Kyoto Tea Quest Audio Guide

Audio Guide Details

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Product Type: Audio Guide

Preview Kyoto Tea Quest Audio Guide

Doing fine, proceed a couple of blocks

Zen Kasho-in

Continuing on Marutamachi street past the hospital

Photos & Highlights

Audio Guide Description

On this Kyoto audio tour, you'll uncover the allure of how a simple plant has flourished into an art form. Join Context Travel Expert Nick Nauber on an enlightening walk to explore this age-old Japanese ritual where Kyoto is the beating heart of Japanese tea. You'll dive deeper into the traditions, history, and practices behind tea rituals while discovering the connection between your beautiful natural surroundings and the tea you'll drink.

Starting at the Marutamachi Police Box, you'll begin your tea odyssey by stepping through the historic Ainomachi Entrance and heading to the Shūsui-tei Teahouse within the Imperial Palace's grounds. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the over 200-year-old teahouse's serene ambiance and hear stories about grand tea receptions hosted by the Kujo family centuries ago. You'll trace the origins of tea cultivation from Southern China to Japan when Kyoto became a hub for cultivating "Honchya" or "original" tea. At the Sugawara-in Tenmangu Shrine, you'll learn one of the secrets of tea production from the significance of choosing water from specific sources like underground freshwater streams to the impact of sunlight on tea leave's taste. You'll find the Rokkaku-dō Temple, with its distinctive six-sided roof, where you'll hear about the Japanese art of flower arranging (ikebana). As our tour reaches an end, you'll enjoy a final cup at the Horaido Tea Stall, renowned for inventing gen-mai-cha, a popular tea infused with roasted rice grains.

Along the way, you'll have a chance to:

Learn why different teas are served in tea houses and restaurants, depending on the season
Discover the three main elements connected with a tea ritual and understand the importance of aesthetics within the practice
Enjoy Yamabiko restaurant's fusion curry-udon, a blend of traditional udon noodles in sweet Japanese curry broth, with secret spices and toppings
Understand the Japanese fondness for tea, which makes up half of their beverage consumption
Discover the role of Japan's climate in tea production, and how Uji's hot and humid summers and mineral-rich irrigation led to it becoming a center for tea cultivation
Unravel the meaning of "wabi-sabi," and learn why the Japanese celebrate the imperfections in nature
Grasp the importance of brewing time and uncover the secret of preparing matcha tea

Join Nick Nauber on this tea-infused journey through Japan’s tea capital and tea culture, where every sip unveils layers of history, culture, and craftsmanship.

Meet Your Expert

Nick

During a decade-long residency in Japan, Nick received his Ph.D. in politics and political branding. He has managed documentary specials in Kyoto’s narrow streets and markets, manned food stalls in the middle of Kyoto’s epic Gion Matsuri, and promoted Japanese tea culture with social media influencers. Nick has a first aid certificate, and worked with NGOs after the 2011 earthquake/tsunami to provide food to disaster victims. He has also interviewed atomic bombing “hibakusha” survivors and written on Japan’s postwar nuclear policy.

How do I access the audio guide and download it for offline use?

Once you complete your purchase, you will receive a voucher code for your Audio Guide. You must download the Voicemap app and enter the code.

Install VoiceMap from the Apple App Store or Google Play
Create an account
Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
Enter your Voucher Code
Select Download Now

Is closed captioning (i.e. subtitles) available?

Yes! All of our audio guides have the option to turn on closed captioning should you have difficulty hearing the expert.

How long does each event last?

Our recorded audio guides typically run for 75 minutes.

How can I share this audio guide with friends or family?

You are welcome to listen together with friends or family, but each person listening to the guide on their own device will need to purchase the audio guide individually.

How long does my access to the audio guide last?

Once you purchase an audio guide, you are welcome to listen to it as many times as you would like. Your access to a purchased audio guide does not expire.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Sales for recorded audio guides are final upon purchase. Please contact us at digital@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about your purchase.

Can I purchase a gift card for a friend who is traveling?

Absolutely! Gift cards can be purchased here. Gift cards are good for 365 days from the date of purchase.