Uji Matcha & Tea Culture Food Tour with Licensed Guide

3.0 (2 reviews) Uji, Japan
  1. Home
  2. Activities
  3. Uji
Duration4h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesJapanese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Discover Uji like a local on this private cultural walking tour with a government-licensed guide. Explore the historic streets of Japan’s celebrated green tea town, visit the World Heritage Byodo-in Temple, and stroll along the lively Omotesando shopping street, lined with traditional tea shops.
Your knowledgeable guide will introduce Uji’s thousand-year tea culture, explain how Japanese tea is produced, and share insights into the area’s history and traditions.
If you wish, you may choose to purchase tea, matcha beverages, or local sweets from shops along the way at your own expense. Purchases are entirely optional and based on your personal preferences. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Ideal for first-time visitors and tea lovers interested in discovering Uji’s cultural heritage with a local guide.

What's included

  • Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kyoto
  • The pick up/drop off for this tour is on foot.
  • Government-licensed English speaking local guide
  • Private transportation
  • Any expenses for tea, matcha beverages, Japanese sweets, or a tea ceremony experience

What to expect

  1. Byodoin Temple
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Visit the World Heritage Byodo-in Temple, one of Japan's most iconic temples, famous for its elegant Phoenix Hall set beside a reflecting pond. Your licensed guide shares the history of this Pure Land Buddhist masterpiece.
  2. Byodoin Omotesando
    1h
    Stroll Byodoin Omotesando, the lively approach lined with centuries-old tea shops and matcha cafes. Sample premium Uji matcha, green-tea sweets, and tea-infused treats while your guide explains Uji's thousand-year tea culture.
  3. 1h · Admission ticket not included
    The Tale of Genji is a worldwide-known masterpiece of classical Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu in the Heian Period (794-1185). It depicts the romantic entanglements of a fictional character Hikaru Genji, an extraordinarily handsome nobleman. The final 10 chapters of the tale, after his death, are set in Uji. At this museum, there is a touchscreen display with comprehensive English explanations, a fun interactive game in English, and various other attractions, such as colorful exhibits and animated movies, allowing you to experience the glamorous world of The Tale of Genji. The museum offers fascinating glimpses into various aspects of Japanese culture in the Heian Period, including fashion, architecture, and vehicles.
  4. Chazuna
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    If you want to learn about Uji tea and the history and culture of Uji, this is the perfect place to start.
    With the rich history of Uji, the park is located among several historical sites, including the Uji-bashi Bridge and the Ujinowakiiratsuko Gobo tomb, housing the historic site Ujigawataikotsutsumiato (remains of the dike of Uji River that were constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi).
    At the Communication Center of Tea and Uji Land called Chazuna, you can enjoy the museum and various experience programs related to Uji and Uji tea. Chazuna also has a museum shop, restaurant, observation terrace, and so on. The modernized Uji Meishozue (a compilation of the Edo-period pictures depicting the sights of Uji) on a large 4K HD screen is a must-see. The experience programs include matcha making from leaf-grinding, tea caddy making, tea leaf picking, and more. Through these activities, you can connect with the local people, history, and culture of Uji.
  5. Uji River
    Pass by
    Take in the scenic Uji River and historic Uji Bridge, surrounded by long-established tea houses. Enjoy a traditional matcha experience and savor Uji's celebrated green-tea cuisine while your guide shares the area's rich tea heritage.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The guide will be waiting for you in front of the ticket gate of JR Uji Station holding a board with your name written on it.

End point

The guide will be waiting for you in front of the ticket gate of JR Uji Station holding a board with your name written on it.

Additional information

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

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

Reviews

3.0 (2)
From
16,500.00 JPY per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Japan Guide Agency · Booked through Viator
More activities in Uji
From
16,500.00 JPY per person
Check availability