Top Uji Half-day Tours

Delve into the rich culture of Uji, the birthplace of matcha, on this guided tour. Uncover the significance of matcha in Japanese history as you stroll through this ancient city. Visit the iconic temple featured on the back of the 10 yen coin and savor authentic matcha in various forms, all while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of one of Japan's oldest cities. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan's tea heritage in a beautiful setting. - Guided tour exploring the historical city of Uji - Visit the famous temple depicted on the 10 yen coin - Experience authentic matcha tasting in diverse styles - Immerse in the serene ambiance of Japan's matcha capital

Discover Uji like a local on this private, government-licensed guided food and tea tour. Explore the historic streets of Uji, Japan's most celebrated green tea town, where you'll visit the World Heritage Byodo-in Temple and stroll the lively Omotesando arcade lined with centuries-old tea shops. Sample premium matcha and regional tea specialties, from freshly whisked ceremonial-grade matcha to matcha sweets and tea-infused dishes. With a knowledgeable licensed guide sharing the stories behind Uji's thousand-year tea culture and every dish you taste, this is the perfect introduction to one of Japan's great culinary and cultural destinations. Ideal for first-time visitors and tea lovers alike.

Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.

Uji, south of Kyoto, is famous for its matcha (powdered green tea) and other tea products, and is also home to many historic temples and shrines dating back over 1,000 years. This tour takes you on a leisurely tour of this fascinating city on a BROMPTON bicycle with a local navigator. ・The tour is a great way to visit places that are otherwise inaccessible by riding with a navigator who knows the local area inside out. ・Slow cycling is an easy way for people who are not confident about their physical fitness to take part. ・All equipment for riding is provided, so you don't need to bring anything. ・The tour is also a great way to enjoy local food at speciality shops. ・The tour course can be arranged according to your wishes. ・You can take photos with your stylish BROMPTON bike.

Explore the historic town of Uji on a relaxed walking tour featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites and Japan’s famous tea culture. Visit Byodoin Temple and admire the iconic Phoenix Hall while learning about its history and cultural significance. Continue to Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine, one of the oldest surviving Shinto shrines in Japan, and enjoy their peaceful atmosphere surrounded by nature. Along the way, take a leisurely walk through town with time to browse local shops, purchase souvenirs, enjoy matcha desserts, and stop for lunch at your own pace with recommendations from your guide. The tour also includes a visit to the Tea and Uji Town Exchange Hall “Chazuna,” where you’ll learn about the history of Uji tea and the differences between matcha, sencha, and gyokuro. This well-balanced tour offers history, culture, local flavors, and free time—perfect for travelers looking for a calm and authentic experience beyond central Kyoto.

Are you a green tea lover or food lover? Then join us on this Matcha Town Walking Tour! On this tour, you will be exploring Uji, a beautiful historic district that is often affectionately known as a tea haven for tea lovers and connoisseurs. we stroll around Uji, you will be introduced to many interesting and fun facts about the origins of tea, the art of tea ceremony, and the wonders of Uji. pure, rich matcha powder that is sure to tantalize your taste buds! We will also visit tea houses, and tea fields, and will even pay a visit to some of Japan's oldest shrines, which Uji is home to. wonders of the shrines. For lunch, we will be stopping by a famous tea house, to enjoy “tea dishes”. After lunch, we will get to experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony at a traditional tea house.

This Marvelous Matcha Kyoto Green Tea Tour is the perfect way to discover the different varieties of matcha, see how to craft the perfect cup, and best of all—taste it. Visit the world-renowned district of Uji, which is known for producing outstanding quality green tea. The tour helps you discover hidden local tea shops that would be hard to find alone, and you have a guide to help translate. When you’ve worked up an appetite, a delicious set lunch is provided.

Learn about the history and culture of Japanese spirituality and discover the nuances of Japanese tea traditions on this private guided tour in Kyoto. Visit a 12th-century teahouse to begin your journey before stopping to enjoy a tea drinking experience. Continue on to visit two UNESCO world heritage sites: the Ujigami Shrine and the Byodoin Temple, along with other spots including Uji Park, Koshoji Temple, and Byodoin Omotesando, a historic street lined with tea shops.

Experience a different side of Kyoto. Step back in time, by visiting sites and locations surrounded by nature, rich in historical stories, and well and truly off of the beaten track. Walking the Uji Hills and surrounding areas takes in temples, shrines, a World Heritage Site, nature, and is full of peace and calm. Famed for its tea and the Byodoin Temple, there is so much more to Uji, Kyoto that remains almost undiscovered. Take a guided walk from an Uji resident (British long term Kyoto resident, and writer of the guide book series 'HIDDEN PATHS - Walking Historical Kyoto').

Discover the art of grinding matcha, stroll along the scenic Uji River and visit a historic temple. Begin at a tea plantation to learn the Kabusecha farming method, then explore a museum revealing Uji’s deep rooted connection to tea. At a tea cafe, grind your own matcha using a traditional mill, learn to prepare it and experience matcha art. Under expert guidance, you will also sample premium Gyokuro tea. Next, visit a World Heritage Site temple and walk through a garden representing the Pure Land of the West. Continue with a picturesque stroll along the Uji River, the backdrop for The Tale of Genji and immerse yourself in the refined culture of the Heian period. Along the way, stop at a 400-year-old pottery gallery. If time permits, wander charming back alleys, visit a Kumihimo shop, and browse local tea stores. This tour is led by a nationally accredited guide and licensed garden designer, offering rich insight into Japan’s tea culture, history, and elegant garden aesthetics!