【Itinerary】 JR Kyoto Station → Uji → JR Kyoto Station

Byodoin Temple

(1) The main building, the "Phoenix Hall," is so representative of the Heian period (ancient aristocratic society) that it was used as the design for the 10,000-yen bill and the 10-yen currency of Japan. The seated statue of Amida Nyorai by Buddhist priest Teicho is a groundbreaking work of art, said to be a Japanese-style design that eschews Chinese influence. In addition, there are 52 statues of Bodhisattvas making offerings to the gods in the clouds, and paintings on the walls, all of which represent the pinnacle of Heian Buddhist art.

(2) The Tale of Genji Museum

The world's oldest full-length novel for women is The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu in the 11th century. The Tale of Genji Museum introduces the costumes and lives of the aristocrats in Uji, the setting of the novel, through models and videos.

(3) Uji Tea

Uji is also famous as one of Japan's leading tea-producing regions. Visitors will visit the "Tea Ceremony House Takumi no Yakata" and learn how to brew Uji tea in a teapot to make it tasty. A Japanese tea instructor will give a lecture on gyokuro, matcha, and sencha teas and introduce tips on how to successfully brew (or prepare) tea by yourself. (confectionery included)

For those who are further interested in Japanese green tea, Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop (reservation required) is also recommended.

 

Meeting Place:
The meeting place for this tour is JR Kyoto Station's Rooftop Sky Garden.

Transportation:
We will go by subway to get to Uji..

The tour route is as follows:
AM Tour: JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → JR Uji Station → Byodo-in Temple’s Phoenix Hall → Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop → Uji Cha Dojo → Tsuen Tea House → Uji Bridge
PM Tour: JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → JR Uji Station → Uji Bridge → Tsuen Tea House → Uji Cha Dojo → Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop → Byodo-in Temple Phoenix Hall

The tour ends at either Uji Bridge or Byodo-in Temple’s Phoenix Hall. The nearest station to both locations, JR Uji Station, is a 10-minute walk away.

Want to experience more after this tour? We recommend the following:
W004 Toji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, & Tofukuji Temple Tour

JR Kyoto Station Rooftop Sky Garden → JR Uji Station → Byodo-in Temple’s Phoenix Hall → Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop → Uji Cha Dojo → Tsuen Tea House → Uji Bridge

In the event of cancellation, the following fees will apply:
(1) 3-14 days prior to the program: 20% of the program fee
(2) 2 days prior to the program: 50% of the program fee
(3) One day before the program or on the day*: 100% of the program fee

*In the case of a no-show, a separate remittance fee will also be charged.