Uji's Romance: Byodo-in, Tea & the Legacy of Genji's Timeless Tales
Explore the cultural heart of southern Kyoto on a thoughtfully curated full-day tour through historic Uji.
Visit iconic landmarks including the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine, while learning their rich backstories.
Walk across the scenic Uji Bridge and along the serene riverfront, a setting steeped in centuries of poetry and tradition.
Discover the story of Japan’s most famous novel at the Tale of Genji Museum, set in the city that inspired it.
Learn about Uji’s world-renowned tea culture at a local tea museum, and take part in a hands-on matcha-making experience guided by tea experts.
Gain deep insights into the history, art, and spiritual traditions of Uji with engaging, easy-to-understand commentary from a knowledgeable guide.
What to expect
Discover the charm of Uji, a riverside town just outside Kyoto, known as the birthplace of Japanese green tea. This tour begins with a visit to the stunning Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring the temple grounds, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
We’ll then stroll across the Uji Bridge, taking in views of the river and surrounding tea fields. Next, we visit a hands-on tea museum to deepen our understanding of Uji’s centuries-old tea culture. From there, we walk to Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest existing Shinto shrine, before participating in an authentic matcha tea-making experience.
e step into the world of classical literature at the Tale of Genji Museum, where interactive exhibits bring Japan’s first novel to life.
Reviews
We enjoyed our trip with Justin as our guide. It is refreshing to speak freely in English without a translator app. His knowledge of Kyoto’s historical significance and the chosen points of interest highlights the area’s charm, beauty and peace. We appreciated supporting the local businesses and the scenic green paths between the points of interest. The walk is manageable in 33F weather. Every angle is surprisingly beautiful in Kyoto and Justin obliged to capturing our photographic moments. We enjoyed hamburg and tempura lunch at a small restaurant full of character and charm for locals. It would have been spot on if we were able to taste the local vegetables known in Kyoto as well. It is not a food tour but it is great value for a walking tour.
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