Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide
Description
Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Byodoin Temple in Uji is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, famously featured on the back of Japan’s 10 yen coin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the stunning Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture. Discover the real-life elegance behind the coin in a tranquil, historically rich setting.
Ujigami Shrine is Japan’s oldest standing shrine—a peaceful, spiritual haven hidden in the heart of Uji. With its centuries-old wooden architecture and moss-covered grounds, it feels like stepping into a secret from ancient Japan. Just minutes from Byodoin, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and connect with timeless beauty.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(5)
Enjoyed the day. Our guide was amazing. His English language was excellent. His knowledge of relative history helped us appreciate the importance of the structures & the history of the people.
Dear Graeme_B, Thank you very much for joining our Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and for sharing your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day and had a great experience with your guide. It is wonderful to know that his excellent English and deep knowledge of history helped you better appreciate the cultural and historical significance of the sites you visited. We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are very happy that the tour was meaningful and enjoyable for you. Thank you again for your kind words. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Japan. Best regards, GuideMe Japan Team
Genki was awesome. Nice, super knowledge, catered the tour to our pace and what we wanted to see. He really made the whole tour enjoyable. 10/10
Dear Chad_W, Thank you very much for joining our Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and for sharing your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with Genki as your guide. It’s wonderful to know that his knowledge, friendly personality, and flexibility helped create a tour that matched your interests and pace. We always strive to provide personalized experiences for our guests, and we are pleased that Genki was able to make the tour both enjoyable and memorable for you. Your "10/10" rating is truly appreciated and will mean a great deal to him. Thank you again for your kind words and support. We will be sure to share your feedback with Genki. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Japan. Best regards, GuideMe Japan Team
Great and informative trip to Uji, where matcha was invented and also home to Byodo-in temple, built in 1053, which has an amazing Buddhist temple shaped like a Phoenix and a great museum full of its artwork. I liked the trip.here. Also a trip.to buy matcha for people who like it. Guide was very affable, spoke excellent vEnglish and was knowledgeable. Recommended.
Thoroughly enjoyed this walkabout in the rain with our guide Shin Yokote. Knowledgeable and confident guide. We stopped at Inari Sjrine first but already seen it yesterday. The Byodoin Temple and museum was simply majestic. The stroll through Uiji matcha district added another level insight in the trend that is matcha, including the food. Matcha goiza? Enjoyed the matcha latte coffee break. Then the river side trek to Ujigami Shrine, both upper and lower,was unexpected. And yes, it is a walking tour!!!! Thank you Shin and my other three cotravellers for looking out for me... The scenery was gorgeous, the rain added to the mysticism of the tour. Well worth the journey. Meitaki atupaka e kia manuia!
Very good value! Got to see Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrien. My tour guide shoichiro was very infomative and quite in depth when explaining the cultural significance of both locations. I wont spoil it here, so you can ask them! On the way are heaps of matcha places also, so you can browse those to take home!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and found it to be great value. Visiting Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine is a special experience, and we’re glad Shoichiro’s in-depth explanations helped you better understand their cultural significance. He’ll be very happy to hear your kind words. It’s also great to know you enjoyed exploring the many matcha shops along the way—Uji is the perfect place to find something special to take home. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future! Best regards, Yusuke
