Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings worth booking?
Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $13000 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 59 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $13000 per person
Delve into the rich culture of Uji, the birthplace of matcha, on this guided tour. Uncover the significance of matcha in Japanese history as you stroll through this ancient city. Visit the iconic temple featured on the b
What you get
About this experience
Delve into the rich culture of Uji, the birthplace of matcha, on this guided tour. Uncover the significance of matcha in Japanese history as you stroll through this ancient city. Visit the iconic temple featured on the back of the 10 yen coin and savor authentic matcha in various forms, all while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of one of Japan's oldest cities. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japan's tea heritage in a beautiful setting. - Guided tour exploring the historical city of Uji - Visit the famous temple depicted on the 10 yen coin - Experience authentic matcha tasting in diverse styles - Immerse in the serene ambiance of Japan's matcha capital
What's included
Included
- A private tour guide
- Matcha experience
Not included
- Transportation fee
- admission to temple
What you'll see and do
Uji
We will explore the city with many traditional match shop.
120 minutes here
Byodoin Temple
We will see the buddhist temple which is on 10 yen coin.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Uji
We will have matcha experience at one of the shops.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please find the guide in front of the tourist information center near south exit.
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please meet the guide at Seven Eleven in front of the central exit of the station.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
Please find the guide in front of the tourist information center near south exit.
Ends at
Please meet the guide at Seven Eleven in front of the central exit of the station.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- 合同会社Jacalize
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Memorable day with Tom
Our guide, Tom, went above and beyond to create a special experience for us. We appreciated his knowledge of history and culture, as well as his meaningful connections to the local people. He is a true ambassador for Japan! We will cherish the memories and photos (taken by Tom, who is also a fantastic photographer)!
via Viator
Wonderful Half Day
Tom was a great guide! Very knowledgeable on the temples and shrines. We were able to grind matcha and go to museums. We also went to a few stores that were not touristy and really enhanced the experience. Tom is super fun and spontaneous. I would recommend this tour to everyone!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re very happy to hear you enjoyed the tour with Tom. Exploring temples, shrines, local shops, and making matcha together is exactly the kind of experience we hope guests can enjoy. Tom will be glad to hear your kind words. Thank you again for joining us and for your recommendation!
via Viator
We had an amazing time...
We had an amazing time with Tom learning about Uji’s history, tea, and culture! We went to many locations, sampling different types of teas to other assorted snacks and walking around Byodo-in Temple listening to/seeing its history. We had a very special matcha experience (ichi-go ichi-e 💜) visiting a family-owned tea shop, from viewing the family’s museum to grinding matcha to being guided in a tea ceremony. Would definitely recommend everyone try this personalized tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to hear that you had such a memorable time with Tom in Uji. We’re especially happy that you enjoyed exploring the history, tea culture, and Byodo-in Temple, as well as the ichi-go ichi-e matcha experience at the family-owned tea shop—that’s exactly the kind of special, authentic moment we hope to create. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable experience in Japan! 🍵✨
via Viator
Great experience & photos
We had an absolute blast with tom. He was such an involved guide and spoke great English to share matcha history with us. We enjoyed our matcha experience and he was an avid personal photographer!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a fun time with Tom. He really enjoys sharing matcha culture and making the experience engaging—and yes, he loves taking photos too! We hope to see you again on your next visit to Kyoto!
via Viator
I had an absolutely...
I had an absolutely wonderful half-day private tour in Uji, Kyoto. Tom, my guide is a true Kyoto local, having grown up in the area, and his deep connection to the region really came though in every part of the experience. His knowledge of Kyoto's history was incredible-he was like a walking historian, and I learned so much throughout the tour. What made this tour especially special was how personalized it was. He took the time to understand my interests and thoughtfully tailored the itinerary to match. We explored some of the best and oldest tea shops, learned about the rich history of matcha, and even experienced tea grinding and a traditional tea ceremony. we also visited beautiful temples and the iconic bridge in Uji, which made the day feel both cultural and immersive. On top of that, he was very friendly, professional, and easy to talk to. I felt completely comfortable the entire time, which made the experience even more enjoyable. this Uji tour was truly memorable, and I highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit to the Kyoto area. It was absolutely worth the time and money!
Response from the operator: Hi, Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and detailed review. It truly means a lot to us. We’re so happy to hear that you had such a memorable time in Uji with Tom. As a local who grew up in the area, he really loves sharing the history, culture, and hidden gems of Kyoto, so it’s wonderful to know that came through during your tour. We’re especially glad you enjoyed the personalized experience—from exploring historic tea shops to the matcha grinding and tea ceremony. Uji is such a special place, and we’re happy you could experience both its cultural depth and beauty. Your kind words about Tom’s friendliness and professionalism will definitely make his day as well. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back to Kyoto in the future!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $13000 to $25000
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 59
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings cost?
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Prices start at $13000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Kyoto usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Kyoto is not rushed.
Is Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Kyoto, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Kyoto can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Kyoto and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Half Day Matcha Tour in Uji with History Temples and Tastings start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Kyoto within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Kyoto?
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On Outty we rank every Kyoto experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Kyoto : Gion Make Your Own Chopsticks with Engraving Option, Award-Winning Authentic Ramen Making Experience in Kyoto, Hidden Kyoto E-Biking tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Kyoto?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Kyoto?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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