Half-day tour of Uji, the cradle of matcha, with a green-tea tasting and a visit to the surroundings of Byodo-in temple; from around 4.000 ¥.
Uji, on the outskirts of Kyoto, is the cradle of Japanese matcha and an essential destination for green-tea lovers. On this half-day tour you walk the historic tea street, discover how matcha is grown and made and take part in a guided tasting to appreciate the differences between varieties, accompanied by a traditional sweet. The route usually includes the surroundings of Byodo-in temple, a World Heritage Site whose image appears on the 10-yen coin, and a stroll through the quiet atmosphere of the Uji riverbank. The experience starts at around 4.000 ¥ and is given in small groups, often in English. Uji is about 20-30 minutes by train from Kyoto station (JR Nara or Keihan lines), so it is an easy half-day getaway. It is advisable to book in advance. It is a perfect plan to combine culture, scenery and tea history away from the crowds of central Kyoto.
