Meet your guide in Uji and walk through the historic town, passing theUNESCO site Ujigami Shrine. Then visit a traditional house for Matcha tasting and a tea ceremony with a former geiko
Features
Led by a former maiko and geiko from Kyoto
Compare premium Uji matcha, focusing on aroma, umami, and aftertaste
A unique experience combining Uji walking and tea culture
Fully private experience with no other participants
Enjoy a quiet moment in a traditional sukiya-style house
Overview
Experience the depth of Japanese tea culture in the historic town of Uji, the heart of Japan’s matcha tradition.
This private cultural experience is hosted by a former maiko and geiko from Kyoto, offering a rare opportunity to encounter Japanese culture through someone deeply connected to its traditions.
You will meet your guide near Keihan Uji Station and begin a short walk through the historic streets of Uji. Along the way, you will hear stories about Uji tea, local traditions, and pass the UNESCO World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine.
After about 30 minutes, you will arrive at Tōka-an, a quiet traditional sukiya-style house overlooking the Uji River.
Here you will taste three carefully selected Uji matcha, comparing aroma, umami, bitterness, and aftertaste.
If you prefer, the tasting can also be arranged as a Japanese green tea tasting, featuring sencha, gyokuro, and tencha, allowing you to explore the diversity of Japanese tea beyond matcha.
After the tasting, you will enter the tea room and experience the basics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Beyond tea, this experience invites you to encounter the quiet beauty of Japanese culture—space, movement, and ma, the harmony found in stillness.
Schedule
0:00｜Meeting (Keihan Uji Station Area)
Meet your guide and begin a walk through historic Uji while learning about tea culture.
0:20｜Town Walk
Walk along the Uji River and pass the UNESCO World Heritage site Ujigami Shrine.
0:30｜Arrival at Tōka-an
Arrive at a traditional house overlooking the Uji River.
0:45｜Tea Tasting
Taste three types of carefully selected Uji matcha, or choose a Japanese green tea tasting featuring sencha, gyokuro, and tencha.
1:30｜Tea Ceremony Experience
Move to the tea room and experience the basics of Japanese tea ceremony.
2:00｜End
The guide and host will warmly see you off.
Pricing
Children
| Number of Participants | Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12,000 JPY |
| 2 | 10,000 JPY |
| 3 | 9,000 JPY |
| 4 | 8,000 JPY |
| 5 or more | 7,000 JPY |
Adults
| Number of Participants | Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 28,000 JPY |
| 2 | 18,000 JPY |
| 3 | 16,000 JPY |
| 4 or more | 15,000 JPY |
Meeting Point
For guided experiences, we usually meet guests at Keihan Uji Station.
Please note that this is Keihan Uji Station, not JR Uji Station.
For experiences without a guide, the meeting point is at the bottom of Kotosaka slope near Kōshō-ji Temple.
For guided experiences, we usually meet guests at Keihan Uji Station. Please note that this is Keihan Uji Station, not JR Uji Station.
For experiences without a guide, guests will meet us at the bottom of Kotosaka slope near Kōshō-ji Temple, a quiet entrance to one of Uji’s most beautiful temple paths.
Options
Option 1: Uji Matcha Tasting & Tea Ceremony
In this option, you will taste three types of carefully selected, unblended Uji matcha and learn the differences in aroma, bitterness, sweetness, and depth of flavor. After the tasting, you will move to the tea room and experience the basics of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Option 2: Kimono & Tea Ceremony Experience
In this option, you will first wear a traditional kimono and learn its meaning in Japanese culture while experiencing the beauty of movement and posture. Afterward, you will enter the tea room to experience a tea ceremony, where you will learn basic etiquette and prepare your own bowl of matcha in a peaceful setting.
Includes / Excludes
Includes
Private matcha tasting experience
Tasting of multiple types of matcha (small portions)
Excludes
No additional exclusions
Important Information
The venue has stairs. Please contact us in advance if you use a wheelchair.
Please inform us in advance if you have any food allergies.
Photography is allowed.
Children under 5 years old can join free of charge.