Welcome to the Japan Tea Experience: A Journey Through Aesthetics
June 1st to June 10th 2026

Dear Guests,
We are delighted to invite you for our Japan Tea Experience, dedicated to the profound and captivating aesthetics of Japanese tea culture. This journey is not just a tour but a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene beauty and meticulous craftsmanship that define the art of tea in Japan.

To deepen one’s understanding of a tea culture, we think that the best way is to experience it directly at the source in the country. This is why we started to organise tea tours 8 years ago, and this approach might be especially true for Japanese tea. A philosophical, artistic, sensory and esthetic experience, the world of Japanese tea goes beyond the tea room and connects with different layers of the culture and its history. It has influenced literature, architecture, relationship to nature, cuisine, work ethics, human interactions, and much more!

We believe that Japanese tea culture holds valuable knowledge for living a good and beautiful life. The broader understanding you will gain on this tour will also deepen your general appreciation of tea, and how to adapt it to your country and your life. It is our pleasure to serve as facilitators to share the ever-changing world of Japanese tea with you!

This Tea Experience is a collaboration between AN SHIM TEA members:
Tea Master Andrei Ivanov, and Juliette Doutreleau, a Wagashi Artist based in Kyoto.

Our tour will focus on Kyōto, former capital and traditional culture centre. Walking the path of tea, we will explore this slow city and its surroundings, full of sacred places, nature and interesting lifestyles.

Here is a sample of some of the activities we will do together:

- Welcome dinner with Kyōto’s kaiseki cuisine
- Trip to the mountains where tea plants were introduced in Japan
- Meditation with a Zen monk and visit of his temple which has a long history with tea
- Attending a matcha tea ceremony followed by a discussion with the host
- Attending a Senchadō tea ceremony
- Day trip to the beautiful town of Wazuka, tea farm visit
- Demonstration of tea processing
- Ikebana (flower arrangement) workshop
- Wagashi (Japanese sweets) workshop
- Visits to various tea establishments
- Visit to a yearly tea festival at a Shintō shrine
- Delicious meals at our favorite places to discover Japanese cuisine

Through the lens of tea, we will dive into Japanese culture and experience a blend of old and new traditions.
Our Tea Experience Tours are designed for small groups, to provide a memorable and personal experience. We have tried to find balance between showing you places that we find very special, and keeping the cost of the tour affordable.

We have designed our tours to be dense with discoveries, but also with slow moments around tea tastings and shared conversations. We hope that during the tour, we will get to know each other and create beautiful memories together. Being mindful of others will help everyone to have a peaceful and harmonious time.

As our participants have different preferences for accommodation, we leave this part to you so you can find what suits you best. We can provide advice and help before you make your bookings.

During our tours, we will take you to a variety of restaurants so you can sample great examples of the local cuisine, and get a deeper understanding of the culture. When you register to the tour, please notify us of any food allergies, intolerances or concerns that you might have. We would like to welcome you in the best possible way, and last minute notifications of special diets would be difficult to accommodate. Please note that due to local food culture and differences, we might not be able to accommodate certain diets. Please contact us if you are unsure or have any concerns.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

EXPERIENCE PRICE
3000€

Please contact us (anshim.tea.collection@gmail.com) to secure your place on the experience. Your reservation is confirmed when we have received a 800€ deposit, payable in cash or bank transfer.

When you enroll and make your first payment, you agree to our following TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

- 8 full + 2 half days of activities around tea culture
- 9 lunches
- 5 dinners
- Transportation during the daily activities
- Hotel nights of June 8th and June 9th + 2 breakfasts

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

- Transportation to Japan
- Transportation to and from airport
- Hotel nights (all except June 8th and 9th), breakfasts, 4 free time dinners
- Passport and visa fee if applicable
- Travel and medical insurance

We can provide guidance to help you book your accommodation in Kyōto.

DEPOSIT

A deposit of 800€ per person is required to confirm your space. This deposit must be made when your application is submitted. Receipt of the deposit assures your space on the tour.

Payment in EURO should be made via credit card, bank transfer, or in person at our office in Riga. Other payment options may be available, contact us for consultation.

Participants are responsible for any outgoing bank wire and handling fees.

FINAL PAYMENT

The remaining balance is due by February 15th 2026.

CANCELLATION POLICY

All cancellation requests must be received by email. Our cancellation and refund policy is based on the schedule below:
4 months before start date: All payments refunded
3 months before: All payments less 500€ per reserved place refunded
2 months before: 40 % of the tour cost refunded
Up to 1 month before: 30 % of the tour cost refunded
Less than 1 month before: No refund

TEA TOUR TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. General Information

These Terms and Conditions govern participation in cultural and educational tours organized by AN SHIM TEA / AN SHIM LIFE (hereinafter “the Organizer”).

By registering for the tour, each participant (hereinafter “the Participant”) acknowledges that they have read, understood, and accepted all terms outlined below.

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(Practical and cultural recommendations for a harmonious experience)

1. Preparation

Ensure your passport and visa are valid for the required duration.
Purchase medical and travel insurance before departure.
Pack light, comfortable, and culturally appropriate clothing.

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Visit our TEA TOUR page to check out the gallery of our previous tea tours to feel the atmosphere.