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Offered languages
- English
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
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1
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.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
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.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
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.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
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Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Rating
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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