Half-Day Uji Day Trip from Kyoto with Byodo-in Temple and Tea History

Tour Details

Duration: 4 hours
Product Type: Tour
Venues: 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

Select a date

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.

Experts

Professor

University Lecturer

Local Guide

Art Historian

Local Guide

University Lecturer

Local Guide

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.

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 shop

Tickets

All venue and roundtrip train tickets are already included in the tour, and our guide will purchase them on-site.

Transportation

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
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.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with children, though please do note it is walking-intensive.
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.

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.