Take a Drive Around Famous Spots in Kyoto Infused with Tea

Kiyomizu-dera Temple has been a center of faith for over 1,200 years. The view of the city from the wooden veranda of the main shrine, which was built without nails, is magnificent. Then take a visit to Heian-jingu Shrine, with its symbolic massive torii gate, which was built to mark the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo (Kyoto). Come experience the history of Kyoto.

Accommodations (in Kyoto City/around Kyoto Station)

Nagarebashi bridge (officially known as Kouzuyabashi) and the surrounding tea plantations are beautiful. It’s a wonderful place to experience the culture of Yawata. The Iwashimizu Hachimangu shrine is a must-visit place, too. Perched on Mt. Otokoyama, the main building complex offers a majestic sight as well as serene escape. The shrine has National Treasures including the main building, and many other cultural properties. After visiting the shrine, continue your journey to Shokado Garden and Art Museum, renowned for its exquisite landscape. It has a prestigious restaurant, Kyoto Kitcho Shokado. Savor their famous seasonal Shokado boxed lunch, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the garden.

Accommodations (in Uji / around JR and Keihan Uji Stations)

Uji is a beautiful place that has a world-famous reputation for its tea. For hands-on experiences with Uji tea, there are dedicated facilities and museums. You can also enjoy sweets made from tea and experience a tea ceremony. Uji has so much more to discover. For example, on Hachiju-Hachi-Ya (the 88th day from the first day of spring), people gather to pick tea leaves. (You can join in.) Cormorant Fishing on the Uji River is one of the summer highlights. (Cormorants are birds, and cormorant masters manipulate them to catch fish.) In October, the Uji tea Festival is held. The World Heritage sites, Byodoin Temple and Ujikami Shrine are beautiful throughout the year.

Mt. Kasagi is home to massive rocks that have been worshiped since antiquity. There is Kasagidera Temple near the peak of the mountain. You can see Buddhist images carved on huge rocks, including one that is said to be Japan’s oldest Buddhist image on a rock. The panoramic view from the temple is magnificent, too. Moreover, during the cold season, if the weather conditions are just right, you might encounter a stunning sea of clouds.

Accommodations (in Wazuka or Kasagi)

Wazuka is a peaceful town that produces approximately 40% of Uji tea. Surrounded by breathtaking tea plantations, this charming place is sometimes called “Chagenkyo (Teatopia)”. Begin your exploration around Wazukacha Cafe. You can also visit Tenku Cafe, a private tea room with a great view from a hill. In Ishidera, tea fields stretch as far as the eye can see, which is a special view you can only find here.

Exploring Tono no Sato is a lot of fun. This area is filled with stone Buddhist images along its paths. You can also visit Joruriji Temple, Gansenji Temple, and more. Walking through the Kamikoma Tea Wholesaler District is amazing, too. You’ll feel the history of the city’s tea as you stroll. You can also try your hand at making matcha green tea with a millstone at Fukujuen CHA(Tea) Experience Park. These experiences will be treasured memories forever.

Accommodations (in Nara/around Nara Station)

Pay a visit to Todai-ji Temple and the great image of Buddha that presents Japan's unique view on religion, take a stroll around Nara Park, where you'll run into wild deer, and then head straight to Kansai International Airport.