Kyoto: Enjoy Byodoin Temple and Tea Sweets - 90 Min Tour

Kyoto, Japan’s iconic cultural capital, offers a captivating exploration of its historic treasures. This 90-minute tour invites travelers to discover the architectural wonder of Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After marveling at the Phoenix Hall, the journey continues to Uji, renowned for its exquisite green tea. Here, visitors can savor a delightful array of traditional and modern tea-infused confections, seeing the region’s vibrant culinary heritage. With a blend of cultural significance and flavorful indulgence, this experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into Kyoto’s timeless allure.

This experience made our article of 11 Best Tours in Uji.

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Key Points

90-minute guided tour exploring Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and sampling green tea sweets in Uji, Japan’s premier tea region.
Tour includes 40 minutes at Byodoin Temple focusing on the iconic Phoenix Hall and 20 minutes for street food tasting in Uji.
Discover the architectural and spiritual significance of Byodoin Temple and immerse in Uji’s rich tea culture and culinary heritage.
Experience diverse traditional and modern green tea confections and learn about the history and flavors that define Uji’s tea tradition.
Tour not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or individuals with altitude sickness, and guests should meet the guide at Byodoin Temple.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a 90-minute exploration of Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto.

For $84.17 per person, guests will enjoy a guided tour of the temple’s Phoenix Hall, learn about its spiritual significance, and explore Uji’s green tea culture.

The tour includes 40 minutes at the temple and 20 minutes of street food tasting in Uji.

Participants can marvel at the grand wooden architecture and savor diverse green tea sweets.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient meeting point make this tour an accessible cultural experience.

Looking for more options in Uji? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The tour begins at the Byodoin Temple, where guests embark on a 40-minute guided exploration of this iconic landmark.

They’ll marvel at the stunning Phoenix Hall and learn about its spiritual significance.

Next, the group ventures to Uji, Japan’s premier green tea region, for a 20-minute street food tasting.

Here, they’ll sample diverse green tea sweets from both traditional and modern establishments, seeing Uji’s rich tea culture.

The tour concludes back at the Byodoin Temple Omotesando, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for Kyoto’s architectural and culinary wonders.

Highlights

Discover Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that captivates visitors with its architectural masterpiece.

Marvel at the Phoenix Hall and learn its spiritual significance.

Explore Uji’s streets and green tea culture, sampling diverse green tea sweets from traditional and modern spots.

Immerse in Uji’s rich history and delightful tea flavors.

This tour offers a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience, allowing you to journey through Byodoin Temple’s grand wooden structure built over 1,000 years ago and discover the flavors and textures of Uji’s renowned green tea confections.

Cultural and Culinary Experience

Guests journey through Byodoin Temple, a masterpiece of Japanese architecture that has captivated visitors for over 1,000 years. Built in the 11th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site features the grand Phoenix Hall, renowned for its symbolic and spiritual significance.

Byodoin Temple
Architectural Masterpiece	1,000+ Years Old
UNESCO World Heritage Site	Phoenix Hall’s Symbolic Significance
Immersive Cultural Experience	Delightful Tea Flavors of Uji

Continuing the tour, guests explore Uji – Japan’s premier green tea producer. They sample diverse tea confections, experiencing the flavors and textures of this rich culinary heritage at both historic and modern establishments.

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Important Information

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with altitude sickness.

Guests should meet the guide in front of Byodoin Temple, looking for the yellow DeepExperience sign. Remember to bring a sun hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.

Based on 1 review, this 90-minute tour has an overall rating of 5/5.

Discover the grand architecture of Byodoin Temple, explore Uji’s tea culture, and savor delightful green tea sweets – all in an efficient, 99-minute experience.

There's plenty more to explore in Uji

Discover Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a masterpiece of Japanese architecture, having been constructed over a millennium ago.

Visitors embark on a 40-minute guided tour to discover this iconic landmark:

Admire the Phoenix Hall, a stunning wooden structure renowned for its architectural elegance and spiritual significance.
Explore the temple’s expansive grounds, immersing in its serene atmosphere and rich history.
Learn about the temple’s cultural importance and its role in Uji’s renowned green tea tradition.

This in-depth experience provides an authentic glimpse into Kyoto’s renowned heritage.

Explore Uji’s Green Tea Culture

After discovering the grandeur of Byodoin Temple, the tour now shifts its focus to exploring Uji’s renowned green tea culture.

The group ventures into the charming streets of Uji, the premier green tea producing region in Japan. Here, they’ll sample diverse green tea sweets from both traditional and modern shops, seeing the flavors and textures that define Uji’s tea heritage.

From historic confectioneries to trendy specialty stores, the tour provides a delightful sensory experience, allowing participants to fully appreciate the depth and nuance of Uji’s celebrated green tea culture.

Savor Uji’s Tea Confections

As the tour explores the charming streets of Uji, the group eagerly anticipates savoring the diverse array of green tea confections that this renowned region has to offer.

The first stop is a traditional confectionery shop, where they sample:

Matcha-infused wagashi, delicate Japanese sweets with a delightful balance of sweetness and bitterness.
Uji Kintoki, a creamy green tea soft-serve ice cream, a refreshing treat on a warm day.
Konacha Manju, steamed buns filled with a smooth, green tea-flavored paste.

The flavors and textures of these artisanal tea delicacies perfectly capture Uji’s rich tea heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The tour is available in multiple languages, though the specific languages offered are not mentioned in the provided information. Customers should inquire about language options when booking the tour.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

The tour does not explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions. Guests with specific dietary needs should contact the tour operator in advance to inquire about available options or modifications.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for young children who may have difficulty with the walking and pace.

Is Transportation to and From the Starting Location Provided?

No, transportation to and from the starting location is not provided. Participants are responsible for making their own way to the meeting point at Byodoin Temple, as stated in the important information section.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Interests?

The tour can’t be customized to individual interests. It follows a fixed itinerary, including a guided tour of Byodoin Temple and a tasting of traditional green tea sweets in Uji.

The Sum Up

This captivating 90-minute tour offers a unique blend of culture and culinary delight. Discover the architectural marvel of Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then indulge in a delightful street food tasting experience in Uji, Japan’s renowned green tea region. Savor a variety of traditional and modern green tea sweets, making this journey through Kyoto’s heritage truly memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: