Nara and Uji Day Trip from Kyoto with Matcha Making
About Nara and Uji Day Trip from Kyoto with Matcha Making
This guided coach tour covers 3 World Heritage sites in one day: Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha in Nara, and Byodo-in in Uji, plus a hands-on matcha experience. It has 2,836 reviews and a 4.9 rating.
The tour lasts about 8.5 hours, with prices from about $127 per person. It leaves from Kyoto Station, so it is an easy day out without planning trains.
Itinerary
- Kasuga Grand Shrine (30 minutes)
- Nara Park (30 minutes)
- Nandaimon (great South Gate) (5 minutes)
- Todai-ji Temple (40 minutes)
- Nara Palace Site Historical Park
- Uji (50 minutes)
- Byodoin Temple (40 minutes)
- Uji (30 minutes)
- Byodoin Omotesando (30 minutes)
What’s included
- Last-minute bookings will receive reguler meal
- A Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
- WiFi on board
- Uji Macha making experience
- Admission for Byodoin Temple
- Please note that vegetarian meal arrangements can be made up to 2 days before the tour date
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Japanese style Lunch(If selected)
- Admission for Todaiji Temple
- Multilingual Audio Guidance
Meeting point
【MEETING POINT】 in front of Tully’s Coffee in Kyoto Avanti ★Outside the main entrance of the building. 【Meeting time】7:50am 【Departure time】8:00am ★Look out for green and white flag "Japan Panoramic Tours" ★No refunds or changes will be given to latecomers and no-shows
What to expect on the day
The coach passes Fushimi Castle and the Heijo Palace site on the way to Nara. There you visit Todaiji Temple, home of the Great Buddha and one of the world’s largest wooden buildings, then meet the free-roaming deer of Nara Park and walk to Kasuga Taisha, famous for its stone lanterns. After lunch, the tour heads to Uji, the home of matcha, where you make your own tea and visit Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, the temple shown on the 10-yen coin. A professional English-speaking guide leads the day, and audio guidance is available on the bus in several languages.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: English-speaking guide, air-conditioned coach with WiFi, multilingual audio guide, entry to Todaiji and Byodo-in, the Uji matcha making experience, and a Japanese-style lunch if you select it.
- Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off, gratuities, deer crackers and other food or drinks.
What to bring
- Cash, as deer crackers and some shops accept cash only.
- Comfortable shoes for stairs and hills.
- Water and a hat in summer.
Tips for a better day
- Be on time: Meet at 7:50 am in front of Tully’s Coffee outside the main entrance of Kyoto Avanti, near Kyoto Station. The coach leaves at 8:00 am, and latecomers get no refund.
- Look for the flag: Staff hold a green and white “Japan Panoramic Tours” flag.
- Booked separately? Send the operator all booking numbers so your group can ride the same bus.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Travelers who want to see Nara and Uji in one easy day with a guide and transportation handled.
Consider another option if: You prefer to stay in Kyoto and travel at a slower pace. The Hidden Kyoto e-bike tour covers Kinkakuji and quieter temples in half a day.
Restrictions
A moderate level of fitness is needed, as there is a lot of walking, including stairs and hills. Strollers are fine. Vegetarian meals can be arranged up to 2 days before the tour, but vegan, gluten-free and some allergy requests cannot be met. The order of stops may change for traffic or weather.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about Nara and Uji Day Trip from Kyoto with Matcha Making
How long is the Nara and Uji day trip?
About 8.5 hours.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from about $127 per person.
Where does it start?
In front of Tully's Coffee outside Kyoto Avanti, near Kyoto Station. Meet at 7:50 am for an 8:00 am departure.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You go to the meeting point yourself.
Which sites does it visit?
Todaiji Temple, Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha and Byodo-in, plus a matcha making stop in Uji.
Is lunch included?
A Japanese-style lunch is included if you select that option.
Can I feed the deer?
Yes. Deer crackers are sold in Nara Park for cash.
Is there a guide?
Yes. A professional English-speaking guide, plus multilingual audio guidance on the bus.
Can vegetarians join?
Yes. Request a vegetarian meal at least 2 days before the tour.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
