Discover the heart of Japan’s green tea culture on an immersive tour through the scenic town of Uji. Guided by a knowledgeable local, explore two UNESCO World Heritage temples, taste premium Gyokuro green tea, and trace the origins of Japan’s tea traditions from samurai to spirituality.
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Contact Jasumo Now →Highlights
- Taste the highest quality green tea while strolling along the scenic Uji River
- Discover how samurai and religious traditions shaped Uji’s tea culture
- Visit the oldest operating tea house in the world (since 1160 AD)
- Step inside Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest extant Shinto shrine
- Explore Byodoin Temple and Koshoji Temple (admissions included)
- Enjoy Heian-era architecture and stories from centuries past
Full description
Venture just 30 minutes outside central Kyoto to Uji—an area steeped in green tea heritage and spiritual history. Accompanied by a native or fluent English-speaking guide, this walking tour offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, nature, and authentic tea tasting.
Begin at the world’s oldest continuously operating tea house, established in 1160. Learn about the legacy of a samurai vassal turned tea master whose descendants have run the shop for 24 generations.
From there, enjoy a premium tea tasting experience with top-grade Gyokuro green tea. Discover how growing methods, brewing temperatures, and timing change the flavor profile, then eat the remaining tea leaves seasoned with ponzu.
Next, enter the lush mountain area to visit Ujigami Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine. This sacred site includes a natural spring still used by tea houses today—purify yourself at the grotto as part of the ritual.
Cross the Uji River via a historical path lined with tea shops dating back to medieval times. Visit Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO treasure famed for its Phoenix Hall and immersive modern museum (admission included). Trace the connections between samurai culture, religion, and tea.
End your journey at Koshoji Temple, nestled dramatically into the mountainside. This quiet, contemplative space offers a moment of Zen before wrapping up your Uji experience.
Pricing
From ¥15,766 per person
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Includes
- Guided walking tour with English-speaking guide
- Entry to Byodoin Temple
- Entry to Koshoji Temple
- Gyokuro green tea tasting session
- Tea education and cultural insights
Meeting point
Keihan Uji Station – at the only station exit (with an escalator to ground level)
Otsukata Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Reviews
“Damien was a fantastic guide—knowledgeable, flexible, and engaging. He explained Shinto and Buddhist customs with clarity and made our morning smooth and enriching.”
“Ferdinand made this tour unforgettable. The selection of temples, cultural storytelling, and the tea experience were impeccable. Truly one of the best tours I’ve had in Japan.”
“Brian gave us a deep dive into Uji’s history and spiritual traditions. We loved learning how to properly offer blessings at temples and trying a rare tea variety. We’d book again with this company in a heartbeat.”
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