T14 Uji Matcha Culture: Byodo-in, Ujigami & Tea Museum
Explore Uji, the birthplace of Japanese matcha, on a guided walking tour Visit UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites Byodo-in and Ujigami Shrine Learn about the history of Japanese tea culture at the Tea Garden and Tea Museum Stroll with a guide along char
Meet your guide at JR Uji Station and begin a relaxing walking tour through one of Japan's most historically significant tea towns. Your journey begins at the Tea Garden Museum, where you will learn how Uji became Japan's most famous tea-producing region and explore the history of Japanese tea culture.
Continue to the Taikotsu Cape ruins, then stroll along Asagiri Street, where traditional streets and local shops preserve the charm of ancient Uji. Next, visit Ujigami Shrine, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, one of the oldest existing shrines in Japan.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Uji River in Uji Park, enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery, and learn about the local cormorant fishing traditions. The highlight of this tour is Byodo-in, one of Japan's most iconic UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. Its famous Phoenix Hall appears on Japan's 10-yen coin.
The tour ends in Uji's famous tea district, where you will have free time to browse well-known teahouses such as Nakamura Toichi and Ito Kyuemon, and purchase premium matcha products, Japanese sweets, and local souvenirs.