Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide
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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 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide worth booking?
Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide is a 3.5-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $8800 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 58 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $8800 per person
Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through t
What you get
About this experience
Please check our Instagram for visual examples of our wonderful guides! Start your morning with the magic of Kyoto—before the crowds arrive. This small-group tour (max 8 people) takes you on a peaceful journey through the stunning Byodoin Temple from the 10 yen coin, and Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest. It’s the perfect blend of iconic sights and hidden gems, led by a local English-speaking guide who brings each place to life. Quiet, authentic, unforgettable.
What's included
Included
- English-Speaking Guide
- Admission Fee to Byodoin Temple
- Transportation Fee (If you book Kyoto meetup) JPY 240 per person
What you'll see and do
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple in Uji is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sites, famously featured on the back of Japan’s 10 yen coin. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the stunning Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture. Discover the real-life elegance behind the coin in a tranquil, historically rich setting.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine is Japan’s oldest standing shrine—a peaceful, spiritual haven hidden in the heart of Uji. With its centuries-old wooden architecture and moss-covered grounds, it feels like stepping into a secret from ancient Japan. Just minutes from Byodoin, it’s the perfect place to escape the crowds and connect with timeless beauty.
90 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Kyoto
Please arrive at the 10 minutes early.
Meeting point
Kyoto
Meet spot: Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, the big gate of JR lines on ground floor, on the north side where Kyoto Tower is located. Please arrive at the 10 minutes early. There is a seven eleven right next to it. Link for seven eleven: https://g.co/kgs/k4fpgH
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
you are planning to head back to Kyoto after the tour, please let your guide know and they will assist you with directions. Please note that they will not take the train back with the group.
Options you can book
Uji Station Pick up
Starting point: Uji Station, Otsukata Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Kyoto Station Pickup
Starting point: Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- GuideMe Japan
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great lunch
Enjoyed the day. Our guide was amazing. His English language was excellent. His knowledge of relative history helped us appreciate the importance of the structures & the history of the people.
Response from the operator: Dear Graeme_B, Thank you very much for joining our Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and for sharing your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day and had a great experience with your guide. It is wonderful to know that his excellent English and deep knowledge of history helped you better appreciate the cultural and historical significance of the sites you visited. We truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback and are very happy that the tour was meaningful and enjoyable for you. Thank you again for your kind words. We hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Japan. Best regards, GuideMe Japan Team
via Viator
Great tour
Genki was awesome. Nice, super knowledge, catered the tour to our pace and what we wanted to see. He really made the whole tour enjoyable. 10/10
Response from the operator: Dear Chad_W, Thank you very much for joining our Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and for sharing your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that you had such an enjoyable experience with Genki as your guide. It’s wonderful to know that his knowledge, friendly personality, and flexibility helped create a tour that matched your interests and pace. We always strive to provide personalized experiences for our guests, and we are pleased that Genki was able to make the tour both enjoyable and memorable for you. Your "10/10" rating is truly appreciated and will mean a great deal to him. Thank you again for your kind words and support. We will be sure to share your feedback with Genki. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Japan. Best regards, GuideMe Japan Team
via Viator
Great trip to Uji and Byodo-in temple
Great and informative trip to Uji, where matcha was invented and also home to Byodo-in temple, built in 1053, which has an amazing Buddhist temple shaped like a Phoenix and a great museum full of its artwork. I liked the trip.here. Also a trip.to buy matcha for people who like it. Guide was very affable, spoke excellent vEnglish and was knowledgeable. Recommended.
via Viator
Seeing Uiji in the rain!
Thoroughly enjoyed this walkabout in the rain with our guide Shin Yokote. Knowledgeable and confident guide. We stopped at Inari Sjrine first but already seen it yesterday. The Byodoin Temple and museum was simply majestic. The stroll through Uiji matcha district added another level insight in the trend that is matcha, including the food. Matcha goiza? Enjoyed the matcha latte coffee break. Then the river side trek to Ujigami Shrine, both upper and lower,was unexpected. And yes, it is a walking tour!!!! Thank you Shin and my other three cotravellers for looking out for me... The scenery was gorgeous, the rain added to the mysticism of the tour. Well worth the journey. Meitaki atupaka e kia manuia!
via Viator
Amazing Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour
Very good value! Got to see Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrien. My tour guide shoichiro was very infomative and quite in depth when explaining the cultural significance of both locations. I wont spoil it here, so you can ask them! On the way are heaps of matcha places also, so you can browse those to take home!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour and found it to be great value. Visiting Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine is a special experience, and we’re glad Shoichiro’s in-depth explanations helped you better understand their cultural significance. He’ll be very happy to hear your kind words. It’s also great to know you enjoyed exploring the many matcha shops along the way—Uji is the perfect place to find something special to take home. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you again on another tour in the future! Best regards, Yusuke
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $8800 to $9800
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 58
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.
How much does Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide cost?
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Prices start at $8800 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 Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide take?
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Plan for about 3.5 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 Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide?
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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 Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide?
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Around 2 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 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Kyoto Uji Matcha Morning Tour with English Speaking Guide 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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