Best of · UJI TEA EXPERIENCES
Every trip has one free afternoon too few. These 13 uji tea experiences justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to the fun part.
At Chazuna in Uji, you’ll explore interactive tea exhibits, grind tencha into matcha, and learn to whisk it from Japanese and English-speaking instructors. The one-hour session includes museum admission, a sweet, and views toward tea fields and gardens.
“Amazing experience! It was so informative and well designed. Exceeded expectations!”
Spend four hours in Uji with an English or Spanish-speaking guide such as Bryan, David, Damien, or Ferdinand. Taste premium Gyokuro, learn how tea connects to samurai and religion, stroll the river, and visit Byodo-in and Koshoji temples.
“This was the best tour we’ve done in Japan! Our tour guide Bryan was incredibly knowledgeable and really shaped our experience in Uji- we learnt about the history of Uji, visited several UNESCO sites, explored and learnt about many different shrines and temples and had an absolutely amazing Uji tea experience at a local tea shop. This was a zen and peaceful tour, where we really had time to enjoy every special moment. Bryan led us through local paths, away from tourist commotion, and really took us on a magical journey of Uji! Thank you for everything- I would 1000% recommend!Read more”
Walk from JR Uji Station with an English-speaking guide such as Yuko, Katsu, or Miyake-san. Visit Byodoin, join a Japanese tea ceremony with translation, cross scenic bridges, see two important shrines, and sample Uji’s matcha treats in a group of up to nine.
“Katz was an amazing guide! He made the experience unique, fun, and educational. He will not disappoint.”
Ride a stylish Brompton bicycle through Uji with an English-speaking navigator, visiting Chazuna, ancient shrines, Koshoji Temple, the Uji River, and Amagase Dam. The relaxed four-and-a-half-hour route suits most fitness levels, includes bikes and helmets, and can be adjusted to your interests.
“Takashi was an amazing guide! We did a private tour (just me and my wife) and he did an excellent job guiding us around, explaining the history, showing us the most scenic spots, and generally ensuring we had a great time. For EnglisRead more”
Spend about three hours in Uji learning how matcha is made, tasting several tea treats, eating a set lunch, visiting Byodoin Temple, and browsing local shops. The tour begins at Uji Station at 11:00 a.m. and ends near Byodoin’s shopping streets.
“Warm welcome and gracious hospitality on our recent green tea and Japanese food tour in Uji (Kyoto).”
Meet Masae near JR Uji Station for a private four-hour tour through Uji and Wazuka. Walk by the river, visit Uji Shrine and Ujibashi Bridge, tour tea fields, taste at least three local teas, and enjoy a Japanese bento lunch.
“We had a great experience with Masae on the tour! We visited the tea farms, had a tea tasting and even had a chance to make and eat mochi!!! Masae is very knowledgeable on the tea farming and tea manufacturing process. The area was beautiful and picturesque. I would highly recommend visiting.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Uji Station for a three-hour walk through Byodoin Temple, Uji’s shrines, bridges, and tea culture. At Taihoan, take part in a traditional ceremony and learn why Uji is famed for green tea. Guides such as Naoki, Maru, and Katsuhiko bring local stories to life.
“The tea ceremony party was very short. The rest of it was seeing the area, including temple and museum, and the guide was great!”
Spend four hours in Uji with a private guide such as Ferdi, Damian, Kevin, or Mika. Taste prized gyokuro tea, visit Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple, explore a tea-lined street, and learn how Zen shaped Japanese tea customs.
“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”
Spend about five and a half hours in Uji with Terumi, learning how matcha is made, visiting old tea shops and shrines, tasting matcha treats, enjoying tea dishes, grinding your own tea, and taking part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The small group is capped at seven.
“This tour offers an all-round experience of matcha production in Uji and an insightful look at a central component of Japanese culture. Uji is definitely worth a visit and the tour provided us with a good view of the town landmarks.”
Join a private four-hour tour from Kyoto to Uji, matcha’s spiritual home. With guides such as Tom or Ryuichi, you’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, cross historic Uji Bridge, learn tea customs, and taste matcha at a local café. Expect moderate walking, public transport, and a personal pace.
“It was a great tour, highly recommend! I had the pleasure to meet Tom who was a great, well knowledgable and nice guide through Uji. Really enjoyed my time and learned a lot.”
At Eshin-in Temple in Uji, learn how discarded Uji matcha becomes fragrant incense. A Japanese-speaking instructor explains the process, then guides you as you shape 6 to 7 pieces in wooden moulds. An English interpreter costs ¥8,800 per group on the day.
“This was such a unique experience. I’m so glad I was able to make custom incense with my family during our day trip to Uji. The location and atmosphere is very beautiful and our workshop instructor was informative and very kind.”
Spend 90 minutes in Uji with a local English or Japanese-speaking guide. Visit Chazuna’s modern tea museum, then walk to Tsuen, founded in 1160, for tea and sweets in one of Japan’s oldest teahouses. Teppei may lead your private group.
Meet Masae at Uji Station for a private tour of Byōdō-in, Uji’s tea streets, and Wazuka’s hillside farms. You’ll walk tea fields, meet a fifth-generation farmer, taste at least three teas, whisk matcha, and enjoy a Japanese lunch in a traditional home.
“The tour with Masae was an almost once in a lifetime tour. She is the expert in the area and speaks English perfectly. She couldn’t have been most friendly. The seven hours went by so quickly and I could have spent way more time in the aRead more”
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A ceremony, a garden, a tasting bench or a tiered stand.
