Uji's Romance: Byodo-in, Tea & Legacy of Genji's Timeless Tales





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Duration
6 hours 45 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Overview
This tour will focus on the southern part of the prefecture. Uji, located within the picturesque landscape of Kyoto, is a city steeped in both history and natural beauty. Renowned as the birthplace of Japanese green tea, Uji’s tea culture is deeply ingrained in its identity, with verdant tea fields stretching across its countryside. Among its many cultural treasures, the Ujigami Shrine stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodying centuries of spiritual significance. Likewise, the iconic Byodo-in Temple, with its striking Phoenix Hall, serves as a testament to Uji’s rich historical legacy. Beyond its historical landmarks, Uji offers a tranquil escape along its riverside paths, where visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. Whether exploring its tea fields, marvelling at its ancient shrines, or simply strolling along its scenic pathways, Uji invites travellers to discover the essence of Japanese tradition and beauty.
What's Included
Included
Guided tour with an English speaking guide
Japanese art experience fee
Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
Not included
Food and drinks
Transportation costs before and after the tour
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
You can see us immediately after exiting the JR Uji Station (Not Keihan Uji station). We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says “Snow Monkey Resort.”
End point
You can see us immediately after exiting the JR Uji Station (Not Keihan Uji station). We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says “Snow Monkey Resort.”
Itinerary
Stop 1
2 hours 30 minutesAdmission included
Stop 1
Meet us at the JR Uji Station to start your journey (not Keihan Uji station). Our first stop is Byōdō-in. It is a Buddhist temple built in the city in the late Heian period and is a joint temple of the Pure Land and Tendai sects. It is your lunch time! If you finish before the meeting time, you can also do some shopping before the afternoon activity
Stop 2
1 hour 15 minutesAdmission included
Stop 2
Following the visit to the Tea Museum, our next stop will be the immersive tea experience. We will try making our own matcha using a stone mill.
Stop 3
45 minutesAdmission included
Stop 3
The next destination for the matcha experience is Ujigami Shrine. This shrine was built as the guardian of the nearby Byodo-in Temple, and is adjacent to Uji Shrine. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."
Stop 4
2 hours 15 minutesAdmission included
Stop 4
The final destination is the Tale of Genji Museum. The world of the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji" from the early 11th century is displayed through projected images, models, and exhibits. We will return to JR Uji Station to end the tour. However, if you would like to spend the rest of your day in the city centre, please let us know at any time.
Additional Info
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants Must Sit On Laps
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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
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