UjiSightseeingPrivate toursFood experiences

    Uji: Private immersion into Kyoto's tea and reglious culture

    4.8(17 reviews)
    By Pinpoint Traveler, IncProduct code 33348P22
    Enjoying traditional tea in the splendor of Uji
    View all photos
    Many varieties of tea on offer. How about taking some home?Lovely riverside.Guarded.A little quirk thrown for good measure.Hard to find peace like this in central Kyoto.Enjoy the stroll.A beautiful, spiritual visit to one of Uji's most famous temples.

    Duration

    4 hours

    Ticket type

    Mobile Only

    Languages

    English, Spanish

    Confirmation

    Instant

    Pickup

    Pickup details available

    Meeting point

    Meeting point provided

    Time zone

    Asia/Tokyo

    Why Travelers Love This

    4.8 rating from 17 reviews4 hoursMobile ticketsPickup details available

    Overview

    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.

    What's Included

    Included

    Other

    Admission to all temples and the museum at Byodoin.

    Other

    Gyokuro tea house experience with Japanese sweet

    Not included

    Other

    Food and drink outside of the tea experience

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    In front of Keihan (not JR) Uji Station, near the taxis.

    End point

    In front of Keihan (not JR) Uji Station, near the taxis.

    Pickup details

    You will be notified two days in advance of your tour with your guide's name and contact information. You should please contact your guide directly should any issues arise. Please be aware that for group tours, the tour must start on time and it may not be possible to get in touch with the guide once they have started the tour.

    Itinerary

    Standard4 hours
    1

    Stop 1

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Get some caffeine with this one of a kind Gyokuro tea drinking experience. Gyokuro tea is the highest grade of green tea in Japan. Slowly steam the leaves in increasingly warm water while learning about the tea making and brewing process. Finish up by eating the tea leaves with some ponzu sauce for a healthy and unique snack.

    2

    Stop 2

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Pay a visit to the oldest original shrine in Japan. A UNESCO world heritage site, this shrine also houses the last of Uji's underground spring water that naturally bubbles up to the surface. Local tea shops collect the water to make tea for their customers.

    3

    Stop 3

    30 minutesAdmission included

    End your tea journey at the oldest Soto Zen temple in Kyoto. Zen Buddhism originally came in from China and helped pioneer the tea ceremony in Japan.

    4

    Stop 4

    45 minutesAdmission included

    Enter into this magnificent temple dating back to the Heian period. The magnificent temple hall sits on a man made lake, and not only is it a UNESCO world heritage site, but it's also the same temple featured on the back of the 10 yen coin. Also see some of the artifacts from the temple in the subterranean temple museum.

    5

    Stop 5

    45 minutesAdmission included

    Travel down the pilgrimage street leading to Byodoin Temple. Lined with tea shops, many going back to the medieval period, smell the aroma of fresh tea and discover the wide variety of tea produced in this historical region.

    6

    Stop 6

    30 minutesAdmission included

    Stroll along this pleasant island in the middle of the river, and discover about the ancient tradition of cormorant fishing with birds.

    7

    Pass by stop 7

    Envelope yourself in Uji's rich natural beauty. Although shallow now, this river was the lifeblood for trade with the capitals of Kyoto and Nara, and tea, sake, and more from all over the country and the rest of Asia.

    Additional Info

    Public Transportation Nearby

    Public transportation options are available nearby

    No Heart Problems

    Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

    Physical Medium

    Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

    Health Other

    The itinerary as is includes many stairs. If this poses a problem, let us know, and we'll make suitable modifications.

    Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    Policy type

    Standard

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

    Refund eligibility

    100% refundable 1+ days before

    Refund eligibility

    0% refundable 0-1 days before

    Review Summary

    4.8

    17 reviews

    Collected by Viator and Tripadvisor

    5 stars16
    4 stars0
    3 stars0
    2 stars0
    1 stars1

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