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Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
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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
Frederik T.
“Excellent Customized Experience and Service”
While in Kyoto, my family had a specialized travel interest that required a custom experience and some complicated travel routing. Throughout, Kanae provided excellent communication, proactively suggested ideas to improve our route and experience, performed research and was incredibly reliable. We would absolutely work with Kanae again if the opportunity allows.
Soleil H.
“Excellent Kyoto Experience with Kanae-san!”
We had a wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Kanae-san. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The early start allowed us to visit some of Kyoto's most beautiful highlights before the crowds arrived, which made the day even more special. One of the highlights was the amazing local lunch she recommended and arranged for us! it was absolutely delicious and something we probably would not have discovered on our own. Kanae-san was attentive throughout the tour, shared interesting insights about Kyoto's history and culture, and made us feel very comfortable. We highly recommend Kanae-san to anyone visiting Kyoto, especially first-time travelers looking for a personalized and memorable experience. Thank you for such a fantastic day! Love, Brooke and Mark
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Kanae O.
Dear Brooke and Mark, Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words. I had a wonderful time spending the day with both of you, and it was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto. I'm so glad we could share such a fun and memorable day together. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy many more amazing travels in the future! Warm regards, Kanae
Wendy S.
“Wonderful Tour!”
Our family loved our Kyoto tour with Kanae! She is kind, very knowledgeable, and fun to spend time with. We appreciated some of the less touristy sites we would have never seen on our own. Great to let her do all the planning and driving! We saw so much in just a few hours. We highly recommend her!
Kanae O.
Wendy, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. I'm glad you enjoyed exploring some of Kyoto's quieter spots and making the most of your time here. Wishing you many wonderful memories of Japan, and I hope to see you again on a future visit!
$295/ per group
More tours by Kanae O.
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Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Spiritual Tour!
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