Tea Harvest Retreat
Foraged & Farmed
MAY 22 - MAY 26, 2025
Heritage Japanese tea culture is much more than the green beverage. This retreat is a journey into the timeless rhythms of tea, where nature's cycles inspire renewal and honor impermanence.
From foraging wild tea leaves to visiting historic, organic tea farms, you’ll uncover the secrets of regenerative farming and heirloom varietals. Engage in tea brewing traditions and pottery-making techniques that craft the vessels used at home and in ceremony.
Each day, our small group of passionate and curious minds will move between hands-on workshops, scenic farm visits, and immersive experiences that dive into tea culture’s rich history and deep connection to nature. By the end of the retreat, you’ll have gathered practical skills, a renewed appreciation for enjoying tea, and unforgettable memories of the region’s lush tea landscape.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Wild Tea Harvesting at Mie Farm: Harvest wild heirloom tea varietals at a regenerative tea farm.
- Traditional Tea Farm Tours: Visit historic organic tea farms in Uji and Wazuka.
- Tea Making and Tasting: Master the art of brewing tea, guided by experts.
- Pottery Workshop at Artisan’s Home Studio: Create your own tea cups or matcha bowls, learning traditional pottery techniques.
- Foraged Wild Flower Arrangement: Design foraged flower arrangements and enjoy a botanical tea session.
- Exclusive Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional morning tea ceremony in one of Kyoto’s most iconic tea houses.
To book, simply drop us a note at
experiences@maanahomes.com
Package includes:
- 4 nights accommodation at Maana Homes
- Daily lunch, welcome & farewell dinner
- Organic tea farm tour
- Wild tea harvesting
- Teaware-making at potter's home studio
- Exclusive tea ceremony experience
- Botanical tea tasting
- Welcome gift package
- Transportation to/from meeting points
Price
From $5,000 USD + tax
Inquire to join
experiences@maanahomes.com
One day on the Tea Harvest Retreat
9:00 AM
Uji Organic Tea Farm
Visit one of Uji’s rare organic tea farms, showcasing years of dedication to sustainable practices. These meticulously maintained farms take years to stabilize and produce high-quality organic tea leaves that can even be nibbled on fresh. Wander through lush, green fields where heritage agricultural techniques nurture the ecosystem at large. Learn about the intentional cultivation and distribution methods that ensure exceptional tea quality and the farm’s commitment to environmental stewardship and regeneration.
11:00 AM
Tea Harvesting
Participate in the highly-respected tradition of tea leaf picking. Under the guidance of seed savers and field keepers, tune in to the art of selecting just the right leaves. Feel the connection to the land as you gather these seasonal leaves, experiencing first-hand the importance of leaning into the rhythm of the natural world to produce exceptional tea.
1:00 PM
Tea Ceremony with Lunch
Tea Master Eriko warmly invites you to an invitation-only tea house. Nestled in nature, this serene tea house offers a humble yet meticulously prepared kaiseki meal (懐石料理) inspired by the playful dining practices of Zen monks, reflecting the beauty of the current microseason. Following lunch, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony which includes seasonal wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets. Each element comes together to celebrate the harmony between nature and art.
4:00 PM
Free time / Add-on Workshop
Take a moment to immerse yourself in the beauty of Kyoto at your own pace. Stroll through its timeless streets, uncover hidden gems, or choose to enrich your experience with an optional hands-on workshop at Maana Atelier. From the art of indigo-dyeing to crafting earthen wall panels, each session invites you to delve deeper into Japanese heritage practices, connecting you to the culture’s enduring heart.
6:00 PM
Evenings at Maana Home
As the sun sets, return to your home away from home in Kyoto—a private, peaceful retreat. Run a warm bath to melt away the day's adventures, brew a soothing cup of tea, and settle into a cozy corner. Pause, reflect, and journal on the day's events and learnings, savoring the moments of discovery and prepare for tomorrow’s adventures.
Our why
Referring back to heritage farming practices can restore our ecosystems to support a more sustainable future. Our Retreats are aimed to cultivate community, spark conversation, and raise awareness of local shifts toward responsible agriculture, that then lead to global shifts in responsible consumption.
Details
Price
From $5,000 USD
Price varies based on property selection and size of your group. Please inquire for more details.
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
A non-refundable deposit of 800 USD is required to secure your spot.
Cancellations made within 30 days of the workshop are non-refundable.
Food Allergies
Please include any food allergies or intolerances in the application form.
Contact Us
experiences@maanahomes.com
In collaboration with
Kyoto Research Institute
Kyoto Research Institute was founded under the direction of Momoko Nakamura. Momoko’s interest stems from 20 years of communicating and educating on cookery culture and the food system, informed by anthropological field research across the Japanese archipelago. The Institute’s research now extends beyond food, expanding into both textile and home, with the growing understanding that each pillar of Japanese living originates from a single terroir.
