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Uji, next to Kyoto, Searching for Medieval Paradise in Tea Village

Byodoin Temple

Court Ladies in Middle Ages

Statue of Auther

Tale of Genji Museum

Recreating scenes ftom the novel

Ox-drawn carriage

Main Hall of Isogami Shrine

Overview of Ukishima Island

Bridge going to island

School trip in Ukishima

Phonex Hall of Btodoin Temple

Wisteria arbor

Shopping street

Tea shop

Uji, next to Kyoto, Searching for Medieval Paradise in Tea Village

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(10 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Kyoto

English, Japanese (Native)

6 hours

Private tour (only you and Yosshi S.)

Up to 6 people

Ten miles south of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, a town by the Uji River has been a vital transportation hub connecting Kyoto and Nara for 1,000 years. This is the place that graced the final chapter of the love story in "The Tale of Genji," written by a female author, and where a powerful court noble intended to create the Pure Land of Buddha in Byodo-in Temple. We will stroll through the area, following the babbling river sounds and the aroma of tea.

Itinerary

This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!

11:00 AM

Meeting Point

At your hotel in Kyoto City center.

The Tale of Genji Museum

#The Tale of Genji is a 54-chapter story centered on Hikaru Genji (Shining Prince), the son of the Emperor, depicting his love affairs with women both inside and outside the imperial court. Each chapter has a memorable title related to plants, seasons, or events.

#The last 10 chapters, set after Hikaru Genji's death, are known as the Uji Ten Chapters. This museum recreates the Tale of Genji, featuring ox-drawn carriages, furnishings, and a model of Genji's residence.

Uji Shrine & Ujigami Shrine

# Originally a pair of shrines, they were separated during the Meiji era (19th century). The 15th and 16th Emperors (around the 5th century) are among the enshrined deities. The main hall of Ujigami Shrine was built in the early 11th century and is the oldest shrine building in Japan.

Ukishima Island & Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda

#A park on an artificial island in the middle of the Uji River, stretching 500 meters. It is connected to both banks by three bridges and is bustling with activity in the summer due to the traditional cormorant fishing method.

#The Pagoda (16ya. heigh) was a stupa built in the 13th century to perform a memorials service for the fish of the Uji River.

Byodo-in Temple & Phoenix Hall

#Byodo-in Temple was originally a villa built in the 11th century by the most powerful court noble of the time, which was later renovated by his son and converted into a temple.

#The palace and garden were designed to evoke the image of the Pure Land described in Buddhist scriptures. The palace building extends to the left, right, and rear, its reflection in the pond in front. Because of its shape and rooftop ornament, it is called the Phoenix Hall.

Ending Point

At your hotel in Kyoto City center

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

What‘s included

>guide fee, hotel pick up in Kyoto City center

What‘s not included

>transportation fee (you and guide/per adult)/train (some 1000JPY)/taxi(undecided)

>admission fee (you/per adult)/ The Tale of Genji Museum (600JPY), Byodo-in Temple & Phoenix Hall (700+300JPY), Kanbayashi Museum(Tea Museum of tea,200JPY)

Tour Important Information

>Please wear comfortable walking shoes.

>The additional fees are often paid in CASH on site, so please bring some Japanese yen(JPY).

>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.

Important message from the supplier

>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).

>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.

>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.

>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.

>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.

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 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(10 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Yosshi S.

Thank you for visiting my page.

I will guide you to the 3 ancient capitals of Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, which housed the Imperial Palace for 1200 years, starting in the 7th century.

I grew up in Osaka, studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto, and worked for national and local governments as an urban planning expert for 20 years. My goal was to create cities where citizens can live safely and comfortably, and which captivate tourists to stimulate the local economy. I developed urban policies and construction projects. During this time, I visited and researched unique cities in Japan and abroad (90 cities in 30 countries), exchanging ideas with local experts on preserving historic assets.

I use my extensive urban development experience and knowledge of cities in Japan and abroad to uncover the hidden charms of the 3 ancient capitals and share them with international tourists, working as a guide.

In the 3 ancient capitals, the Imperial Palace was relocated 15 times, and each time a new capital was built, with court nobles and monks accompanying His Majesty the Emperor. Knowing the history of these cities' development, we will come to appreciate that the townscape before us is the result of the strong will of many people.

The 3 cities are within an hour's train ride of each other, and the transportation network is well-developed. I will create a Customized Tour that will remain in your photos and memories forever, within the limits of your time and energy. I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviews

James S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka

7 hours

“Great Guide!”

Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.

Yosshi S.

Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi

Drew B.

5 / 5

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka

6 hours

“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”

Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.

Yosshi S.

Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi

James K.

5 / 5

Oct 21, 2025

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

Oct 21, 2025

Nara

6 hours

“Nara park and Todai-Temple Tour”

Wonderful tour with Yosshi. Really enjoyed both Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Yosshi customized the tour for our needs, and made the travel to and from Kyoto seamless.

Yosshi S.

Hello James san Thank you for your heartwarming review. I was so happy to see you and your mother enjoying the deer in Nara Park. I was also touched by how much you always cherish your mother, and I learned a lot from you. I'm glad I was able to show you around Nara Park and the Great Buddha Hall. On the train ride there and back, you and your mother told me stories about your town and asked me many questions, which broadened my horizons. I hope you and your mother are in good health. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Yosshi