When visiting Uji, the best tours fall into three practical categories: tea-focused experiences, temple visits, and cultural immersions. These well-organized excursions, typically running $70-220, give you direct access to Japan’s most respected tea region and its cherished UNESCO sites.
We especially recommend the morning cycling tours through misty tea fields ($85) – they’re intimate and refreshingly uncrowded. For history buffs, the guided walks to Byodoin Temple ($70) offer excellent value with knowledgeable English-speaking guides who bring the stories behind these ancient walls to life.
All recommended tours maintain small groups under 10 people and offer hassle-free 24-hour cancellation policies. Let’s explore our carefully selected top tours in Uji.
Key Points
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The intimate cycling tour with BROMPTON bikes offers unique views of matcha fields and heritage sites, limited to six travelers.
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The 4-hour Green Tea Tour combines temple visits with tea tastings and demonstrations, guided in both English and Spanish.
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The Matcha Green Tea Tour provides hands-on experience in matcha preparation, tastings, and visits to the iconic Byodoin Temple.
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The UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour includes a traditional tea ceremony and Byodoin Temple visit for just $70 per person.
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Private tours offer personalized experiences with hotel pickup, combining Arashiyama bamboo forest and Uji’s cultural highlights.
Slow Cycling Tour at Ujis Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage
While exploring Uji’s famous tea culture, this intimate cycling tour offers an authentic way to experience the region’s matcha fields and heritage sites.
Limited to six travelers, the tour includes bicycle rental, helmets, and an English-speaking guide who navigates the route on a BROMPTON bike.
Starting at JR Uji Station, participants can opt to visit the Tea and Uji Town Exchange Centre and Byodoin Phoenix Hall for additional fees.
The $108.62 per-person price covers basic equipment, snacks, and insurance. It’s ideal for active travelers, though not suitable for those with mobility issues or health concerns.
Flexible booking options include free 24-hour cancellation.
Read our full review: Slow Cycling Tour at Ujis Matcha Green Tea Fields and Heritage Review
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Uji: Green Tea Tour With Byodoin and Koshoji Temple Visits
Three key highlights make this 4-hour Uji green tea tour stand out: visits to the iconic Byodoin and Koshoji temples, tastings at Japan’s oldest operating teahouse from 1160 AD, and expert insights into traditional tea culture.
At $95.09 per person, travelers get a comprehensive experience that includes green tea tastings, brewing demonstrations, and visits to Ujigami Shrine, Japan’s oldest original Shinto shrine.
English and Spanish guides share expertise on tea growth, flavor profiles, and cultural significance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead and a book-now-pay-later option.
Meeting point is the easily accessible Keihan Uji Station.
Read our full review: Uji: Green Tea Tour With Byodoin and Koshoji Temple Visits Review
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Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour
For travelers seeking an immersive matcha experience in Uji, the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers exceptional value at $221 per person.
This highly-rated tour boasts a 95% recommendation rate and includes matcha tastings, lunch, and a visit to the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple.
Starting at 11:00 am from Uji Station, groups of up to 10 explore various matcha types and preparation methods.
Participants learn to make matcha, sample wagashi sweets, and enjoy matcha ice cream.
While transportation isn’t included, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before start time.
It’s vegetarian-friendly but not suitable for vegan or gluten-free diets.
Read our full review: Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour Review
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The Uji Hills : Walking Tour Over the Scenic Hills of Uji.
Hidden among Uji’s famous tea fields, this three-hour walking tour offers nature enthusiasts a unique perspective of the region at Kč 1,279 per person.
The route takes hikers through UNESCO sites like Kamigamo Jinja and past the Byodo-in temple, while exploring off-the-beaten-path locations including Daikichiyama and Crown Prince Uji’s grave.
Led by bilingual guides, travelers will trek through Shirakawa Momiji Valley and along the Uji River to Hakusan Shrine.
It’s an easy-level hike that requires proper walking shoes. Visitors can book now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
The tour isn’t suitable for young children or seniors over 70.
Read our full review: The Uji Hills : Walking Tour Over the Scenic Hills of Uji. Review
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Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour
Taking a different path from the hillside trails, the Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour combines culture with historical exploration at $70 per person.
The 30-minute tea ceremony starts at 9:45 am from JR Uji Station’s South Exit, where travelers meet their English-speaking guide.
The tour includes entry to the UNESCO-listed Byodo-in temple and ends at the historic Uji Bridge.
With a maximum of 9 participants, it’s an intimate experience that’s earned a perfect 5.0 rating.
While it’s not wheelchair accessible, visitors can book with confidence thanks to the flexible 24-hour cancellation policy.
Read our full review: Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour Review
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Osaka: Kyoto & Uji 1-Day Tour With Buy-One-Get-One-Free!
While combining the best of two historic cities, this comprehensive 10-hour tour from Osaka explores Kyoto and Uji’s most iconic sites for just $53-$66 per person.
The tour packs major UNESCO sites into one day, including 40 minutes at the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 2.67 hours at Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
Visitors also stroll the historic Ninenzaka shopping street and spend 100 minutes along the scenic Uji River. An English-speaking guide provides cultural insights throughout.
With flexible booking, free cancellation up to 24 hours before, and comfortable transportation included, it’s an efficient way to experience both cities’ highlights.
Temple admission fees aren’t included.
Read our full review: Osaka: Kyoto & Uji 1-Day Tour With Buy-One-Get-One-Free! Review
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Kyoto Uji Tea Picking and Byodo in Temple Private Tour
For visitors seeking a more intimate exploration of Uji’s tea culture, this private tour offers a unique hands-on experience at $74.68 per person.
The adventure begins at Uji Station at 9:30 AM, where a guide meets participants with an identification board.
The tour includes seasonal tea picking (April 13 to mid-May), lunch, and a visit to the famous Byodoin Temple. If there’s a 70% chance of rain, guests will enjoy a matcha-making session instead.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, including infants under 2.
With a 4.0 rating, visitors praise the experience despite noting some language barriers.
Read our full review: Kyoto Uji Tea Picking and Byodo in Temple Private Tour Review
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Kyoto: Enjoy Byodoin Temple and Tea Sweets – 90 Min Tour
As travelers seek value in Uji’s cultural experiences, this 90-minute guided tour combines Byodoin Temple‘s grandeur with local tea traditions at a discounted rate of $86.24.
The journey starts with a 40-minute exploration of the UNESCO-listed temple, known for its Phoenix Hall and Amida Buddha statue.
Visitors then spend 20 minutes sampling Uji’s renowned tea sweets while learning about Japan’s premier green tea culture.
The tour offers flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours before and a pay-later option.
Meeting at Byodoin Temple’s entrance, guests should bring sun protection and water.
Note: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
Read our full review: Kyoto: Enjoy Byodoin Temple and Tea Sweets – 90 Min Tour Review
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Private Tour To Arashiyama and Uji W/Spanish Speaking Guide
This comprehensive 8-hour private tour lets travelers explore both Arashiyama and Uji with a Spanish-speaking guide for just $99.51 per person.
The journey begins at 9:30 a.m. with hotel pickup and includes visits to Arashiyama’s iconic bamboo forest, Tenryuji Temple, and Nonomiya Shrine.
After lunch, visitors head to Uji to experience the UNESCO World Heritage Byodo-in Temple.
The tour includes all transportation, admission fees, and lunch, making it an excellent value.
There’s flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and travelers can reserve now and pay later.
The tour ends at 5:30 p.m. with hotel drop-off.
Read our full review: Private Tour To Arashiyama and Uji W/Spanish Speaking Guide Review
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Matcha Tour in Uji, Home of Culture, With a Local Guide
Want to experience Japan’s most authentic matcha tea culture? This 4-hour tour to Uji, the birthplace of matcha, offers an immersive tea experience led by an English-speaking guide.
Starting from Kyoto Station, visitors explore the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple and historic Uji Bridge before enjoying a traditional matcha tasting session.
The tour includes hotel transfers, expert guidance, and cultural insights, with prices from Kč 2,399 per person.
Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring essentials like water and sunscreen.
While meals and temple admission aren’t included, the tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Matcha Tour in Uji, Home of Culture, With a Local Guide Review
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Uji: UNESCO Heritage & Tea Ceremony Walking Tour
Travelers seeking an intimate exploration of Uji’s tea culture and UNESCO heritage sites will find exceptional value in this 3-hour walking tour, limited to just 9 participants.
Starting at Uji Station, visitors spend 50 minutes at Byodoin Temple before experiencing a traditional tea ceremony at Taihoan.
The journey continues across scenic suspension bridges to Uji and Ujigami Shrines, concluding with local snack tastings near Uji Bridge.
At Kč 1,597 (10% off), the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
While it’s not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility issues, recent reviews praise the English-speaking guides for their deep knowledge and attentive service.
Read our full review: Uji: UNESCO Heritage & Tea Ceremony Walking Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
These Uji tours offer incredible value for visitors wanting to explore Japan’s tea culture and heritage sites. While prices range from $30-150 per person, the guided experiences deliver authentic insights into matcha production, traditional ceremonies, and historic temples. Budget-conscious travelers can opt for walking tours or cycling excursions, while those seeking more exclusive experiences will find private guide options that include transportation and personalized attention.