Top Uji Culture in 2026

Hi, my name is Masae. After traveling to 40+ countries, living oversea for 7+ years, I came back to my home to share the love of Matcha & rich Japanese cultural history with the world! The day starts in Uji, a little tea town with Japan's oldest bridge. Then, you will have a chance to visit local Matcha Farmers, invited to traditional Japanese style home to enjoy delicately crafted Bento Lunch, participate in Matcha tasting and tea tasting. You will not only learn all about Matcha but also smell, taste, and even take home some of those premium Matcha from farm previously owned by the Imperial Family.

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.

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.

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.

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.

✳︎You makes 6-7 Matcha incense. It warms up to release the aroma of tea. You don't have to worry about the health hazards of smoke. ✳︎The matcha used is the stuff that accumulates in the crevices of the machine and has to be discarded. It is then ordered in fresh. ✳︎The appearance of the incense is therefore in the shape of edible sweets. The beautiful shape of the incense remains after the fragrance has been worn off, so it can be used repeatedly as an aroma stone. ✳︎The clay-like raw material of the incense is soft and has a soothing effect on you. ✳︎The venue is Eshin-in, in the heart of the tourist centre of Uji, Kyoto.Its garden is full of seasonal flowers carefully tended by the abbot.It also overlooks Byodoin Temple on the opposite bank of the Uji River, with a great view. *Applications possible from 2 persons. * If you choose 'English' as your language of choice, we will arrange an interpreter.(Additional payment of ¥8800 on the day).

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.

Step out of the glittering imperial court of Kyoto and into the misty, melancholic world of Uji. On this immersive walking tour, you will trace the footsteps of the world's first novel, 'The Tale of Genji'. Discover a 1,000-year-old tragic love triangle, uncover the dark legends of bridge demons, and learn to see the world through the beautiful, heartbreaking lens of 'mono no aware'—the pathos of things. Let the rushing waters of the Uji River guide you through a story where romance, betrayal, and spiritual awakening collide. - A 1.3 km self-guided tour with 4 stops over 55 min - Ideal for travelers interested in History & Memory and Art, Design & Aesthetics - Immersively told in a podcast style by experts and locals - Matching audio content, AI guide and navigation through the app

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.

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.

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!

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').

Explore the tea town of Uji from a traditional rickshaw, pulled and guided by a trained local who shares the area's history and tea culture. Roll across the Uji Bridge, one of Japan's three oldest, past Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine, and up Kotozaka, the maple-lined stone slope that leads to Kosho-ji. Your guide stops for photos at the best spots along the way. Choose your length: 90 minutes includes a visit inside Ujigami Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; 120 minutes visits the Zen temple Kosho-ji instead; 150 minutes includes both. Each rickshaw seats two people, so parties of three or four book the two-rickshaw option. - Ride a traditional rickshaw pulled by a trained local guide - Cross the Uji Bridge, one of Japan's three oldest bridges - Visit Ujigami Shrine (90 min), Kosho-ji Zen temple (120 min) or both (150 min) - Photo stops at the town's best viewpoints, taken by your guide - Private for your group; two rickshaws available for parties of three or four

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.