Uji’s top tours center on two main themes: traditional tea culture and modern anime. For tea lovers, two standouts shine – the Matcha Green Tea Tour offers hands-on preparation lessons, while the Tea and Temples Private Tour combines Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. What I love about these experiences is their authenticity and small group sizes, letting you really connect with local traditions. Anime fans shouldn’t miss the Guided Anime Walking Tour, which perfectly links beloved shows to real Uji locations. These well-crafted tours showcase UNESCO sites and historic teahouses that define this remarkable city. Let’s explore the best tour options Uji has to offer.
Good To Know
- Immersive Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers exceptional matcha tasting, hands-on making, and traditional wagashi sweets in the renowned Uji tea region.
- Kyoto Tea and Temples Private Guided Tour combines Japanese spirituality and tea traditions with visits to 12th-century teahouse and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour explores Uji’s anime heritage and real-life locations from iconic series, including a visit to Byodoin Temple.
- Cultural Highlights of Uji tour showcases the region’s rich tea culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, traditional teahouses, and local culinary delights.
- Tours accommodate various dietary restrictions and group sizes, promoting intimate and engaging cultural experiences led by knowledgeable guides.
Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour
Though Uji is renowned for its exceptional green tea, the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers visitors a comprehensive immersion into the art and culture surrounding this revered beverage.
Boasting a stellar 4.8-star rating from 21 reviewers, this 95% recommended tour grants participants the opportunity to discover various matcha types, preparation methods, and tasting experiences.
The day begins at 11 AM with a meeting at the Keihan Uji Station, followed by a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple.
Travelers will then enjoy a matcha tasting, a hands-on matcha making session, and indulge in wagashi sweets and matcha ice cream. A set lunch is also included, catering to vegetarian diners.
With a maximum group size of 10, this tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. Accessibility and dietary restrictions are considered, making it suitable for a range of travelers.
Ultimately, the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers an immersive exploration of Uji’s renowned tea culture.
Read our full review: Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour Review
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Kyoto Tea and Temples Private Guided Tour – Uji
This private guided tour in Uji, Kyoto offers travelers an immersive exploration of Japanese spirituality and the revered tea traditions. Highlights include visiting a 12th-century teahouse for a hands-on tea drinking experience and exploring two UNESCO World Heritage sites – Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple.
Guests will also discover Uji Park, Koshoji Temple, and the historic Byodoin Omotesando street lined with tea shops.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour provides an intimate experience led by knowledgeable guides praised for their friendliness and ability to enhance the experience. Travelers can expect a moderate level of physical activity due to stairs, though the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Positive reviews emphasize the tour’s tranquil atmosphere, unique tea tastings, and the guides’ expertise in Japanese culture and traditions.
The package includes admission to all sites, the Byodoin museum, a Gyokuro tea house experience, and a Japanese sweet tasting, offering a rundown of Uji’s spiritual and tea heritage.
Read our full review: Kyoto Tea and Temples Private Guided Tour – Uji Review
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Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour
Eager to explore Uji’s captivating anime heritage? The Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour is an immersive experience that takes you on a journey through the streets that inspired iconic anime series.
Commencing at 11:00 am, this tour includes a walking tour, a matcha experience, and entrance to the renowned Byodoin Temple.
Participants will meet their guide at Uji Station, where they’ll be greeted with a traditional Japanese umbrella. The tour traverses Uji’s charming neighborhoods, uncovering the real-life locations that served as the backdrops for beloved anime.
Along the way, guests will enjoy a matcha experience, savoring the rich, vibrant flavors of this iconic Japanese tea.
The highlight of the tour is the visit to the Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, this tour offers an intimate and immersive experience, perfect for anime enthusiasts and those seeking to explore Uji’s rich cultural heritage.
Read our full review: Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour Review
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The Sum Up
Uji is a must-visit destination for tea enthusiasts and anime fans alike. The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour and Kyoto Tea and Temples Private Guided Tour – Uji offer immersive experiences, while the Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour caters to fans of Japanese animation. Visitors can explore Uji’s rich cultural heritage, discover the art of tea-making, and explore the world of their favorite anime series.