Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan

Uji, more than tea

Outty Ranking 604 hoursFrom $78
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Outty Ranking

60/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

Not yet rated

No traveler reviews have been published for this experience yet.

Quick answer

Is Uji, more than tea worth booking?

Uji, more than tea is a 4-hour experience in Kyoto, Japan, from $78 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
60 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
4 hours
From
$78 per person

Experience the enchanting world of Uji with our Uji More Than Tea. This journey invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Uji's tea culture and its historical gems. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elegant Phoenix Hall. Explore the lush gardens and the tranquil surroundings that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Delve into the world of Uji's tea heritage taking part in an optional tea ceremony and tasting a cup of local tea. We will share the significance of Uji's tea culture, providing insights into the timeless art of tea-making. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or a traveler seeking cultural enrichment, this tour promises an authentic and enlightening experience. **Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!** VERY IMPORTANT: The Travel Storyteller will confirm the tea ceremony's availability to participants a few days before the tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Experience the enchanting world of Uji with our Uji More Than Tea. This journey invites you to explore the rich tapestry of Uji's tea culture and its historical gems. Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its elegant Phoenix Hall. Explore the lush gardens and the tranquil surroundings that have inspired poets and artists for centuries. Delve into the world of Uji's tea heritage taking part in an optional tea ceremony and tasting a cup of local tea. We will share the significance of Uji's tea culture, providing insights into the timeless art of tea-making. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or a traveler seeking cultural enrichment, this tour promises an authentic and enlightening experience. **Rain, shine, or a bit of both— our walking tours still go on!** VERY IMPORTANT: The Travel Storyteller will confirm the tea ceremony's availability to participants a few days before the tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • English or Italian speaking travel story teller

    Not included

    • Public transportation: if you do not hold JR Pass, about 500 JPY; if you hold JR Pass, no expenses
    • Entrance fee (about 700 JPY)
    • Optional tea ceremony (about 1,500 JPY) - subject to availability

    What you'll see and do

    1. Kyoto - Uji by train Transportation fees (not included): about 240 JPY

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. The Byodoin temple is architecturally based on the Buddhist movement of Jodo (Pure Land). Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is now depicted on the back of 10JPY coins and identified as one of Japan's most recognized historical buildings. Iconic is its Phoenix Hall, named for its shape and the two phoenix statues on the roof. Admission fees (not included): about 700JPY

      45 minutes here · Admission not included

    3. Uji River

      The Uji River flows through the city. It is one of the most popular spots in Uji, as it is the protagonist of most of the events that take place annually, such as day cruises and cormorant fishing.

      20 minutes here

    4. Officially known as Byodoin Omotesando, it is the picturesque shopping street that connects Uji Station to the Byodoin Temple. This street offers total immersion through the rich tea culture and the local architecture. The walk along Byodoin Omotesando is enriched by the aroma of freshly roasted tea leaves

      20 minutes here

    5. Optional ceremony in a traditional tea house, followed by tasting of matcha green tea and a homemade mochi sweet. Admission fees (not included): about 1000JPY

      60 minutes here · Admission not included

    6. A shrine built to commemorate an ancient prince of the past. It is said to be one of the few ancient sanctuaries left untouched in the whole territory, and therefore preserves the atmosphere of the ancient past. The basin in the area is filled with water from a freshwater spring. The same water is used to prepare tea during ceremonies and is said to have special properties.

      35 minutes here

    7. Kyoto Station Building

      Uji - Kyoto by train Transportation fees (not included): about 240 JPY

      30 minutes here · Admission not included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Kyoto

    In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station. Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with “IOJ Logo” on it.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station. Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with “IOJ Logo” on it.

    Options you can book

    • English Guide

    • Italian Guide

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    InsideOutJapan

    Know before you go

    • 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

    Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 2Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 3Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 4Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 5Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 6Uji, more than tea in Kyoto, photo 7

    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
    $78 to $12,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by InsideOutJapan, who run 22 experiences we rank across 4 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.4.

    See everything InsideOutJapan runs

    Why this scores 60

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Uji, more than tea: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Kyoto.

    How much does Uji, more than tea cost?

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    Prices start at $78 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 Uji, more than tea 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 Uji, more than tea worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Uji, more than tea?

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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 Uji, more than tea 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 Uji, more than tea?

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    Around 0 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 Uji, more than tea 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 Ghost Tour: Dark Tales, Urban Legends, Bamboo Forest Night, Kyoto : Chopsticks Making Workshop with Engraving Option in Gion, Kyoto: Gion Hidden Gems & Geisha Culture 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.

    What is included in Uji, more than tea?

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    Included: English or Italian speaking travel story teller. Not included: Public transportation: if you do not hold JR Pass, about 500 JPY; if you hold JR Pass, no; Entrance fee (about 700 JPY); and Optional tea ceremony (about 1,500 JPY) - subject to availability. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Uji, more than tea?

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    In front of the 7-Eleven located outside the main entrance of JR Kyoto Station. Travel Story Teller will wait for you showing a nameboard with “IOJ Logo” on it. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Uji, more than tea offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Italian. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Uji, more than tea?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Uji, more than tea wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Uji, more than tea if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Kyoto. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What booking options are available for Uji, more than tea?

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    There are 2 options to choose from, including English Guide, Italian Guide. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Uji, more than tea.

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