Uji: Private immersion into Kyoto's tea and reglious culture

Overview

Available languages

English

Spanish

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Embark on an exclusive journey through Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese tea. Limited to eight guests, this intimate tour promises a uniquely personalized experience immersed in Japanese culture. Enrich your senses with a sublime Green Tea Experience against Uji's lush tea fields, where the pinnacle of Uji matcha awaits. Immerse yourself in the spiritual allure of Ujigami Temple and the Zen tranquility of Koshoji Temple, both cradled within Uji's breathtaking landscapes. The limited group size ensures tranquility, fostering a deep connection with sacred grounds. The journey crescendos at the iconic Byodoin, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the architectural masterpiece nestled in serene surroundings. This meticulously curated Uji tour guarantees an unforgettable cultural immersion, serving as an intimate escape from central Kyoto's hustle for our fortunate guests in nature's embrace.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The itinerary as is includes many stairs. If this poses a problem, let us know, and we'll make suitable modifications.

Cancellation Policy

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

What‘s Included

Admission to all temples and the museum at Byodoin.

Gyokuro tea house experience with Japanese sweet

Food and drink outside of the tea experience

What To Expect

Get some caffeine with this one of a kind Gyokuro tea drinking experience. Gyokuro tea is the highest grade of green tea in Japan. Slowly steam the leaves in increasingly warm water while learning about the tea making and brewing process. Finish up by eating the tea leaves with some ponzu sauce for a healthy and unique snack.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Ujigami Shrine

Pay a visit to the oldest original shrine in Japan. A UNESCO world heritage site, this shrine also houses the last of Uji's underground spring water that naturally bubbles up to the surface. Local tea shops collect the water to make tea for their customers.

30 minutes • Admission Included

Options

Private Tour of tranquil Uji

Private Tour

Reviews

4.76

17 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Cool tour in a beautiful town
chession01,
Jun 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Uji is beautiful riverside town in a much less crowded part of Kyoto, and we had a good time with our tour guide Damien visiting some really nice temples and shrines and trying matcha. We recommend doing the tour to hit the highlights of the town and learn their history and about matcha, then getting some cold matcha soba after and hanging out by the river for a very relaxing day! Note: There are two train stations in Uji, and the one you arrive at will probably not be the one you need to meet your guide at - you can easily walk to that one from the other one, over the river.
Lito was a great...
Claudia S,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Lito was a great guide. The tour is well balanced between cultural moments, spirituality and relaxation: Uji is a small jewel, very interesting also the tea ceremony. We concluded with a lunch together, in an excellent restaurant chosen by Lito for our needs
Highly recommended!
VictoriaLAHB,
Oct 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a lovely time visiting Uji, Kyoto. Our guide helped us along in perfect English. The best part was visiting the old tea house, where we learned about the brewing of tea and how the same tea can taste differently depending on how you make it. Truly amazing! I would highly recommend this tour!
Chill paced tour to learn about tea and spiritual culute of Japan
nicolleb363,
Sep 29, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a great informational tour if you love tea and want to learn more about the spiritual culture of Japan - especially considering there are so many temples and shrines in the country. Ferdinand was an excellent guide. Very patient, answered all out questions and really enjoyed the group size. 4 people, 5 with the guide made it easy. The tour wasn't overwhelming and wasn't a lot of walking which was welcomed after our other 25-30k steps every other day of our trip. I personally enjoyed learning the proper way to brew tea and properly make my own matcha tea. We went in the afternoon tour but got to Uji early to grab lunch and explore a bit. I think that was ideal as all the shops and restaurants were closing by the time we finished our tour. Alternatively you could also go in the morning but think the lines would have been longer to wait so just need to pick your battles. Really enjoyed Uji and all the matcha foods! Gotta try them all!
Amazing Uji
Christine M,
Jul 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had the perfect guide through Uji. Unfortunately I don’t remember her name. She used to work at a tea farm and the tea place we ended our tour. We visited two beautiful temples and had the luxury of being there almost by ourselves. The serenity and the break we had inside the Kosho-ji temple was magical. And at the end of the tour we got to taste the amazing tea and matcha for the first time. Thank you for this amazing experience.
Great and informative tour of Uji
Margaret R,
Jun 8, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Damian was an absolutely amazing tour guide. We loved Uji and the break from the Kyoto crowds. The tea tasting was unique, delicious, and informative. One thing I'd say is make sure you have cash! If you visit Kyoto, visit Uji
Beautiful Uji
lilye291,
May 8, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had such a great time with our tour guide, Ferdi. He is knowledgeable and friendly - showed us some beautiful views of Uji and gave us an insightful matcha tea experience.
Fun yet relaxing tour
Lily W,
May 4, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Ferdi is an excellent guide who is friendly and knowledgeable, and the tour was just breathtaking and tranquil. Highly recommend this tour for a fun and relaxing experience.
Peaceful day in Uji
I1416BOclaytonm,
Mar 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an awesome experience! Bryan, our guide for the tour, was very knowledgeable, patient, and fun. We had an amazing time exploring Uji, partaking in tea, learning about the history of the places we visited, and taking time to relax. This was a very peaceful morning and a great break from the busyness of the city.
Fantastic experience in Uji
Trail34892427955,
Feb 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic experience in Uji with Andres. It was our last day in Japan and we were able to visit a less touristy neighborhood of Kyoto but full of charm and authenticity. We had the possibility to ask a lot of questions about the history, tea and traditions of Japan. Our guide also had a phd in Japanese history and explained many details of the temples and shrines we visited. I highly recommend the tour.