The 5 Best Uji Tours & Tea Experiences

1.Tea Museum Tickets and Matcha Grinding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 739 reviews · 1 hour · from $23Our pick

At Chazuna in Uji, an English-speaking instructor such as Hideko or Keiko guides you from tencha leaf to freshly whisked matcha. You will use a stone mill, learn brewing technique, taste your tea with sweets, and explore the included interactive museum. Arrive 15 minutes early.

“I really enjoyed learning about matcha and visiting the museum. It would be nice to take the matcha we ground home instead of just using one portion.”

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2.Green Tea Tour with Byodoin and Koshoji Temple Visits

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 72 reviews · from $111

Spend four hours in Uji with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide, tasting premium Gyokuro, learning tea customs, and visiting Byodo-in, Ujigami Shrine, and mountain-side Koshoji Temple. Guides such as Damien, Ferdinand, Brian, and David add history, temple etiquette, and local insight.

“This was the best tour we’ve done in Japan! Our tour guide Bryan was incredibly knowledgeable and really shaped our experience in Uji- we learnt about the history of Uji, visited several UNESCO sites, explored and learnt about many different shrines and temples and had an absolutely amazing Uji tea experience at a local tea shop. This was a zen and peaceful tour, where we really had time to enjoy every special moment. Bryan led us through local paths, away from tourist commotion, and really took us on a magical journey of Uji! Thank you for everything- I would 1000% recommend!Read more”

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3.UNESCO Heritage & Tea Ceremony Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 54 reviews · 3 hours · from $66

Start at JR Uji Station with an English-speaking guide such as Yuko, Katsuhiko, or Miyake-san. Walk to Byodoin Temple, learn tea etiquette at Taihoan, cross two suspension bridges, visit Uji and Ujigami shrines, and sample local matcha treats. Expect some walking and a Japanese-language ceremony with translation.

“Katz was an amazing guide! He made the experience unique, fun, and educational. He will not disappoint.”

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4.Slow Cycling Tour at Uji’s Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $130Top rated

Ride a stylish BROMPTON bicycle through Uji with an English-speaking navigator, stopping at Chazuna, historic shrines, Koshoji Temple, the Uji River, and tea shops. The small group format, gentle pace, and flexible route suit curious visitors who want more than Byodo-in alone.

“We had an amazing tour with Takashi. He was a great guide!”

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5.Experience Authentic Japanese Home Cooking in Kyoto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · 1 day · from $122

Join Kayo and the Live Foods Academy for a private 2.5-hour Kyoto cooking class in a traditional townhouse. Make dashi from bonito flakes and kelp, prepare home-style Japanese dishes, practice knife skills, and share the meal you cook.

“We had a great hands on session cooking really delicious, simple dishes that we can can do at home. The great advice about good brands to was really appreciated.”

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