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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
Tom J.
“Like visiting the family”
From start to finish our visit felt like we were visiting a family member/relative. Kanae is a Kyoto local so this is”home” for her. From the pickup at the airport, talking about the day ahead, making some adjustments based on weather, eating at local restaurants, visiting a couple of non-touristy spots, made the full day special and unique. Never rushed or mundane. Easy going, flexible, knowledgeable and family friendly.
Lorene D.
“Two Half-Day Tour Via Car”
This was a well-designed tour that minimized our exposure to the sweltering heat by starting early and going by car. We gave Kanae our wish list of things to see in Kyoto and she tailored our two mornings based on our interests. I enjoyed the car rides between locations where we learned about life in Japan which I feel would not have been possible if we were on public transportation. On the second day, after learning that I’m not a fan of crowds, Kanae showed us some smaller shrines that I really enjoyed. If she’s available, I’d book her again in a heartbeat.
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Kanae O.
Lorene, thank you so much for your kind and generous review. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed the tour despite the severe heat. I'm also thrilled that you enjoyed the smaller, more serene sites we visited on the second day. It was a joy to share those special places with you. I really enjoyed your company and hope I can guide you again the next time you visit Japan!
Ian B.
“Great day in the country outside of Kyoto”
We had a most enjoyable day with Kanae. We visited Byodoin Temple which was one of the most impressive temples we visited in Kyoto. Also Shojuin Temple which is open to the public once every 50 years. That was amazing. We then drove to the green tea plantation area of Wazuka and had lunch overlooking the tea plantations. Kanae was great company and a wonderful person to get to know.
Kanae O.
Ian, thank you so much for your kind words! I am so happy to hear you had such an enjoyable day. It was truly a pleasure for me to share those special moments with you. I hope the rest of your time in Japan is just as wonderful!
$313/ per group
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