Uji Walking Tour - Byodo-in temple and Tea Ceremony from Kyoto

Kyoto , Japan

Uji Walking Tour - Byodo-in temple and Tea Ceremony from Kyoto

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(3 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the enchanting town of Uji on this immersive 4-hour walking tour led by a National Government Licensed English Guide. Visit the ancient Uji Bridge, built in the 7th century, and enjoy beautiful views from its special viewing spot. Experience a real Japanese tea ceremony where you'll learn to prepare traditional matcha or sencha tea. Explore the stunning Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose Phoenix Hall appears on Japan's 10-yen coin. This tour combines Japan's tea culture with historic temples for an authentic cultural experience.

Available options

Half Day Tour

Meet by 8:20AM: Please meet at Sunrise Tours Desk inside Avanti B1, across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit

What's included

National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter

Other admission fees and transportation costs included in the tour

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Uji Bridge is thought to have been originally built sometime in the 7th century and is counted among the oldest bridges in Japan. A small protrusion off one side of the bridge known as san-no-ma offers great views

The two islands floating in the Uji River - Tō-no-shima and Tachibana-shima - are collectively known as "Naka-no-shima" (Middle Island). Enjoy the panoramic view amid the mountains

Enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in Uji, a famous tea town known as the birthplace of Japanese tea

Stop 4

Built near the end of the Heian Era, this temple houses a Buddha statue and other images, and is surrounded by a beautiful garden. The temple is registered on the World Heritage List as a part of the Historic Monuments of　Ancient Kyoto. An image of this temple's Phoenix Hall is featured on the 10 yen coin

What's not included

Fees other than those listed in Includes

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 3.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The tour may not be able to enter the Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in Temple in case of congestion. In this case, JPY 300 will be refunded at the location

Public transportation will be used on this tour. All trains have non-reserved seats. Please note that seating is not guaranteed

This is not a bus tour. Sightseeing will be conducted on foot. Please participate in shoes which are easy to walk in

The order of activities and arrival times may differ depending on road conditions and congestion at destinations

The tour may be unable to drop by Nakanoshima Park in case of high water level in the Uji River, etc

The tea ceremony experience may vary betwa een tea-ceremony procedures with matcha green tea and tea-ceremony procedures with sencha green tedepending on the day. Selections may not be made. Also, this may be conducted with other customers

The tea experience will be held in a tatami room, so please wear socks

Recording videos is not allowed in the tea room

Children up to 5 years old may join free of charge, but will not be provided with tea ceremony. If tea ceremony is required, please make a booking under the child rate

Parental permission in writing is necessary for all tour participants under the age of eighteen. Any participant under the age of fifteen or not yet enrolled in middle school must be joined by a parent or guardian on the tour

Meeting point

Please come to Sunrise Tours Desk, B1F Kyoto Avanti by 8:20am. AVANTI is located directly across from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station.

Important notes

• If you have arrived at the pickup location but have trouble finding the meeting point, you can call the local operator JTB Sunrise Tours on +81 3 5796 5454 (Operated between 7:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Japan time) for assistance.
・You can refer to below link for specific directions:
https://www.sunrise-tours.jp/en/access/avanti
• Sightseeing will be conducted on foot. Please participate in shoes which are easy to walk in.
• The tea experience will be held in a tatami room, so please wear socks. Recording videos is not allowed in the tea room.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.