Top Uji Private Sightseeing Tours

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.

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

This is not just a visit to UNESCO sites—it’s a journey into the heart of Japan’s cultural soul. Led by a professional local guide, this 1.5-hour walking tour uncovers the deep stories behind Uji’s most iconic landmarks: the elegant Byodoin Temple, the ancient stillness of Ujigami Shrine, the serenity of Uji Shrine, and the poetic beauty of Uji Bridge. What makes this experience truly special is the seamless blend of world-class heritage and quiet local charm. As you stroll along the riverside paths and through temple gates, you’ll not only learn about history—you’ll feel it. With rich storytelling, historical context, and thoughtful pacing, this tour turns sightseeing into cultural immersion. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, you’ll walk away with a new appreciation for Uji—one of Japan’s most beautiful, yet often overlooked, destinations.

Unlike generic sightseeing tours, this 1.5-hour journey offers a deep, guided experience into Japan’s rich tea culture—right in its spiritual homeland, Uji. You won’t just walk past famous sites; you’ll gain rare insights from a professional local guide who brings centuries of history and tradition to life. From the immersive, modern exhibits at Chazuna to the timeless charm of Tsuen, Japan’s oldest teahouse, you’ll explore both the past and present of Japanese tea in a way that’s intimate, informative, and unforgettable. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply curious, this tour offers an authentic, sensory journey into one of Japan’s most cherished cultural treasures.

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!

Discover the historical grandeur of Byodoin Temple in Uji, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture over 1,000 years old. Admire the Phoenix Hall, symbolizing the Pure Land of Amida Buddha with its western orientation and serene statue. After your visit to the temple, enjoy the vibrant streets of Uji, renowned for its green tea. Savor a range of tea-infused sweets, from traditional to modern, in both historic and trendy spots. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural insight and culinary adventure, combining the timeless beauty of Byodoin Temple with the delicious world of Uji’s green tea treats.

This itinerary is a very rich and comfortable itinerary that combines "Kansai Osaka and Kansai World Expo"+"world Cultural Heritage"+"Japanese-style experience"+"Natural scenery"+"Cheap accommodation". This tour is suitable for tourists who like Japanese culture and historical attractions, first-time visitors to Kansai, and those who wish to avoid quick paced tours and seek a comfortable, hogh-quality experience. The car is operated by adriver who also serves as atour guide. Please be aware of the fact that we may encounter traffic jams , weather, or other force majeure factors. we will not bear any post-event costs incurred due to delays due to traffic jams. the minimum number of people is 3 . if the number of participants is less than the minimum number of participants above, the tour will be cancelled, and we will send you a cancellation notice by e-mail at least 2days before the departure date. Please join us and go on a trip around Osaka, Kyoto,Nara,and Uji !

Step off the beaten path and into a piece of living history. Unlike typical temple visits in Kyoto packed with tourists, this guided tour takes you to Manpuku-ji, a hidden Zen temple that most travelers miss. With its rare Chinese-style architecture, quiet atmosphere, and rich backstory, this experience offers a deeper, more personal look into Japan’s cultural fusion with China during the Edo period. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll uncover fascinating stories behind the temple’s design, its founder Ingen Ryuki, and the Obaku Zen school. As you stroll through peaceful courtyards and unique wooden halls, you’ll feel transported—far from the crowds and deep into another time. Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a calm and authentic moment in Japan, this tour promises something different—and unforgettable.

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').