Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple in Uji is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, famously featured on the back of Japan’s 10 yen coin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the stunning Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture. Discover the real-life elegance behind the coin in a tranquil, historically rich setting.
Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine is Japan’s oldest standing shrine—a peaceful, spiritual haven hidden in the heart of Uji. With its centuries-old wooden architecture and moss-covered grounds, it feels like stepping into a secret from ancient Japan. Just minutes from Byodoin, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and connect with timeless beauty.
Options
Kyoto Station Pickup
Starting point: Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Uji Station Pick up
Starting point: Uji Station, Otsukata Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
What‘s Included
English-Speaking Guide
Admission Fee to Byodoin Temple
Transportation Fee (If you book Kyoto meetup) JPY 240 per person
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour
Chad W,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Genki was awesome. Nice, super knowledge, catered the tour to our pace and what we wanted to see. He really made the whole tour enjoyable. 10/10
Great trip to Uji and Byodo-in temple
Alexa W,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great and informative trip to Uji, where matcha was invented and also home to Byodo-in temple, built in 1053, which has an amazing Buddhist temple shaped like a Phoenix and a great museum full of its artwork. I liked the trip.here. Also a trip.to buy matcha for people who like it. Guide was very affable, spoke excellent vEnglish and was knowledgeable. Recommended.
Seeing Uiji in the rain!
Teina U,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thoroughly enjoyed this walkabout in the rain with our guide Shin Yokote. Knowledgeable and confident guide. We stopped at Inari Sjrine first but already seen it yesterday. The Byodoin Temple and museum was simply majestic. The stroll through Uiji matcha district added another level insight in the trend that is matcha, including the food. Matcha goiza? Enjoyed the matcha latte coffee break. Then the river side trek to Ujigami Shrine, both upper and lower,was unexpected. And yes, it is a walking tour!!!! Thank you Shin and my other three cotravellers for looking out for me... The scenery was gorgeous, the rain added to the mysticism of the tour. Well worth the journey. Meitaki atupaka e kia manuia!
Amazing Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour
Michael A,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very good value! Got to see Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrien. My tour guide shoichiro was very infomative and quite in depth when explaining the cultural significance of both locations. I wont spoil it here, so you can ask them! On the way are heaps of matcha places also, so you can browse those to take home!
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