Liquid Heritage: A Journey through the Tea of Uji and the Sake of Joyo

Course Highlights

Savor the Soul of Kyoto in Every Sip

Experience the profound beverage culture of Japan in the historic Kyoto countryside. Just a 17-minute train ride from Kyoto Shinkansen Station brings you to Uji, the world capital of Matcha. This unhurried tour takes you through hidden Zen paths, hands-on tea workshops at local farms, and ends with a premium tasting at a dedicated sake brewery in Joyo. A sensory journey for the refined palate.

Course Overview

  • Duration: Approx. 8.5 hours
  • Target: Repeat Travelers, Culture Enthusiasts, & Foodies
  • Start: Kyoto Station
  • Finish: Kyoto Station

Highlights

  • Stroll the serene "Kotozaka" at Kosho-ji, a peaceful Zen path away from the crowds.
  • Learn the delicate art of hand-rolling matcha at an authentic Uji tea farm.
  • Enjoy a signature Matcha-infused lunch at the legendary Nakamura Tokichi Honten.
  • Taste Japanese sake, including world-class "Joyo Junmai Daiginjo 40 (Yamada Nishiki)", at a historic local brewery.

Morning: Riverside Serenity and Zen Aesthetics

Begin your journey in Uji, following the gentle flow of the river to a hidden Zen temple known for its musical namesake and natural beauty.

09:30 - Kyoto Station to Uji & Kosho-ji Temple

Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji. Walk along the scenic Uji River and cross the red Asagiri-bashi Bridge. Head to Koshoji to walk up the "Kotozaka" (Harp Slope), a quiet, verdant path. Unlike the busier shrines, here you can truly connect with the Zen atmosphere and seasonal beauty.

Midday: The Art of Tea — Farm to Table

Dive into the craftsmanship of Uji tea. Master the traditional techniques of tea processing before savoring the city’s iconic culinary creations.

11:00 - Tea Farm Experience: Hand-rolling & Grinding

Visit a local tea farm for a hands-on workshop. Experience the rhythmic art of stone-mill grinding to create your own vibrant matcha powder, and learn the traditional hand-rolling techniques that give Uji tea its world-renowned depth.

13:00 - Lunch at Nakamura Tokichi Honten

Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at the café of Nakamura Tokichi Honten’s a historic establishment with over 170 years of history. Their tea-infused soba noodles and matcha jelly are treasures of Uji gastronomy. Take a moment to admire the stately architecture of this long-established shop and savor a blissful moment.

Afternoon: The Spirit of Joyo Sake

Venture slightly south to Joyo City, a hidden gem where soft spring water and local rice create some of Japan’s elegant sake.

15:30 - Joyo Sake Brewery: Tasting & Tradition

Travel to Joyo (via JR Nara Line or taxi). Visit the Joyo Sake Brewery, known for using the pure underground water of the Kizu River. Savor a flight of premium sake, including the refined "Joyo Junmai Daiginjo 40 (Yamada Nishiki)" and learn about the meticulous brewing process that results in such clean, complex flavors.

17:30 - Return to Kyoto Station

Head back to the Shinkansen hub at Kyoto Station, carrying the lingering notes of premium tea and sake—a perfect conclusion to your cultural exploration.

Tour maps