1-Day Uji & Nara Tour

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Uji and Nara on this 1-day tour from Kyoto. Start your journey with a scenic train ride to Uji, where you’ll visit the iconic Uji Bridge and Nakanoshima Park. In Uji, experience a traditional tea ceremony at Taihoan, located in a renowned tea-growing region. Admire the beautifully preserved Byodo-in Temple, famous for its vibrant architecture, restored to its original glory.

In the afternoon, explore the historic city of Nara, home to some of Japan's most treasured landmarks. Visit the grand Todai-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site housing the Great Buddha, and the serene Kasuga Taisha Shrine. 

As you walk through Nara Park, you'll encounter the park’s friendly deer, a unique experience that brings you closer to the natural beauty of the area. This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the history, culture, and beauty of two of Japan’s cherished cities.

Tour Highlights

• Scenic train ride from Kyoto to Uji

• Uji Bridge and peaceful Nakanoshima Park

• Traditional tea ceremony experience at Taihoan

• Stunning Byodo-in Temple with restored colors

• World Heritage Site visits in Nara: Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Close encounter with friendly deer at Nara Park

What’s Covered

• Guide for the entire tour

• Admission fees to all listed sites

• English-speaking guide

What’s Extra

• Any unlisted expenses

• Personal spending

Essentials to Know Before Booking

• Your e-voucher will be sent by email and must be shown upon arrival.

• Face masks are mandatory, and health and temperature checks will be conducted on the tour day.

• Anyone with a temperature over 37.5°C or feeling unwell may be unable to join.

• The morning portion is a walking tour, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• The afternoon portion will take place on a bus.

• Visits to Nakanoshima Park may be adjusted if river water levels are high.

• The tea ceremony may feature matcha or sencha and may be shared with other guests.

• The walk to Todai-ji Temple is about 15 minutes from the parking area.

• Please inform us when booking if someone in your group needs mobility assistance.

• The tour does not include entry to paid areas at Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

• Nara Nagomikan may be skipped due to closure or heavy traffic.

• The tour cannot be combined with the Kyoto Night Tour or Kyoto Maiko Dinner.

• Drop-off service may not be available for some hotels during the Gion Festival.

• Schedule and arrival times may vary due to road or site conditions.

• Seating on transportation is not pre-assigned.

• Transportation type may vary based on group size, including buses, vans, or taxis.

• The tour departs at 8:20 AM from the Sunrise Tours Desk across from Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.

Meeting Point

Sunrise Tours Desk inside Avanti

31 B1F AVANTI Nishisannocho, Higashikujo, Minami Ward, Kyoto

Tour Itinerary

8:30 AM – Departure from Kyoto

• Depart from the Sunrise Tours Desk located inside Avanti, directly across from the Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit.

• Travel from Kyoto Station to Uji Station on a JR Rapid/Local train (20 minutes, non-reserved seating).

Uji Bridge & Nakanoshima Park

• Explore Uji Bridge, an iconic landmark known for its historical significance.

• Enjoy a stroll through Nakanoshima Park, a peaceful area that beautifully highlights Uji’s natural scenery.

Tea Ceremony at Taihoan

• Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Uji, a city renowned for its deep-rooted tea culture. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of this authentic Japanese ritual.

Visit Byodo-in Temple

• Discover the stunning Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with beautifully restored colors that showcase its architectural grandeur.

Return to Kyoto

• Take a JR Rapid/Local train from Uji Station back to Kyoto Station (20 minutes, non-reserved seating).

• Walk to Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (formerly known as New Miyako Hotel).

12:30 PM – Lunch

• Enjoy a delicious Western-style lunch at Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (approx. 60 minutes).

Depart for Nara

• Board the tour bus for a scenic journey to Nara, where the afternoon is dedicated to exploring historical landmarks.

Todai-ji Temple

• Marvel at Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. This World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Japanese temple architecture.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

• Visit the renowned Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its vibrant lanterns and serene surroundings. This ancient shrine is another World Heritage Site on the itinerary.

Nara Nagomikan (Gift Shop)

• Conclude your Nara visit with a stop at Nara Nagomikan, a popular shop where you can browse for unique souvenirs and local specialties.

6:30 – 7:30 PM – Return to Kyoto

• After a day filled with memorable experiences, enjoy a convenient drop-off at Kyoto city hotels.

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