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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
David B.
“Wonderful Day touring Kyoto with Kanae”
My wife and I had the most special day touring Kyoto with Kanae. From the beginning of booking until the end of the tour she made everything easy for us. Kanae was very flexible with our start time which we greatly appreciated. The tour was comfortable and very interesting . We saw so much in our day and now Kyoto is a memory we will not forget thanks to Kanae. Her English is exceptional and her guide style is just perfect. Please do not hesitate to book a tour with Kanae, I guarantee you will not regret it. Thanks - David and Victoria
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Kanae O.
David and Victoria, thank you so much for your very kind and generous review. I truly enjoyed the tour with you two as well. You two are such pleasant people to spend time with, and I feel truly blessed to have guests like you. I also really appreciate your enthusiasm for the tour and your genuine interest in and understanding of our culture. Your thoughtful questions deepened my own understanding of my culture and Kyoto. I hope I will have the pleasure of guiding you two again in the future.
Jenny T.
“Amazing day full of many sights and treats! We will cherish the memories forever!”
From the start, Kanae was so lovely and helpful in helping organise a magical day for our group of 4 (adults and teens) from Australia. Initially there were weather reports that potential snow conditions may affect our plans for the day but luckily she had everything under control. She was in constant contact to update us and was so professional in her approach. Thankfully it was a gorgeous day and we saw many sights yet it felt at a relaxing pace. Kanae was extremely flexible and catered fully to our wish list of attractions/food options/breaks in her clean, comfortable and modern car. She was extremely fluent in English and continually engaged everyone in the group. All of us really enjoyed the tour and she even went out of her way to take us to the best ramen restaurant! We look forward to our next visit to Kyoto and would love to have her guide us again. Thank you Kanae! Hope we can soon meet up again. Xx
Kanae O.
Jenny, thank you so much for your generous and kind review. I truly can’t thank you enough. I’m so glad that everything turned out well today, despite the snow alert in the Kyoto area. I really enjoyed your company, as well as the kids, who were a real pleasure to be with. I hope I’ll have the chance to guide you again in the future. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
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Nick B.
“Perfect day in Kyoto ”
Kanae was a great guide to work with from the time we first scheduled with her until the time that she dropped us off at our hotel at the end of our tour. She was quick to confirm our tour, and then was great in communicating and seeing what it was that my wife and I wanted to for our day in Kyoto. Her excellent English allowed for even deeper conversation about the sites we went to as well as the culture and history of Kyoto while we drove between the sites we visited. Kanae’s expertise and friendliness ensured that my wife and I made the most out of our limited time in Kyoto, we are both grateful to have had her as our guide.
Kanae O.
Nick, thank you so much for taking the time to write such a generous and kind review. I am truly delighted to know that both of you enjoyed the tour. I really appreciated your enthusiasm and your respectful attitude toward our culture. Your insightful questions deepened my own understanding of Kyoto and Japanese culture, and I truly enjoyed spending time with you. I hope I will have the pleasure of assisting you again when you return to Kyoto.
$300/ per group
More tours by Kanae O.
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
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Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour
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Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen
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Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen
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Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.
Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
Other Popular Car Tour (driving guide) Tours in Kyoto
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Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
Visit 3 special places in Kyoto and feel the spiritual energy. You can relax in a quiet car. This tour is only on weekdays, It’s good to enjoy Kyoto slowly and peacefully. Each place has beautiful nature. The air is very clear and fresh. Your mind can feel calm and clean again. This is for people who want to take care of work, family, and themselves. The car can take 3 adults. If you come with kids, just tell us before!
Kyoto Spiritual Tour! – Half Day by Private Car
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Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
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Private Kyoto Customizable Day Trip With A Local
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Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.
Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service
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A trip to Kyoto and Osaka in one day
If you want to visit as many cities as possible during your limited stay in Japan. In such cases, private car tours are recommended. Avoid crowded buses, tedious train transfers, and expensive taxies. I will cover all major sightseeing spots in Kyoto and Osaka in one day in comfort!
A trip to Kyoto and Osaka in one day
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