About Us

Uncover Traditional Japanese Tea Culture

At Nichome Connect, we invite you to explore the world of Japanese tea.  Our journey began in the tea room, learning traditions and rituals orally passed down from tea master to disciple—taught in an intentionally slow, deliberate and repetitive process.  As our appreciation for tea culture deepened, we explored the intricacies of how various tea schools upheld traditions while venturing out of the tea room to foster relationships with tea shops, tea houses, tea farmers and artisans making and selling tea ware. 

Whilst in recent years, matcha as soared in popularity,  Japan boasts a rich diversity of not only lesser-known tea varieties—each with its own unique story and flavor profile—but also diversity in the world of tea—which is deeply rooted in religious practices that have shaped tea culture for centuries.

Nichome Connect tours are led by guides and concierges with unrivaled expertise in many facets of the Japanese tea experience:  From the temples shaping tradition, to the tea schools passing down tradition, to the tea houses quietly creating their own rituals to the artisans carving names for themselves, our guides and concierges are local tea enthusiasts, thus are able to craft each tour to provide a truly enriching and seamless experience for every guest.  With a calm, professional demeanor and excellent English and Japanese communication skills, we take you by the hand and give you local access and omotenashi treatment.

As a Kyoto-based company, founded and run by locals, we offer a distinct experience, as our trusted connections provide exclusive access to tea estates and artisan partners who traditionally do not cater to international visitors. This enables us to present authentic encounters, allowing you to immerse yourself in the true spirit of Japanese tea culture that only genuine local insight can provide. 

Join our tours to uncover the many facets of Kyoto via exquisite tea experiences.