Uji Half-Day Tour – Byodo-in & Tea Culture

Walking Tour

4 hrs

Kyoto

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.

Route Details

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.

Choose this tour if…

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

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Uji Shrine
Byodo-in Temple
Uji River
Kanbayashi Memorial Museum

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Half-Day Uji Day Trip from Kyoto with Byodo-in Temple and Tea History general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

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

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.

No, a visit to a plantation is not currently included in our itinerary.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

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 to easy movement. Accessible restrooms are available.
Uji Shrine - The shrine’s entrance is paved with several bricks and is slightly narrow, so wheelchair users should move slowly and carefully.

25 Reviews

This is a great side trip from Kyoto - especially when Kyoto is feeling overly packed and touristy. We really enjoyed seeing another town and the area around the river is beautiful. It was interesting to see a few actual tea plants at the start. The shrine in the town is beautiful and the town is very cute - with all the tea shops. Was a good change in rhythym from just purely shrines. Guide was knowledgeable and engaging

Carleigh Apr 14, 2026

Marcin gave a wonderful and engaging tour of Uji. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend him for his extensive knowledge on the culture and history of Japan.

Photo Shared by Cynthia with their review

Cynthia Apr 14, 2026

Coco was an excellent guide - her knowledge and English were impeccable!

Jane Apr 7, 2026

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.