Kyoto Uji Tea Picking and Byodo in Temple Private Tour

Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto with an exclusive private tour that showcases the art of traditional tea-making and the stunning Byodo-in Temple. From April to May, you’ll have the opportunity to handpick fresh green tea leaves, learning the intricacies of this time-honored process. Afterward, explore the architectural marvel of Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage site that seamlessly blends nature, history, and culinary delights. This personalized experience promises to transport you to the heart of Uji’s captivating past.

Good To Know

• A private tour in historic Uji, known for its high-quality tea, that includes tea picking (weather permitting) and a visit to the Byodo-in Temple.
• The tour is priced at $73.90 per person and includes admission fees and lunch, ensuring a personalized and comprehensive experience.
• Prompt arrival at Uji Station is required as late arrivals cannot be accommodated, and high congestion is expected on weekends, holidays, and event days.
• If tea picking is canceled due to rain, a matcha making experience is offered as an alternative, providing insight into the traditional tea-making process.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate, and infants under 2 years can join but must sit on laps.

Tour Overview

The Kyoto Uji Tea Picking and Byodo-in Temple Private Tour takes visitors on a captivating experience in the historic town of Uji, renowned for its high-quality tea production.

Starting at $73.90 per person, this tour offers a chance to explore the centuries-old Byodo-in Temple and engage in the traditional tea picking ritual.

The tour includes admission fees and lunch, with a private guide ensuring a personalized experience.

However, transportation is public, and tea picking is contingent on weather conditions during the April-May season.

Participants should arrive promptly, as late arrivals can’t be accommodated.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers meet the guide at Uji Station, where the guide will hold a board for identification.

The tour ends at Byodoin Temple. The start time is 9:30 AM.

The tour involves public transportation, with no reserved seats. It’s a private tour, so only the group participates.

The tea picking experience is available annually from April 13 to mid-May, contingent on weather conditions.

Travelers must arrive promptly, as late arrivals won’t receive refunds.

High congestion is expected on weekends, holidays, and event days.

In case of natural disasters, tours will be canceled with full refunds.

Inclusions and Experience

This tour includes the admission fee and lunch. It involves public transportation, but seats aren’t reserved.

This is a private tour, so only your group will participate. The tea picking experience is available annually from April 13 to mid-May, contingent on weather conditions.

The tea picking may be replaced with a matcha making experience at Sankyuan Tea House if the event is canceled due to rain.

Participants are responsible for their personal valuables, and infants under 2 years can join but must sit on laps.

Important Information

What can travelers expect regarding confirmation, accessibility, and tour cancellations? Travelers can expect to receive their confirmation within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate. In case of natural disasters, the tour will be canceled with full refunds.

Travelers should arrive promptly, as late arrivals will not receive refunds. Weekends, holidays, and event days may see high congestion.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

The tour has a non-refundable policy, as no refunds are provided for cancellations.

However, the tour operator is accommodating in case the tea picking event is canceled due to rain. In such a scenario, it will be replaced with a matcha making experience at Sankyuan Tea House.

Participants are responsible for their personal valuables during the tour. Infants under 2 years can join but must sit on laps.

Additionally:

• No refunds for cancellations
• Responsibility for personal valuables lies with participants
• Infants under 2 can join but must sit on laps
• Tour may be canceled due to natural disasters with full refunds
• Matcha making experience offered if tea picking is canceled

Tea Picking Experience

Although the tea picking experience is contingent on weather conditions, it’s typically available annually from April 13 to mid-May.

Participants have the opportunity to handpick fresh green tea leaves from the picturesque tea plantations of Uji. This hands-on activity provides a unique insight into the traditional tea-making process.

Guests can savor the aromatic leaves and gain an appreciation for the meticulous care required to produce high-quality Japanese tea.

The tea picking experience is a highlight of the tour, offering visitors a chance to connect with the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.

Byodo-in Temple

Following the tour’s tea picking experience, participants next visit the iconic Byodo-in Temple. This 11th-century temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Fujiwara architecture.

Highlights include:

• Seeing the temple’s iconic Phoenix Hall, with its ornate golden phoenix statue
• Exploring the serene gardens and pond
• Admiring the temple’s beautiful interior and its collection of ancient artifacts
• Learning about the temple’s rich history and cultural significance
• Taking memorable photos at this picturesque and historically significant site.

Getting Around

After the tea picking experience, participants board public transportation to reach the Byodo-in Temple.

The tour involves using local buses or trains, with no reserved seating. Travelers should be prepared to stand during the journey. While the public transit system is efficient, the route can be congested, especially on weekends and holidays.

The tour ends at the iconic Byodo-in Temple, allowing ample time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants are responsible for their personal belongings during the commute and temple visit.

Arriving on time is crucial, as late arrivals won’t receive refunds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour information does not mention any luggage storage options. Participants should plan to carry their own belongings during the tour. There’s no indication the tour operator provides luggage storage at the meeting or end points.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Visitors should dress casually and prepare for spending time outdoors during the tea picking activity.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Lunch?

The tour does not mention any dietary restrictions for the included lunch. Participants should notify the tour operator of any special dietary needs in advance to ensure they can be accommodated.

Can I Extend the Tour to Visit Other Kyoto Attractions?

The tour does not provide options to extend and visit other Kyoto attractions. It’s a private tour focused on the tea picking experience and Byodo-in Temple. Extending the tour would require booking a separate tour or activity.

Is It Possible to Request a Different Pickup Location?

Yes, it’s possible to request a different pickup location. The tour provider may be able to accommodate this request, but it’s subject to availability and additional fees. Guests should contact the provider directly to discuss alternative pickup options.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto Uji Tea Picking and Byodo-in Temple Private Tour provides a unique cultural experience. Guests can handpick fresh green tea leaves, learn about traditional tea-making, and explore the stunning Byodo-in Temple. With admission fees and a delicious lunch included, this tour offers a personalized and enriching way to discover Kyoto’s heritage and natural beauty.