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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

Cya-soba noodles

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

Art, Culture, & Historical

Joined 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(11 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 court lady, 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!

10:30 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 ladies both inside and outside the imperial court. Each chapter has a memorable title related to plants, seasons, or events.

#The last 10 chapters, set on Hikaru Genji's relatives, 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 (15m 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

(11 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

About Tour Guide Yosshi S.

Thank you for visiting my page. I am passionate about guiding international travelers through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—cities that served as Japan’s capitals in succession from the 7th to the 20th centuries.

I grew up in Osaka and studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree, I worked as a government official for 20 years, striving to balance urban development with the preservation of historical assets under the City Planning Act.

Since the 7th century, powerful local clans established a national framework by building new capitals—first in Naniwa (Osaka), followed by Heijo (Nara) and Heian (Kyoto)—and implementing legal codes and administrative systems led by the emperor. These capitals housed the Imperial Palace and government districts. Court nobles built their residences and clans’ temples or shrines adjacent to the imperial palace.

After the emperor and court nobles relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo about 150 years ago, the Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and residents of these three cities have continued to work together to maintain historic structures and preserve the traditional religious rituals associated with them.

After retiring from public service, I began working as a freelance guide, sharing these historical assets with travelers from abroad.

Since these three cities are all within about one hour of each other by train, I can propose tours customized to your schedule and physical stamina. I look forward to hearing from you.

Reviews

Michelle M.

5 / 5

Jun 14, 2026

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

Jun 14, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours 30 mins

“Great Highlights of Central Kyoto”

We had an excellent tour with Yosshi. I recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He emailed about and researched our sights ahead of time. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke good English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts. He took photos of our family. He took us to the Nijo castle, Imperial Palace and Manga museum. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the metro. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Yosshi made it very special. Thank you.

Yosshi S.

Dear Michelle-san Thank you for taking the time to send me such a heartwarming review. The Kemari Garden at the Imperial Palace is a game where players pass a ball to their opponent in an easy-to-kick manner. Today, we visited a place of great importance in Japanese history, set on a vast site full of early-summer greenery. The spirit of Kemari (a football game) lives on at this turning point as well. As a guide, I tried my best to provide clear explanations. The day I spent with you has become a memorable tour for me. OH-KI-NI! (Kyoto dialect for thank you). Yosshi

James S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

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 Hilltop

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