Full-Day Tour in Uji and Nara With Lunch

Visitors to Japan have the opportunity to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Uji and Nara with this comprehensive full-day tour. Delving into the region’s storied past, you will explore verdant tea plantations, iconic temples, and the tranquil Nara Park, all while savoring a delectable local lunch. From the serene Byōdō-in temple to the imposing Tōdai-ji Buddha, this curated experience promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. With seamless logistics and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers a truly immersive glimpse into the heart of Japan’s cultural tapestry.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Lunch Experiences In Kyoto.

Key Points

• This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the historic cities of Uji and Nara, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
• The tour includes transportation, guided walking tours, and a visit to Nara Park, allowing you to discover Uji’s green tea plantations and Nara’s Tōdai-ji temple.
• The package includes an English-speaking guide, admission fees, lunch, and gratuities, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience.
• The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring an intimate group setting for a more personalized experience.
• The tour starts and ends at Kyoto Station, allowing participants to continue their activities in the area after the tour.

Overview of the Tour

This full-day tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the historic cities of Uji and Nara, offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour includes transportation by public transit, guided walking tours, and a visit to the renowned Nara Park, home to friendly deer.

Travelers will discover Uji’s renowned green tea plantations, the Byōdō-in temple, and the charming Uji Bridge.

In Nara, they’ll encounter the impressive Tōdai-ji temple and its giant Buddha statue, as well as the opportunity to interact with the park’s friendly deer population.

Throughout the day, an English-speaking guide provides insightful commentary, ensuring a truly enriching experience.

Inclusions and Highlights

The tour provides a comprehensive package that includes a National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter, admission fees and transportation costs, a delicious lunch, and gratuities.

Hotel pick-up and drop-off services are also covered, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for participants.

Travelers can look forward to visiting the historic sites of Uji and Nara, with guided walking tours in the morning and bus tours in the afternoon.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage of these iconic destinations in Kyoto, Japan.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience for all.

Meeting and Pickup Details

Travelers meet at the JTB SUNRISE TOURS DESK in Kyoto, with the tour departing promptly at 8:30am.

The tour guide will be waiting at the designated meeting point to greet the group. Guests are advised to arrive by 8:20am to allow time for check-in and instructions.

The tour concludes back at Kyoto Station, where travelers can continue their day’s activities or make their own way back to their accommodations.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the meeting point. The tour guide will provide directions and support throughout the day to ensure a seamless experience.

Transportation and Activities

The group takes public transportation for the round trip to Uji, with non-reserved seating.

The tour features a walking component in Uji in the morning, while the afternoon involves a bus tour of Nara.

The tour activities include:

1. Walking tour in Uji in the morning
2. Bus tour in Nara in the afternoon
3. Visiting various historical and cultural sites

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

The tour ensures a well-rounded experience, combining public transit, walking, and bus transportation to deliver a comprehensive exploration of Uji and Nara. Travelers can expect an engaging mix of activities throughout the full-day adventure.

Destinations Visited

Along With the transportation and activities mentioned, the tour also covers two main destinations – Uji and Nara, both located in the Kyoto prefecture of Japan.

Uji is known for its green tea production and the iconic Byōdō-in temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can stroll along the Uji River and learn about the history and traditions of Japanese tea culture.

The tour then moves on to Nara, home to the famous Tōdai-ji temple and its giant bronze Buddha statue. Nara Park is also a popular attraction, where visitors can interact with the friendly deer that roam freely.

Restrictions and Requirements

This tour has some restrictions and requirements for participants.

Not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for travelers with back problems, pregnant women, or those with heart or other medical conditions.

Moderate level of physical fitness is required to fully enjoy the tour.

Maximum of 12 travelers per tour.

The tour involves walking and bus transportation, so participants need to be able to comfortably keep up with the pace of the group.

These restrictions and requirements are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests.

Confirmation and Booking Information

Booking confirmation for the full-day tour in Uji and Nara typically arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour operator requires a minimum of 2 participants for the excursion to proceed as scheduled. In the event the minimum number isn’t met, the tour may be canceled.

Travelers should note that the order of activities and arrival times may differ from the original itinerary. Plus, seating on public transportation isn’t guaranteed, as the tour utilizes non-reserved seating. The total duration includes the travel time between destinations.

With a maximum group size of 12 travelers, this tour offers an intimate experience exploring the cultural highlights of Uji and Nara.

Tour Duration and Group Size

The full-day tour offers an intimate experience, with a maximum group size of 12 travelers. The total duration includes the travel time between the destinations of Uji and Nara. This allows for a more personalized exploration of the sights and a chance to connect with the guide and fellow participants.

The total duration of the tour is a full day, including transportation between Uji and Nara.

The group size is capped at a maximum of 12 travelers, ensuring a small and manageable group.

The tour itinerary and arrival times may vary to accommodate the specific needs of the group.

Seating on the public transportation used isn’t guaranteed, adding to the authentic experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours. The tour package typically includes lunch, so bringing outside food and drinks is not necessary. Travelers should check with the tour operator to confirm any policies regarding outside food and drinks.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed throughout the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines in specific locations, and avoid disrupting the experience of others. Photography policies may vary, so it’s best to check with the tour guide.

How Much Free Time Is Provided at Each Destination?

The tour provides limited free time at each destination, as it’s a full-day guided itinerary. Participants can expect approximately 30-60 minutes of unstructured exploration time at major sites like the temples and shrines in Uji and Nara.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Customers generally can’t customize the itinerary for this tour. It’s a pre-set full-day tour with scheduled activities and transportation. However, travelers can request specific needs or interests when booking to see if the tour provider can accommodate them.

What Should I Bring to Prepare for the Day’s Activities?

For the day’s activities, travelers should bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and any necessary personal items. It’s also recommended to bring small bills and coins for incidentals or optional purchases.

Recap

This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of Uji and Nara, providing a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage.

Participants will discover Uji’s green tea plantations, the Byōdō-in temple, and the iconic Uji Bridge, as well as encounter the Tōdai-ji temple and the giant Buddha statue in Nara, all while surrounded by the friendly deer in Nara Park.

The comprehensive package ensures a seamless and personalized experience.