Experience the origin and pinnacle of Japanese tea culture with your whole body
Uji tea in Kyoto is the origin of Japanese tea culture and the best brand. Uji is truly a “tea town” where all kinds of tea cultures come together. And the largest tea producing area is Wazuka, where the beautiful tea fields that spread as far as the eye can see give a unique feeling of the world.
This tour starts or finishes in Nara and Kyoto with transportation included, and cycles between Uji and Wazuka on an E-Bike. Enjoy tea and sweets while looking at the tea fields. An optional tea ceremony in a teahouse is also available.
Days: 1 day *Standard hours are from 9am to 3pm
Distance: 43km
Elevation gain: 760m
*You can start from either Nara or Kyoto, but we recommend starting from Nara.
＊This feature is presented in collaboration with “Kyoto by the Sea e-Bikes.”
Wazuka 800 Years of Tea Village
15km north from Nara, about an hour by bicycle, is a mountain village called Wazuka. This is the oldest tea producing area in Japan, and was once under direct control of the Emperor. Vast tea fields stretch out here, and life there is centered around tea.
Take a break with the best tea
Wazuka has many tea houses, all of which serve the best quality tea in Japan.
Uji River (Amagase Dam)
Uji is connected to Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Lake Biwa by rivers. The Uji River flows from Lake Biwa and has a very strong current and is very powerful.
Uji
Going north from Wazuka, over the mountains, about 20km, we will arrive at Uji.
Uji is a city that developed as a detached palace of Kyoto, and the government often took refuge here when war broke out in Kyoto.
This is where Japanese tea culture flourished, and even today it attracts many tourists.
Uji tea street (Byodoin Temple Omotesando)
Uji is a tourist destination and the largest brand of Japanese tea. Incidentally, Wazuka tea is also one of the Uji tea brands, accounting for half of the total.
Depending on time, your ride will end in Uji where you will be driven back to your hotel.
Uji Pottery shopping
Tea utensils are an essential part of Japanese tea culture, and Uji is home to many tea utensil craftsmen and even has a gallery.
Tea ceremony (optional 20 minutes, OK on the day)
In Uji, you can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a teahouse. For about 2000 yen per person, professional staff will teach you the proper etiquette while you drink tea. On busy days, the place is fully booked, so if you really want to experience a tea ceremony, make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Byodo-in (optional)
Byodo-in Temple is a representative Japanese temple architecture, depicted on the Japanese 10 yen coin. It is characterized by a golden phoenix and a hall floating on a pond. The admission fee is 600 yen per person.
◆ See more Kyoto courses here.
– Cycling around Lake Biwa & Kyoto (4days)
– Nara, Wazuka & Uji Tea fields eBike Tour (1day, Car supported)
Post Date：2025.07.09
