Kyoto Highlights (Uji - the capital of Matcha): Tea Ceremony, Shopping with a local tour guide, Learn about tea at a Tea Museum run by a long-established tea shop in Uji, Byodo-in and more.
Discover the charm of Uji, Japan’s renowned centre of matcha culture, on this immersive 3-hour guided tour with a local tour guide.
Starting Point: Uji JR Station (South Exit)
Duration: 3 hours
Languages: English, Japanese
Type: Group Tour (Max 9 People)
End Point: JR Uji Station
What will you see:
- Matcha Tea Ceremony
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Temples:
- Byodo-in Temple
- Ujikami Shrine
- Uji Shrine
- Local tea museum and learn how matcha is produced
- Uji's most iconic birds - cormorants
Additionally on the way you will learn about local brands and shops in Uji.
Your journey begins at Uji JR Station (South Exit), where you’ll meet your English- and Japanese-speaking guide.
From there, you’ll head to Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famously featured on the 10-yen coin.
Next, take part in an authentic matcha tea ceremony, where you’ll learn about Japanese tea culture, preparation techniques, and traditions in a relaxed setting.
Continue your walk through the scenic town of Uji, visiting historic shrines and peaceful riverside paths. Along the way, discover the storey of Uji’s cultural heritage, including traditional cormorant fishing still practised today.
This tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty into a seamless 3-hour experience, guided by a knowledgeable local who brings Kyoto’s and Uji's stories to life.
This experience offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local traditions - ideal for travellers looking to explore beyond central Kyoto.
⚠️ Please read the following carefully ⚠️
*This is not a private tour. It's a group tour that can have up to 10 people.
*Please note, this tour is approximately 3 hours long, meaning it can differ by around 30 minutes before or after the estimated time.
*Please download WhatsApp before the tour. Our guide will contact you in advance to ensure a smooth meeting.
*Please be at the meeting spot 5 minutes before the scheduled time. As we have other groups in the tour, we cannot accept any late guests. If you are late to the tour, you cannot join the tour and will not be given a refund.
*This tour is not wheelchair/stroller accessible. Not recommended for guests who use a cane.
Please provide a phone number that can be reached during your stay in Japan and is available on WhatsApp.
If you are booking as a travel agent, please provide the guest's number rather than the agency's.
This allows our guide to contact the guest via WhatsApp if they are late or do not arrive at the meeting point on time.
Explore the timeless beauty of Uji on a 3-hour guided tour covering the city’s most iconic sights (Kyoto - Uji). Perfect for first-time visitors and those short on time, this experience offers a rich introduction to Japan’s cultural capital.
