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
Kathleen F.
“Lovely morning tour”
Kanae O. was a lovely guide. My daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed our time with her. She was very responsive to pivoting the original tour to areas we had not seen yet. Her flexibility and pleasant demenour made our time with her wonderful. We saw some big highlights but also some smaller sites that we wouldn't have found without her. We would recommend her as a tour guide. Kathleen
Olivia S.
“An Unforgettable Kyoto Experience with an Exceptional Guide, Kanae”
Kanae was an absolutely exceptional private tour guide in Kyoto. From the very beginning, her warmth, professionalism, and deep knowledge made the experience truly unforgettable. She tailored the tour perfectly to my interests, blending iconic sites with hidden gems I would have never discovered on my own. Her storytelling brought each temple, street, and tradition to life in such a meaningful way. Kanae’s attention to detail and thoughtful pace made the day feel effortless and enriching. She was also incredibly kind and attentive, always ensuring I was comfortable and enjoying every moment. Thanks to her, I experienced Kyoto in a way that felt authentic, immersive, and personal. I highly recommend Kanae to anyone wanting a deeper, more memorable connection with Kyoto. She is truly outstanding.
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Kanae O.
Olivia, thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate you taking the time to write such generous words. It means a lot to me. It was a real pleasure spending the day with you, and I’m so glad you enjoyed experiencing both the highlights and quieter sides of Kyoto. I also learned a lot from you, especially your photography tips! Thank you for sharing them with me. I hope the memories you made here will stay with you for a long time, and I would be delighted to guide you again whenever you return.
Dominic W.
“Warm & Personal Experience”
We had a wonderful half-day outing with Kanae, who was both prompt and incredibly courteous. We especially appreciated how accommodating she was with our request to visit a quiet village on the outskirts of Kyoto—it was exactly the kind of authentic experience we were looking for. This was after we visited a few key sites in Kyoto itself. Between the great conversation, the local temple visit, and exploring the village on foot, our time with Kanae really flew by. We had a fantastic time and highly recommend Kanae as your guide!
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Kanae O.
Dominic,thank you very much for your thoughtful and kind review. I truly enjoyed spending the day with you and your family, especially exploring Ohara area together. It was a special experience for me as well. I was also very impressed by how much you had learned about Japan and your insightful questions throughout the tour. It made our time together even more meaningful. I’m so glad to hear three of you had a good time, and I would be delighted to guide you again on your next visit.
$302/ per group
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