Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour

4.89

4.9(28 reviews)

3 hours

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 22 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Delve into Uji's captivating culture and history on this exclusive walking tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple, renowned for its architectural beauty and historical allure. Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony at Taihoan, the birthplace of Japan's green tea, where you'll learn the intricacies of this revered practice. Enjoy scenic strolls across picturesque suspension bridges and explore sacred sites like Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine. Conclude your journey with a taste of Uji's famed green tea and local delicacies, making this tour a perfect blend of culture, tradition, and scenic beauty.

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Byodoin Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire its stunning Phoenix Hall, rich with over 1,000 years of history

1 hour • Admission Included

Engage in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, learning the art of tea preparation in its birthplace.

40 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Small Group Tour

Private Tour

What‘s Included

30 minutes Tea Ceremony

English speaking Guide

Entrance Fees to Byodo-in

Personal Expenses

Hotel Pick up and Drop off

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.89

28 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing Tour!
Tabitha J,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Katz was an amazing tour guide who had so much knowledge about matcha and the history of Japan. He was even able to translate for us during the tea ceremony, offering the symbolism and meaning behind each action. I would highly recommend him for any English speaking tourist ready to learn the secrets and history of shrines, temples, and ceremonies in Japan!
Beauty at every corner!
ssdw73,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Dineth was calm, gentle and relaxed, and particularly patient fielding our many questions. He was relatively new to being a tour guide but was well versed in the history of Uji and took the time to source answers if needed. Booked for a 3 hour small group tour we were fortunate to be the only ones so we basically had a private tour that was memorable and full of photo and learning opportunities. Note the tea ceremony is run through the cultural centre and was nicely done however would recommend doing a similar tour with a private tea ceremony for more authentic cultural immersion. On the whole, we enjoyed spending the half day with Dineth at a relaxed pace and absolutely loved the beauty of Uji, the fantastic museum, the exquisite Byodoin Temple and the beautiful grounds.
Uji beyond just seeing the sights
nem876,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Joseph (Josephu) was excellent. We really enjoyed his enthusiasm, candid style, and depth of knowledge. He did a great job connecting language, culture, history, and religion so everything we experienced in Uji felt richer and more meaningful. He clearly came prepared and provided excellent context throughout the tour. Uji itself was a wonderful surprise. It is a charming town that feels a bit removed from the usual Tokyo and Kyoto tourist trail. A part of us almost hesitates to write this review because we hope it stays that way. The visit to Byōdō-in was a highlight. The temple is beautiful, and the history behind it made it even more memorable. The tea ceremony was also special, especially once you understand the history, symbolism, and intentions behind why Japanese culture turned drinking tea into something so refined and ceremonial. Our one suggestion for improvement would be to include a bit more education about matcha itself: how it is grown, produced, graded, and what makes different matcha experiences unique. Overall, this was one of our favorite experiences in Japan and a great way to understand Uji beyond just seeing the sights.
The guide was great. Went...
Nicolas H,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was great. Went with my mother and the guide was patient and took their time. Also gave us a ton of great recommendations for the rest of our trip.
The tour was great! Our...
Owen T,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was great! Our tour guide was really nice and spoke great English. Highly recommend this for anyone hoping to see some historical sites and get a nice tea ceremony experience.
Matcha Tea Ceremony and Uji Tour
469colew,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour was fantastic and I would highly recommend this tour to everyone going to the Kyoto/Osaka area! Claudia was our tour guide and she was absolutely wonderful. She messaged us on WhatsApp a few minutes before the start time to let us know she arrived, shortly after we met her at the exact location indicated on the booking notes. Claudia was very knowledgeable about the history of Uji, the Byodo-In Temple, Matcha tea, and everything in between. She also was very helpful at answering other questions we had about Kyoto and Japan. The tea ceremony was very memorable and we loved getting to make it ourselves! Highly recommend!
Tea ceremony
Suzanne N,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tea ceremony was amazing and beautiful as was the shrine. Eloise put up with all my photos and it was a lovely day
Excellent tour!...
Shea W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent tour! Absolutely loved Uji - would absolutely recokmend taking a day trip or half day trip when in Kyoto. Was very cool walking around and seeing several historical sites. Also enjoyed the tea ceremony. Shingo was awesome and took lots of pictures for us too!
Very informative and...
Blecilla K,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very informative and guide is very friendly and knowledgeable. We would have been lost without him. We were appreciative of the area as he explained to us in details the significance of each of the attractions. My daughter enjoyed very much the tea ceremony
Great tour to explore Uji
Ikroop K,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Naoki was a fantastic guide to explore Uji with. The tour was paced right while covering a lot of ground (and info). Naoki also gave several great suggestions for matcha places to visit afterwards.

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Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour

4.89

4.9(28 reviews)

3 hours

English

Mobile ticket

Show all 22 photos

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

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

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Byodoin Temple

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and admire its stunning Phoenix Hall, rich with over 1,000 years of history

1 hour • Admission Included

Engage in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, learning the art of tea preparation in its birthplace.

40 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Small Group Tour

Private Tour

What‘s Included

30 minutes Tea Ceremony

English speaking Guide

Entrance Fees to Byodo-in

Personal Expenses

Hotel Pick up and Drop off

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.89

28 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing Tour!
Tabitha J,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Katz was an amazing tour guide who had so much knowledge about matcha and the history of Japan. He was even able to translate for us during the tea ceremony, offering the symbolism and meaning behind each action. I would highly recommend him for any English speaking tourist ready to learn the secrets and history of shrines, temples, and ceremonies in Japan!
Beauty at every corner!
ssdw73,May 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Dineth was calm, gentle and relaxed, and particularly patient fielding our many questions. He was relatively new to being a tour guide but was well versed in the history of Uji and took the time to source answers if needed. Booked for a 3 hour small group tour we were fortunate to be the only ones so we basically had a private tour that was memorable and full of photo and learning opportunities. Note the tea ceremony is run through the cultural centre and was nicely done however would recommend doing a similar tour with a private tea ceremony for more authentic cultural immersion. On the whole, we enjoyed spending the half day with Dineth at a relaxed pace and absolutely loved the beauty of Uji, the fantastic museum, the exquisite Byodoin Temple and the beautiful grounds.
Uji beyond just seeing the sights
nem876,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Joseph (Josephu) was excellent. We really enjoyed his enthusiasm, candid style, and depth of knowledge. He did a great job connecting language, culture, history, and religion so everything we experienced in Uji felt richer and more meaningful. He clearly came prepared and provided excellent context throughout the tour. Uji itself was a wonderful surprise. It is a charming town that feels a bit removed from the usual Tokyo and Kyoto tourist trail. A part of us almost hesitates to write this review because we hope it stays that way. The visit to Byōdō-in was a highlight. The temple is beautiful, and the history behind it made it even more memorable. The tea ceremony was also special, especially once you understand the history, symbolism, and intentions behind why Japanese culture turned drinking tea into something so refined and ceremonial. Our one suggestion for improvement would be to include a bit more education about matcha itself: how it is grown, produced, graded, and what makes different matcha experiences unique. Overall, this was one of our favorite experiences in Japan and a great way to understand Uji beyond just seeing the sights.
The guide was great. Went...
Nicolas H,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was great. Went with my mother and the guide was patient and took their time. Also gave us a ton of great recommendations for the rest of our trip.
The tour was great! Our...
Owen T,Mar 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The tour was great! Our tour guide was really nice and spoke great English. Highly recommend this for anyone hoping to see some historical sites and get a nice tea ceremony experience.
Matcha Tea Ceremony and Uji Tour
469colew,Mar 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour was fantastic and I would highly recommend this tour to everyone going to the Kyoto/Osaka area! Claudia was our tour guide and she was absolutely wonderful. She messaged us on WhatsApp a few minutes before the start time to let us know she arrived, shortly after we met her at the exact location indicated on the booking notes. Claudia was very knowledgeable about the history of Uji, the Byodo-In Temple, Matcha tea, and everything in between. She also was very helpful at answering other questions we had about Kyoto and Japan. The tea ceremony was very memorable and we loved getting to make it ourselves! Highly recommend!
Tea ceremony
Suzanne N,Mar 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tea ceremony was amazing and beautiful as was the shrine. Eloise put up with all my photos and it was a lovely day
Excellent tour!...
Shea W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Excellent tour! Absolutely loved Uji - would absolutely recokmend taking a day trip or half day trip when in Kyoto. Was very cool walking around and seeing several historical sites. Also enjoyed the tea ceremony. Shingo was awesome and took lots of pictures for us too!
Very informative and...
Blecilla K,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very informative and guide is very friendly and knowledgeable. We would have been lost without him. We were appreciative of the area as he explained to us in details the significance of each of the attractions. My daughter enjoyed very much the tea ceremony
Great tour to explore Uji
Ikroop K,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Naoki was a fantastic guide to explore Uji with. The tour was paced right while covering a lot of ground (and info). Naoki also gave several great suggestions for matcha places to visit afterwards.