Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
Joined 2023
This tour will show you a different side of Kyoto—peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by nature. We will explore the Uji area, often called the 'Kyoto of Green Tea,' where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations. Along the way, we’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Shojyuin Temple, a small yet charming gem.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel
- If you are staying at a hotel in Kyoto, I can pick you up directly from there. If you are coming from outside Kyoto, I will meet you at JR Kyoto Station.
Byodoin-Temple
Byodo-in Temple in Uji is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Phoenix Hall (Houou-do), a stunning 10th-century structure that appears to float over a reflecting pond. It’s featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin and is a masterpiece of Buddhist Pure Land architecture.
Shojuin Temple
Shojuin Temple in Ujitawara is known for its iconic heart-shaped window, symbolizing harmony and happiness. Surrounded by serene nature, the temple also features colorful ceiling paintings of seasonal flowers and wildlife, making it a picturesque and peaceful spot. This temple is small yet very charming and one of my personal favorites.
Town of Wazuka
Wazuka, located in southern Kyoto (Prefecture), is a small town renowned for its tea cultivation, particularly high-quality Uji tea. With over 800 years of tea-growing history, it offers picturesque landscapes of terraced tea fields and scenic countryside. In this area, we will go for a walk around the fields and enjoy the view. Also, we will have lunch in this area.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto ( Or JR Kyoto Station)
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Transportation between the sites (car driven by the guide, Honda Vezel 4 seaters),
Parking, gas, toll
Meals, Admission fees for temples, (For Byodoin Temple: 700 yen, approximately 4.5 USD, Shojuin Temples, 800 yen, approximately 5 UDS- Please bring cash since they only accept cash) , and Travel Insurance (The guide is not responsible for any accidents that may occur during the tour)
Tour Important Information
*In Wazuka, we will be walking quite a bit, though the paths are mostly flat and not very challenging. Please wear comfortable shoes. If you’d prefer to minimize the walking, let me know, and I can adjust the itinerary accordingly.
* Although my car can accommodate up to four passengers (excluding the driver), the rear seat may feel a bit small. If you have more than five people in your group, please let me know before making a reservation.
In case of bad weather, such as heavy rain, storms, typhoons, or snow, walking around Wazuka may not be ideal as there is little shelter available. If that happens, I will provide alternative options for your tour.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2023
About Tour Guide Kanae O.
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.
Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.
Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
Reviews
Scott B.
“Kyoto Highlights”
Our tour with Kanae was one of the best we had during our time in Japan. Her ability to show us the best of Kyoto was greatly appreciated. Her insights into the culture and history of Japan greatly added to our understanding and appreciation of this fascinating country.
Kanae O.
Scott, thank you so much for your kind words. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Your insightful questions made me think more deeply about Japan, and I truly appreciated that. It was a pleasure sharing the day with you all. I hope the memories of your trip stay with you for a long time!
Fletcher H.
“Best tour guide we could have asked for”
Kanae, was so warm, professional, knowledgeable, and an all around great person. We had such a wonderful experience visiting the temples, a kimono factory and an easy going lunch. We drove in her car, which was a huge bonus. We couldn't have asked for a better guide. Her little pearls of wisdom about Kyoto (Tokyo same letters) were a gift!!
Kanae O.
Fletcher, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a wonderful review—it truly means a lot to me. The tour was memorable, and I had so much fun spending time with you and your sister. Without you, I wouldn’t have discovered that kimono shop, and I was really impressed by how much research you had done for your trip. I hope I’ll have the chance to guide you again someday.
Jon T.
“Great Kyoto Highlights ”
Kanae was fantastic to work with. She’s very friendly and helped to fit in as many “must dos” as possible for the 6 hours we had together. Highly recommend!!
Kanae O.
Jon thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed our time together and that we were able to fit in all your must-see spots. It was a pleasure guiding you, and I truly appreciate your recommendation.
$309/ per group
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