Kyoto Tea Town Tour for Matcha Lovers

Love green tea? Spend a day in Uji, Japan’s historic tea town, and discover why this riverside district has shaped the country’s tea culture for centuries. Over five hours, stroll through charming streets lined with tea shops, with short stops every five to 10 minutes to taste, learn, and explore. Along the way, hear the story of how green tea took root in Uji and why its matcha is still prized across Japan. Your guide will share insights into tea cultivation, processing methods, and the philosophy behind the Japanese tea ceremony. Visit one of Uji’s oldest tea shops, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years, and try a freshly made matcha rice cake skewer coated in rich, fragrant green tea powder. Stop by local tea houses, pass by tea fields, and explore atmospheric temples that reflect the area’s deep cultural ties to tea. Enjoy a tea-inspired lunch at a long-standing tea house. Savor chasoba, delicate green tea soba noodles, served with sesame tofu, potato dumplings with tea sauce, and other comforting, umami-rich dishes. After lunch, step inside a traditional tea house for an authentic tea ceremony. Grind tea leaves, whisk your own bowl of matcha, and learn the meaning behind each careful movement. As you sip your freshly prepared tea, take in the quiet, refined atmosphere that defines Uji. Throughout the tour, sample sweet teas and organic varieties offered by local shops. There will also be time to browse tea farmers’ stores, where guests can purchase high-quality teas and thoughtful souvenirs to bring a taste of Uji home.