Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Japan’s renowned matcha tea. This 3-hour excursion not only introduces visitors to the traditional tea-making process but also explores the historic Uji region, home to some of the finest matcha in the world. With a delectable matcha-inspired lunch, hands-on workshops, and expert-led tastings, this tour promises a delightful and educational experience for those eager to discover the captivating world of matcha.

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

Key Points

• This 3-hour experience in Uji, home of matcha, includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple and a matcha-focused lunch.
• Participants can engage in hands-on matcha-making and tasting activities, as well as browse local tea shops for unique souvenirs.
• The tour is conducted in English and is limited to 8 participants, with hotel pickup and drop-off services provided.
• The exceptional rating of 4.9/5 based on 18 reviews highlights the knowledgeable guides and informative, accommodating service.
• Dietary requirements must be advised at booking, and the minimum drinking age is 21 years.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers a comprehensive 3-hour experience in Uji, the renowned home of matcha. Priced at $177.31 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and conducted in English.

Highlights include visiting the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple, enjoying a matcha-focused lunch, and partaking in matcha-making and tasting. Guests can also explore local tea shops and purchase unique souvenirs.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. A minimum of 2 people per booking is required, and unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed.

Experience Highlights

Visitors on the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour will get to explore Uji, the renowned home of matcha.

They’ll visit the iconic Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The tour also includes a delicious set lunch featuring matcha, as well as the chance to participate in matcha making and tasting.

Guests can browse local tea shops and stroll through Uji’s picturesque streets, seeking out unique souvenirs.

Throughout the 3-hour experience, knowledgeable guides share insights into Kyoto’s rich tea culture and traditions, ensuring an immersive and informative tour.

Inclusions

The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour includes a matcha tasting, a set lunch at a local restaurant, and hands-on experiences like matcha making, sampling wagashi sweets, and enjoying matcha ice cream. Plus, the tour offers a moderate walking tour and hotel pick-up and drop-off services.

Inclusions
Matcha tasting
Lunch in a restaurant
Matcha making, Wagashi sweets, and matcha ice cream
Moderate walking tour
Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Optional gratuities are also available for those who wish to show their appreciation.

Meeting Information

The meeting point for the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour is the entrance of Keihan Uji station, not the JR Uji station.

The tour location is Otsukata Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, which is approximately 40 minutes from Kyoto City.

Participants have a 5-minute grace period after the start time, but no further directions or contact with guides once the tour begins.

Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The minimum drinking age is 21 years, and dietary requirements must be advised at the time of booking.

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required.

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Important Notes

Unaccompanied minors aren’t allowed on the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

The minimum drinking age is 21 years old. Dietary requirements must be advised when booking. A minimum of two people per booking is required.

The meeting point is at the entrance of Keihan Uji station, not JR Uji station. Guests have a 5-minute grace period after the start time, but the tour will proceed without directions or contact with the guides once it begins.

Visitors should plan accordingly to avoid missing the tour.

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour, giving it an exceptional 4.9/5 rating based on 18 reviews.

Reviewers highlight the tour’s exceptional guides, who are proficient in multiple languages and knowledgeable about local culture and tea traditions. The informative experiences, accommodating service, and delicious food have all contributed to the tour’s exceptional reception.

Visitors particularly appreciate the opportunity to participate in hands-on matcha making and tasting, as well as exploring the historic streets and tea shops of Uji, the home of matcha.

Exploring Uji, the Home of Matcha

Nestled near Kyoto, the historic town of Uji is the revered epicenter of Japan’s renowned matcha green tea tradition.

On the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour, visitors explore the charming streets and local tea shops of Uji. The highlight is a visit to the iconic Byōdōin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its Phoenix Hall.

Throughout the tour, participants learn the art of matcha preparation and indulge in a delectable matcha-infused lunch. From witnessing the time-honored tea ceremony to sampling premium matcha desserts, this immersive experience offers a deep dive into Uji’s esteemed tea culture.

Taking in Matcha Culture

As visitors embark on the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour, they’ll enjoy the rich cultural traditions surrounding Japan’s renowned matcha green tea.

During the experience, they’ll:

• Witness the ceremonial preparation of matcha, appreciating the precision and reverence in each step.

• Savor the delicate and complex flavors of matcha, expertly paired with traditional Japanese sweets.

• Explore the historic town of Uji, long recognized as the epicenter of matcha production, and uncover its storied past.

• Gain a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between tea, spirituality, and Japanese aesthetics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

The tour allows participants to take photographs throughout the experience. However, it’s important to follow any guidelines or instructions provided by the tour guides to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Can I Bring My Own Matcha Powder to the Workshop?

Bringing your own matcha powder is generally not allowed during the workshop. The tour includes matcha tasting and preparation, so the supplier provides the necessary ingredients and equipment for participants to fully experience the matcha-making process.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Casual attire is recommended, as there’s moderate walking involved during the tour.

Are There Any Health or Safety Precautions to Be Aware Of?

The tour operator advises guests to wear comfortable walking shoes and notify them of any dietary requirements or health concerns at the time of booking. Safety guidelines may be provided prior to the tour’s start.

Can I Extend My Stay in Uji After the Tour Ends?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Uji after the tour ends. The tour does not include accommodation, so you’re free to explore the area further on your own schedule once the guided portion is complete.

The Sum Up

The Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour offers an immersive experience into the rich heritage of matcha in Uji. Participants can enjoy a matcha-inspired lunch, learn the art of matcha making, and savor tastings of various matcha dishes and sweets. With knowledgeable guides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and a small group size, this tour provides an intimate and informative exploration of Japan’s captivating matcha culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: