Uji's Romance: Byodo-in, Tea & Legacy of Genji's Timeless Tales

6 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

This tour will focus on the southern part of the prefecture. Uji, located within the picturesque landscape of Kyoto, is a city steeped in both history and natural beauty. Renowned as the birthplace of Japanese green tea, Uji’s tea culture is deeply ingrained in its identity, with verdant tea fields stretching across its countryside. Among its many cultural treasures, the Ujigami Shrine stands out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, embodying centuries of spiritual significance. Likewise, the iconic Byodo-in Temple, with its striking Phoenix Hall, serves as a testament to Uji’s rich historical legacy. Beyond its historical landmarks, Uji offers a tranquil escape along its riverside paths, where visitors can immerse themselves in the serenity of nature. Whether exploring its tea fields, marvelling at its ancient shrines, or simply strolling along its scenic pathways, Uji invites travellers to discover the essence of Japanese tradition and beauty.

What's Included

Guided tour with an English speaking guide
Japanese art experience fee
Entrance fees for each spot during the tour
Food and drinks
Transportation costs before and after the tour

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

You can see us immediately after exiting the JR Uji Station. We are waiting in front of the directory. We will be holding up a sign that says “Snow Monkey Resort.”

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 6 hours 45 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Byodoin Temple

    Meet us at the JR Uji Station to start your journey. Our first stop is Byōdō-in. It is a Buddhist temple built in the city in the late Heian period and is a joint temple of the Pure Land and Tendai sects. It is your lunch time! If you finish before the meeting time, you can also do some shopping before the afternoon activity

    2 hours 30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 2

    Following the visit to the Tea Museum, our next stop will be the immersive tea experience. We will try making our own matcha using a stone mill.

    1 hour 15 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    The next destination for the matcha experience is Ujigami Shrine. This shrine was built as the guardian of the nearby Byodo-in Temple, and is adjacent to Uji Shrine. In 1994, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto."

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    The final destination is the Tale of Genji Museum. The world of the classic Japanese novel "The Tale of Genji" from the early 11th century is displayed through projected images, models, and exhibits. We will return to JR Uji Station to end the tour. However, if you would like to spend the rest of your day in the city centre, please let us know at any time.

    2 hours 15 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Snow Monkey Resorts Tours (Machinovate Japan Ltd.)

Tags

Full-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
New Product

Cancellation Policy

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

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