Tour Details
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Uji Shrine
- Byodo-in Temple
- Uji River
- Kanbayashi Memorial Museum
Photos & Highlights
- Walk through over a thousand years of Japanese history at Uji’s iconic landmarks with an expert
- Enjoy a traditional tea confection with insights from Japan's oldest tea-blending family
Tour Description
Explore the rich history and cultural treasures of Uji, a town renowned for its deep connections to Japan’s tea culture and ancient traditions. In modern times this little town remains a matcha and green tea hub, with some of the world's highest quality matcha and tea shops, restaurants that serve almost any food imaginable in a green tea flavor, and rolling fields on the outskirts that produce tea for the rest of the country. Beyond its tea culture, Uji is home to some of Japan's oldest and most gorgeous temples and shrines.
From sacred shrines and temples to serene riverside strolls, this half-day tour from Kyoto invites you to explore Uji’s iconic sites under the guidance of a local expert who will share in-depth knowledge and fascinating insights that bring the past to life.
Begin your journey with a train ride from Kyoto. Upon arrival, visit Uji Shrine, a sacred site with over a thousand years of history. Our expert guide will detail the shrine's significance in Japanese religious times, including its association with the imperial family and the legendary deity Ujinowaki Iratsuko.
Next, visit the Byodo-in Temple, a stunning example of Heian-era architecture: the Phoenix Hall, a national treasure, is renowned for its exquisite design and the view of its reflection in the temple’s tranquil pond, symbolizing the Pure Land of Buddha. Here, our guide will delve into the temple’s history as a retreat for the powerful Fujiwara clan, providing context to its UNESCO World Heritage status.
Continue your visit with a walk along the Uji River. If you're visiting in the fall, you may have the chance to observe the breathtaking colors of the season, with vibrant reds and golds transforming the landscape. Head next to the Kanbayashi Memorial Museum, where you'll learn about 450 years of tea-making tradition and what used to be the intricate process of tea cultivation and blending at the time. Your visit will culminate in a tea-tasting session with confections inspired by the local matcha fields at a local tea shop, hand-picked by your expert.Â
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By the end of this tour, you’ll have gained an understanding of Uji’s cultural and historical importance. Experience the town’s unique charm and hidden stories, and let its timeless allure inspire you long after your visit.
- You’d like to explore two UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a knowledgeable and passionate expert.
- You’re fascinated by the art and tradition of Japanese tea and want to learn about the oldest tea family in Japan.
- You enjoy the beauty of nature, like the stunning colors on the Uji River
- Uji Shrine
- Byodo-in Temple
- Uji River
- Kanbayashi Memorial Museum
- Local tea shopÂ
Tickets
All venue and roundtrip train tickets are already included in the tour, and our guide will purchase them on-site.
TransportationÂ
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Can I take this tour by car instead of by train?
Yes, please let us know your schedule in advance so we can organize a durational car service from Kyoto, with pick-up at your accommodation
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Can we stay in Uji at the end of the tour?
Yes, you can stay in town at the end of the tour to continue the exploration on your own. Our guide will return to Kyoto on their own.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A camera for capturing the stunning landscape
- For more information on planning your travels to Japan, take a read through our Context Stories.
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Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children, though please do note it is walking-intensive.
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Are you able to observe dietary restrictions?
Please let us know in advance what type of allergies you have and we will do our best to advise you about options. The experience includes a small snack of tea and traditional Japanese sweets.
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Will we visit a tea plantation during our tour?
No, a visit to a plantation is not currently included in our itinerary.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. This tour involves moderate walking, if there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
- Byodo-in Temple - Wheelchair users will be able to access the temple with a ramp. However, the paths are pebbled and not conducive for easy movement. Accessible restrooms are available.
- Uji Shrine - The shrine’s entrance is paved with several bricks and is slightly narrow, so wheelchair users should move slowly and carefully.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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1 Review
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Of our seven tours in Japan over 2 weeks, this was our favorite, thanks to Marcin's exceptional expertise, charisma and charm. His anecdotes were always pertinent to the history and culture. His ability to communicate in English as well as Japanese facilitated both absorption of the wealth of knowledge he was sharing, as well as the sampling and purchase of some fabulous tea. Uji is a lovely respite from the crowds in Kyoto.
Ann
Oct 21, 2024
