Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea
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?
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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
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
Iris S.
“Relaxing Kyoto”
Travelling with Ms Kanae was a joy. As she drove her own car, my elderly mum and I were able to explore beautiful Kyoto at a leisurely pace and visited most attractions before the crowds. Ms Kanae is patient, knowlegable and spoke perfect English. We felt like travelling with a Japanese friend. :)
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Kanae O.
Iris, thank you so much for your kind review! It was such a pleasure meeting you both. I was truly impressed by your mum's energy and determination in the summer heat. She did an amazing job! I'm so glad we had the chance to spend the day together, and I hope you both have many wonderful memories of Kyoto. Wishing you safe travels, and I hope our paths cross again someday!
Ana cristina G.
“ Kanae is an Exceptional Kyoto Tour Guide - Highly Recommended ️”
We had an amazing experience exploring Kyoto's temples and historical sites with Kanae as our guide. This tour exceeded our expectations in every way. WHAT MADE THIS TOUR SPECIAL: Professional Service & Punctuality: Kanae picked us up from our hotel at 7:30 AM sharp. Throughout the day, she was incredibly punctual and professional, ensuring we made the most of our limited time in Kyoto. Comprehensive Knowledge: Kanae provided fascinating explanations of every temple and historical site we visited. She shared not just facts, but the cultural significance and historical context that brought each place to life. Local Insider Access: What impressed us most was how Kanae took us beyond the typical tourist trail. She showed us hidden gems and lesser-known locations that most visitors never discover. We experienced Kyoto like locals, not tourists, which completely changed how we saw the city. Authentic Experiences: We had a extra stop in a sake tasting. These moments felt genuine and connected us to Kyoto's culture in meaningful ways. Convenience & Efficiency: Having Kanae drive us throughout the day was invaluable. Door-to-door service from our hotel meant we weren't tired by the end of the day, and we accomplished much more than we would have independently. OVERALL ASSESSMENT: This is a full-day tour that's perfect if you only have a few days in Kyoto. It's completely worth the time investment. We've traveled for over 3 years around the world, and this ranks as one of the best experiences we've had in any destination. Kanae is not just knowledgeable—she's engaging, fun, and genuinely passionate about sharing her city. She responds quickly to inquiries and makes the entire process seamless. If you're visiting Kyoto, we highly recommend booking this tour with Kanae. You'll see the city through a local's eyes, and you'll leave with memories and connections that go far beyond typical tourism. Rating: 10/10 - Absolutely Worth It, Happy travel “Davana World Tour”
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Kanae O.
Ana and Dave, thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful and detailed review. It truly means a lot to me that you took the time to share your experience. It was an absolute pleasure spending the day with you both. I especially enjoyed hearing about your travels around the world. Your stories were so interesting, and spending the day with such fun and wonderful travelers made it even more memorable for me. Thank you again for your kindness, and I hope the memories you made in Kyoto stay with you for many years to come. Wishing you both many more amazing adventures!
David M.
“Fantastic Tour of Kyoto Highlights ”
Great communication before and during the tour. I learned a lot about Kyoto and the car service enabled seeing many sights efficiently and also provided relief for the hot temperatures. Kanae was thoughtful in adapting for conditions and made me feel welcomed. Highly recommended!
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Kanae O.
David, thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure spending the day with you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed exploring Kyoto with me. Thank you also for sharing such beautiful photos. They brought back wonderful memories of the day! I hope you enjoy the rest of your travels in Japan, and I would love to welcome you back to Kyoto someday.
$303/ per group
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