Uplifting Uji: Kyoto's Tea, Shrines, and Natural Spirituality
4.6
9 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
- Tsuen Main Branch - Start your exploration into Japan’s most prized tea by paying a visit to Japan’s oldest extant teashop called Tsuen Tea. From samurai to emperors, this shop has been serving the finest for 24 generations since the 12th century.
What's Included
- Visit to Kanbayashi Tea Museum
- Entrance to Byodoin Temple and Museum
- Gyokuro tea house experience with Japanese sweet
What's Not Included
- Food and drink outside of the tea experience
Additional Information
Intrigued by the unique charm of Japanese green tea? Delve into the distinct qualities of green tea from Kyoto’s quintessential tea-making region with a private Uji tour, where you’ll gain insights into not just the complex world of tea but also the captivating local history. Located just a brief 30-minute local train ride away from popular Kyoto locales like Gion and Kyoto Station, Uji offers awe-inspiring vistas of the river and mountains. Remarkably, it also hosts two UNESCO world heritage sites, merely 10 minutes’ walk apart from each other. Plus, you’ll experience all this without the usual throngs of tourists found in the bustling heart of Kyoto.
Beyond tea and scenics, this tour incorporates a trip to Byodo-in, a splendid temple equipped with a top-notch, modern museum (entrance fee included). Your tour guide, an English-speaking native or fluent speaker, will not only be approachable and amiable but also extremely informed about the nuances of tea and Buddhism. Attendees will be in very small groups.
- 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
4.6
(9 Ratings)
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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
Steven_t
Apr 29, 2023
Good pace, Fun and a new appreciation for Tea. - Our first stop with guide Kevin took us to the Byodion Temple. Kevin pointed out that the 10 Yen coin was based on this Temple. Lots of tours go to area but Kevin was able to get us in ahead of the crowds. He also took us to a hidden Shinto Shrine. Pace was just right. We finished with a tea ceremony. Not knowing anything about tea, I was pleasantly surprised. The host was patient and fun during Tea preparation. I was a nice way to end the tour. Kevin also provided food recommendations for us to try in Kyoto.
Review provided by Viator
Jordan_b
Apr 23, 2023
Great tour - Our tour guide Ferdinand was very knowledgeable and friendly. He also provided us with a fun experience.
We recommend this tour; however the meeting location needs to be more specific for future guests.
Review provided by Viator
Amrita_k
Apr 6, 2023
Incredible experience in Uji - This was an incredible tour hosted by Mika in Uji, Kyoto. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. The Byodoin temple was beautiful and the museum that accompanied the tour was well worth our time. The shrines were also gorgeous. However, our favourite part of the experience as a whole was the tea making + tasting part of the tour. We loved learning more about green tea and the different temperatures at which it needs to be to develop a certain flavour. I would highly recommend this tour. Please go!
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
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