Uncovering Uji: Premium Tea, Shrines & Spirituality in Kyoto
The Uji district has nature, grand tea culture, and a temple so famous it's on a coin. An all-inclusive tour.
Highlights
Primer on All things Green Tea
Japanese Sweet shop
A Lovely River Stroll and Gorgeous Temples too
A Visit to Byodo-in Temple
Traditional Tea Shops
10 meals
Experience Details
Come explore this more tranquil side of Kyoto with an Uji District tea tour with a local expert guide. Just 17 minutes from JR Kyoto Station or under 30 minutes from Keihan Gion Shijo Station is a completely different Kyoto where a river flows out of the hills and the tea is amazing.
The small-town feel is a welcome departure from the often unexpected busyness of central Kyoto. Coming to the Uji district slows things down, imparts some perspective, and brings many visitors a type of fulfillment hard to find in central Kyoto’s big-name tourist spots.
Japanese tea, landscapes, and Buddhism really make for quite the trifecta. A half-day Uji walking tour is an excellent way to learn and enjoy each of these three local gems.
Your English-speaking guide will meet you at the train station, and we’ll start the day by offering you a primer on all things green tea. In Uji, you can expect a warm welcome wherever you go, without the uptight requirements to strictly adhere to tradition or etiquette. Still, learning some basics will make the experience that much richer!
Speaking of etiquette, did you know that putting sugar into fresh-brewed green tea is a major faux pas? But you can still enjoy something sweet that’s made with tea, and we know just the place. We’ll be walking by a sweet shop that sells dango (sweet, sticky, small glutenous pounded rice balls) and the accompanying beverages of hojicha (made from roasted green tea leaves) and ryokucha (made from steamed then dried green tea leaves).
Inclusions
Admission to Byodoin Temple and Museum
Gyokuro tea house experience with Japanese sweets
Admission to Koshoji Temple
Exclusions
Food and drink outside of the tea experience
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet your host at Keihan Uji Station (not JR Uji Station). More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions
The itinerary as is includes many stairs. If this poses a problem, let us know, and we'll make modifications.
Not wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 48 hours before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Featuring beautiful landscapes from mountain to sea, Kyoto Prefecture conveys traditional Japanese culture through its architecture and gardens, art and artisanal crafts, and delicious local cuisine made from regional produce.
A great tour with a knowledgeable guide, Brian. He’s American so obviously speaks perfect English. The walking route is beautiful and the temples are well worth the visit from Kyoto.
Ferdinand was meticulous in offering knowledge from history to culture. He was knowledgeable on so many different areas. I’m so grateful for this tour.
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10 meals
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