This 5-day journey is crafted for travelers who wish to slow down and savor Kyoto through the timeless ritual of matcha. Based entirely in the old capital, the itinerary weaves together UNESCO World Heritage temples, atmospheric stone-paved lanes, and hands-on tea experiences, making it an ideal escape for those with a genuine love of Japanese green tea and refined tradition.

Explore the wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera and the charming slopes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, then take part in a formal matcha ceremony inside a century-old machiya tearoom. Wander the serene bamboo groves of Arashiyama, craft seasonal wagashi sweets by hand, and travel to Uji — the spiritual home of Japanese tea — to grind your own matcha on a traditional stone mill before strolling its historic tea street.

With private guiding, an English-speaking host, and a comfortably paced schedule, this tour offers an immersive yet relaxed way to experience Kyoto’s cultural heart. It is especially suited to matcha enthusiasts and curious travelers who want authentic, guided tea experiences without the rush of a wider multi-city trip.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Discover Kyoto, Arashiyama, and Uji in one seamless journey centered on Japan’s tea culture.
• A focused 5-day itinerary that pairs iconic temples with genuine hands-on matcha experiences.
• Travel with a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, so you can explore with ease and confidence.
• A perfect choice for matcha lovers seeking authentic tea ceremonies, sweet-making, and stone-mill grinding.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 160 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Please note that prices may also vary during high-demand periods, including:
・March–April (spring season)
・Year-end and New Year holidays
・Obon holiday period (mid-August)
・Autumn foliage season
・Long holiday weekends

Final pricing will be confirmed based on travel dates and availability.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Kyoto

Relax at your hotel and settle in after arrival.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 2 | Kyoto

• Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple (UNESCO World Heritage temple with its famous wooden stage overlooking the city)
• Stroll Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka (traditional stone-paved lanes lined with shops and teahouses)
• Tea Ceremony Experience at an authentic machiya tearoom
• Visit Kodai-ji Temple (graceful Zen temple known for its refined gardens and tea houses)
• Stroll Yasaka Shrine & Gion District (Kyoto’s celebrated geisha quarter with preserved wooden streets)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 3 | Kyoto

• Transfer to Arashiyama by public transportation
• Visit Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Zen temple with a celebrated 14th-century pond garden)
• Stroll Arashiyama Bamboo Grove & Togetsukyo Bridge (iconic bamboo path and historic river bridge)
• Wagashi Making Experience (craft seasonal Kyoto sweets and enjoy them with freshly whisked matcha)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 4 | Kyoto

• Transfer to Uji by public transportation
• Visit Byodo-in Temple (UNESCO World Heritage temple whose Phoenix Hall appears on the Japanese 10-yen coin)
• Stone-Mill Matcha Grinding Experience (hand-grind tencha leaves into matcha, then whisk and savor it with sweets)
• Stroll Byodoin-omotesando Tea Street (historic lane of long-established tea houses perfect for matcha tastings)
• Visit Ujigami Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage shrine regarded as the oldest surviving Shinto shrine architecture)

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 5 | Kyoto

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport.

If you’d like to extend your stay, add experiences, or arrange hotels only without a guide, we’re happy to customize your plans.

Inclusions

• Private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide
• 5 days itinerary
• 4 nights accommodation in 3 star accommodation
• Breakfast everyday
• Public transportation
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
• Tea ceremony experience at an authentic machiya tearoom
• Wagashi (Japanese sweets) making experience
• Stone-mill matcha grinding experience

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Travel Insurance
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

Please note that the stone-mill matcha grinding experience is subject to availability and may be adjusted depending on operating conditions on the day.

Tell Us More, and We’ll Find the Best Plan for You

Interested in this 5-day package? Contact us anytime to begin planning your trip.

If you would like to extend your stay or add more experiences, we can arrange additional days, activities, or accommodations upon request.

We also offer fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and travel style. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.