligibility

    0% refundable 0+ days before

    Review Summary

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Collected by Tripadvisor

    5 stars2
    4 stars0
    3 stars0
    2 stars0
    1 stars0

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