Uji, more than tea
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Experience the enchanting world of Uji with our Uji More Than Tea. This journey invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Uji's tea culture and its historical gems. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elegant Phoenix Hall. Explore the lush gardens and the tranquil surroundings that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Delve into the world of Uji's tea heritage taking part in an optional tea ceremony and tasting a cup of local tea. We will share the significance of Uji's tea culture, providing insights into the timeless art of tea-making. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or a traveler seeking cultural enrichment, this tour promises an authentic and enlightening experience. **Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!** VERY IMPORTANT: The Travel Storyteller will confirm the tea ceremony's availability to participants a few days before the tour.
Inclusions
What's included
- English or Italian speaking travel story teller
What's not
- Public transportation: if you do not hold JR Pass, about 500 JPY; if you hold JR Pass, no expenses
- Entrance fee (about 700 JPY)
- Optional tea ceremony (about 1,500 JPY) - subject to availability
Itinerary
Kyoto - Uji by train Transportation fees (not included): about 240 JPY
The Byodoin temple is architecturally based on the Buddhist movement of Jodo (Pure Land). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is now depicted on the back of 10JPY coins and identified as one of Japan's most recognized historical buildings. Iconic is its Phoenix Hall, named for its shape and the two phoenix statues on the roof. Admission fees (not included): about 700JPY
The Uji River flows through the city. It is one of the most popular spots in Uji, as it is the protagonist of most of the events that take place annually, such as day cruises and cormorant fishing.
Officially known as Byodoin Omotesando, it is the picturesque shopping street that connects Uji Station to the Byodoin Temple. This street offers total immersion through the rich tea culture and the local architecture. The walk along Byodoin Omotesando is enriched by the aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves
Optional ceremony in a traditional tea house, followed by tasting of matcha green tea and a homemade mochi sweet. Admission fees (not included): about 1000JPY
A shrine built to commemorate an ancient prince of the past. It is said to be one of the few ancient sanctuaries left untouched in the whole territory, and therefore preserves the atmosphere of the ancient past. The basin in the area is filled with water from a freshwater spring. The same water is used to prepare tea during ceremonies and is said to have special properties.
Uji - Kyoto by train Transportation fees (not included): about 240 JPY
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station. Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with “IOJ Logo” on it.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 12 travellers
- Operated by
- InsideOutJapan
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
How it compares in Kyoto
- Its from-price is 29% below the median of the 1713 experiences we list in Kyoto.
- It is longer than most of them.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital for over a thousand years, is a city of temples, gardens, wooden townhouses and refined traditions.
The city holds many of Japan's most treasured sites. Fushimi Inari Taisha's thousands of vermilion torii gates climb a wooded mountain, Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion shimmers over its pond, and Kiyomizu-dera's wooden stage juts from the hillside above the city. The rock garden of Ryoan-ji and the mossy grounds of Ginkaku-ji invite quiet contemplation.
Top-ranked sights in Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Shrine (Fushimi Inari Taisha), Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Special offers in Kyoto
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
