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What are the must sees while sightseeing?
Of course, delicious food and shopping are essential,
but immersing yourself in local experiences through tours makes your trip even more special.
When it comes to Kyoto’s Uji, Uji tea is the highlight!
Here, you can enjoy exclusive Uji tea experiences and guided tours, only available in its historic hometown.
But Uji has so much more to offer!
From exciting first-time experiences to traditional cultural and historical activities,
whether you’re traveling solo, on a romantic getaway, or with family,
we’ve got the best Uji sightseeing activities and experiences for you to explore.
How Many Have You Tried? Can't Miss These Sightseeing Experiences in Uji
Carving Artisan Narutaki
In Uji, Kyoto, the art of crafting Tea Tree Dolls has blossomed alongside the region's tea culture. Would you like to experience their unique charm and allure?
Tea Tree Dolls, said to have originated in the late Edo period by the tea master Kanbayashi Seisen, are made from old tea trees and transformed into netsuke, incense holders, and ornaments, often featuring women in traditional tea-picking attire. These handcrafted pieces are produced exclusively in the Uji region of Kyoto, renowned as the heart of tea culture.
Tea trees are celebrated for their resilience, continually sprouting new buds, and are considered auspicious symbols of health, longevity, and prosperity for future generations. In our workshop, you can paint and personalize your own tea tree kokeshi doll. We hope it brings you good fortune!
Chawaka Kyoto Uji
Experience the artistry of Uji tea, savoring its fragrance as you would a delicate flower.
\Uji tea is celebrated as one of Japan's finest teas, renowned for its exquisite fragrance. However, due to its high-quality standards, some tea leaves are not used. By repurposing these leaves and pairing them with vibrant preserved flowers, we have created stunning floral art to be enjoyed with both your eyes and nose.
Through the harmonious blend of "tea" and "flowers," we invite visitors to experience the timeless spirit of wabi-sabi, passed down through generations, while savoring Uji tea during your visit to Uji.
Shoen Kumihimo Uji Main branch
“Silk” is a jewel made by nature. We strive to preserve the tradition of Kyoto Kumihimo that is said to have more than 3,500 variations.
We make “Kyoto style Kumihimo (braids)” with over 3,500 variations using beautiful silk that shines like a jewel.
We sit on the chair in Japanese style and skillfully use 68 wooden balls on both sides to make one Kumihimo while looking at “Ayasho (guide book)” that reminds you of a music sheet. We are striving to find new styles of Kyoto style Kumihimo whether it be kimonos, oranements for shrines and temples, jewelries, clothes and interior goods. We are looking forward to serving you.
INCENSE KITCHEN
The rich aroma of Uji matcha that gently soothes the heart.
A delightful fragrance reminiscent of sweet confections.
Using fresh Food Loss matcha sourced directly from Uji tea factories and tea farmers, each piece of the handmade matcha incense, 'Itowokashi-ka,' is crafted meticulously by hand. Unlike incense sticks that are lit directly, our incense is gradually warmed by the surrounding atmosphere to release its fragrance, emitting only the rich aroma of tea without smoke.
In the matcha incense-making experience, you can choose your favorite mold to create your own original incense. Whether in the workshop or sightseeing, why not pair your memories of your trip to Japan with the scent of matcha?
Obakusan Mampuku-ji
The head temple of Zenshu Oubakushu, which was opened by a Chinese monk named Ingen in 1661.
Fucha dishes, with more than 300 years of history, are very popular.
Obakusan Manpuku-ji was founded by Ingen Ryuki, a Chinese monk, in 1661. In its huge precincts, Unsuis (buddhists who train themselves with severe principles) can still be seen training today. Standing side by side to the east and the west, Manpuku-ji has characteristics of a Chinese Zen temple from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The buildings of Manpuku-ji follow a temple layout that incorporates elements of the Chinese Ming Dynasty style. There are no other examples in Japan of temples that have preserved their original appearance since their founding, and as a representative example of Zen Buddhist temple architecture, the main structures, including 23 buildings, corridors, and plaques, have been designated as Important Cultural Properties. In December 2024, the three buildings—"Hattou", "Daiouhouden", and "Tennouden" —were designated as National Treasures.
Manpuku-ji's specialty, Fucha cuisine—a Chinese-style Buddhist vegetarian food—is renowned not only for its visually stunning presentation but also for its high-protein, low-calorie, and nutritionally balanced qualities, making it a popular choice among visitors.
Berry Farm Uji
Enjoy strawberry picking in the fresh air of Kyoto's Uji. All-you-can-eat for 30 minutes!
A strawberry-picking farm located in Uji, Kyoto, a popular sightseeing destination. Open from late December to the end of May, the strawberries are grown inside a greenhouse, allowing you to enjoy picking them regardless of the weather. The farm is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and you can taste and compare a variety of strawberry types.
During your visit to Kyoto and Uji, be sure to stop by!
Classic & Signature Uji Tea Experiences and Tours
Chazuna, a historical park in the town of tea and Uji
A starting point for learning about the history and culture of Uji tea and Uji, connecting many people and history.
About 400 years ago, Taiko Tsutsumi was built by Taiko Hideyoshi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) to consolidate land and water routes in the Fushimi area. The "Tea and Uji Town Historical Park" is a 4-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station and is located on the historical axis connecting Uji Bridge (the symbol of Uji), the Taiko Tsutsumi site, and the Tomb of Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko. You can also enjoy making your own tea canisters, picking tea, and other Uji and Uji tea-related experiences.
A stroll through the garden and plaza on a sunny day is very enjoyable. Please stop by before touring the town of Uji.
Uji City teahouse Taihoan
An authentic teahouse that was built to revitalize Uji tea and popularize the way of tea.
Taihoan was named after the direction it is facing; it stands relative to Hoo-do of Byodoin. We serve authentic Uji tea with seasonal confectioneries. Please stop by and have a relaxing break at Taihouan.
TEA SQUARE MORIHAN
Spreading the allure of tea! A tea plaza where you can enjoy the experience through all five senses.
A facility operated by the esteemed Uji tea shop 'Morihan,' offering a variety of tea experiences. As you explore the renovated traditional townhouse, you can watch matcha being ground with stone mills, discover tea plants in the inner garden, and visit the rear free space, where 300 freshly harvested tea herbariums are displayed. The facility also features a confectionery studio, where you can enjoy freshly made matcha and roasted tea sweets and drinks, either for takeout or in the rear free space known as 'KAORIUM.' Additionally, Kura Café offers specialty menus.
Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo
You can participate in a Uji tea making activity and enjoy dishes made with Uji tea.
Fukujuen Ujicha Kobo is located along the clear stream of Ujigawa River, where the culture of Uji tea was developed.
To achieve our goal, which is to have people know more about Uji tea while preserving its tradition, we have prepared; an atelier where customers can enjoy making tea and tea things, a tea room where customers can feel close to the ways of tea, a cafe where customers can enjoy tea confectioneries and dishes, and a shop where customers can purchase our original brands of Uji tea and tea things. Please experience the traditional culture of Uji tea as much as you like.
There are still plenty of incredible places waiting to be explored!
There are still plenty of incredible places waiting to be explored!
