Heian History

Glimpses of aristocratic times remain within the grounds of Byodo-in Temple, a 1000 year villa, later converted into a temple. Built in Chinese fashion, a garden and pond enclose the oldest building on the premises, Phoenix Hall, pictured.

Graceful Gardians

Built as a shrine to guard over the neighboring Byodoin Temple in 1060, Ujigami Shrine is believed to be the oldest shinto shrine and has is famed for its triangular roof architecture (gable).

At Home With Japanese Tea

Japanese tea production is deeply rooted in the Uji region of Kyoto, once full of tea fields and now the place where matcha and sencha are celebrated, travel with us as we show you the best places to experience Japanese tea.

Slow Beauty

Take it slow and leisurely through the riversides, back streets, temples and shrines of Uji. Explore gem after gem while experiencing the town as the locals do.

Sample Itinerary

9AM

Meet Your Guide

Your guide will meet you at the designated meeting spot as provided in the tour confirmation e-mail. Alternatively, if you have selected the Personal Chauffeur option, you will be picked up at your accommodation.

9:15AM

1st Stop: Secluded Zen Temple

We will begin the tour at the first Zen temple in Japan--a peaceful space not well known to tourists.

You will learn its history, as well as learn which sacred tea whisk ritual is held her and where.

10AM

2nd Stop: Meet the Guardian Angels

Learn more about shintoism, Japan’s indigenous religion, where mountains, forests, trees rocks and animals are worshipped. Meet the guardians of Uji.

10:40 AM

3rd Stop: Sencha Tea Ceremony Demonstration

You will receive a sencha (loose leaf Japanese tea) tea ceremony demonstration in a traditional Japanese tea house.

All procedures will be explained in detail and you will be given the option to receive sencha, or the highest grade of Japanese tea, gyokuro paired with Japanese sweets.

11:30 AM

Next Stops: 2-3 Iconic Tea Shops

We will introduce 2-3 iconic Japanese tea shops and inform you on how they shaped the entire Japanese tea industry.

Pairs Well With