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Uplifting Uji: Kyoto's Tea, Shrines, and Natural Spirituality
4.7
13 Ratings
Uji
Discover the secrets of Japanese green tea in Uji, Kyoto’s tea producing area. Explore breathtaking views, UNESCO world heritage sites, and a magnificent temple on this private tour.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Takumi-no Yakata - Enjoy a unique Gyokuro tea experience, the highest grade of green tea in Japan. Gradually steam the leaves in warmer water while learning about the tea-making and brewing process. Conclude by eating the tea leaves with ponzu sauce for a healthy and distinctive snack.
- Ujigami Shrine - Visit Japan’s oldest original shrine, a UNESCO world heritage site. This shrine also contains Uji’s last underground spring water, which naturally bubbles to the surface. Local tea shops use this water to brew tea for their customers.
- Koshoji Temple - Conclude your tea journey at Kyoto’s oldest Soto Zen temple. Zen Buddhism, which originated in China, played a key role in pioneering the tea ceremony in Japan.
- Byodoin Temple - Explore this stunning temple from the Heian period. The grand temple hall sits on a man-made lake and is a UNESCO world heritage site, also featured on the back of the 10 yen coin. View artifacts from the temple in the underground museum.
- Byodoin Omotesando - Walk down the pilgrimage street leading to Byodoin Temple. Lined with tea shops, some dating back to the medieval period, enjoy the aroma of fresh tea and discover the variety of tea produced in this historic region.
- Prefectural Uji Park - Take a leisurely stroll on this charming island in the river and learn about the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing with birds.
- Uji River - Immerse yourself in Uji’s rich natural beauty. Although shallow now, this river was once vital for trade with the capitals of Kyoto and Nara, transporting tea, sake, and more from across the country and Asia.
What's Included
- Admission to all temples and the museum at Byodoin
- Gyokuro tea house experience with Japanese sweet
What's Not Included
- Food and drink outside of the tea experience
Additional Information
Embark on an exclusive journey through Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese tea. Limited to eight guests, this intimate tour promises a uniquely personalized experience immersed in Japanese culture. Enrich your senses with a sublime Green Tea Experience against Uji’s lush tea fields, where the pinnacle of Uji matcha awaits. Immerse yourself in the spiritual allure of Ujigami Temple and the Zen tranquility of Koshoji Temple, both cradled within Uji’s breathtaking landscapes. The limited group size ensures tranquility, fostering a deep connection with sacred grounds. The journey crescendos at the iconic Byodoin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece nestled in serene surroundings. This meticulously curated Uji tour guarantees an unforgettable cultural immersion, serving as an intimate escape from central Kyoto’s hustle for our fortunate guests in nature’s embrace.
- The itinerary as is includes many stairs. If this poses a problem, let us know, and we’ll make suitable modifications.
Location
Keihanuji Ekimae Information Centre
In front of Keihan (not JR) Uji Station, near the taxis.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.7
(13 Ratings)
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Christine
Jul 19, 2024
Amazing Uji - We had the perfect guide through Uji. Unfortunately I don’t remember her name. She used to work at a tea farm and the tea place we ended our tour. We visited two beautiful temples and had the luxury of being there almost by ourselves. The serenity and the break we had inside the Kosho-ji temple was magical. And at the end of the tour we got to taste the amazing tea and matcha for the first time. Thank you for this amazing experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Margaret_r
Jun 8, 2024
Great and informative tour of Uji - Damian was an absolutely amazing tour guide. We loved Uji and the break from the Kyoto crowds. The tea tasting was unique, delicious, and informative. One thing I'd say is make sure you have cash! If you visit Kyoto, visit Uji
Review provided by Viator
Lilye291
May 8, 2024
Beautiful Uji - We had such a great time with our tour guide, Ferdi. He is knowledgeable and friendly - showed us some beautiful views of Uji and gave us an insightful matcha tea experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lily_w
May 4, 2024
Fun yet relaxing tour - Ferdi is an excellent guide who is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tour was just breathtaking and tranquil. Highly recommend this tour for a fun and relaxing experience.
Review provided by Viator
I1416boclaytonm
Mar 22, 2024
Peaceful day in Uji - What an awesome experience! Bryan, our guide for the tour, was very knowledgeable, patient, and fun. We had an amazing time exploring Uji, partaking in tea, learning about the history of the places we visited, and taking time to relax. This was a very peaceful morning and a great break from the busyness of the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Trail34892427955
Feb 23, 2024
Fantastic experience in Uji - Fantastic experience in Uji with Andres. It was our last day in Japan and we were able to visit a less touristy neighborhood of Kyoto but full of charm and authenticity. We had the possibility to ask a lot of questions about the history, tea and traditions of Japan. Our guide also had a phd in Japanese history and explained many details of the temples and shrines we visited. I highly recommend the tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kirstymj3574if
Dec 15, 2023
Tea, culture and connections - Fantastic tour! The chance to do something a little different. We really enjoyed the hands-on tea lesson. Our guide, Lito, really made our experience special. His knowledge of the area was fantastic and his engaging conversation made for a highly memorable afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Indre_p
Nov 12, 2023
Uji is a must to visit! - David was a knowledgeable guide who spoke English and Japanese. Tea drinking can be a complex event! Also visited a temple.
Review provided by Viator
Peggy_t
Jun 19, 2023
Friendly and knowledgable tour - Kevin was a wonderful guide. He communicated with me a few days before, was there to meet us and provided an excellent tour. He was welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable about Japan after living many years there. He was super nice about taking pictures of my daughter and me. He also provided time for us to go tea shopping at the end. I'm recommending him to friends who will be traveling to Japan in the near future.
Review provided by Viator
Andrew
Dec 7, 2023
No communication - Never received an email with guide’s information. Was 3 minutes late to meeting point due to travel mistake (my fault for taking a local train instead of express). I tried to contact the company by email 30 minutes before since I was aware I took the wrong train. I never received a reply after sending it requesting to communicate with the guide or company. Just beware there are actually 2 exits to Uji station so it took me a minute to walk out the first one and see nobody was there then out to the second exit to see I was in front of the station.I was still able to have a good time on my own but I was disappointed to have missed the tour. I booked through get your guide and I would not recommend booking it again due to lack of communication.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
