Matcha Tea Journey: Uji’s Tea Festivals and Cultural Workshops in Kyoto’s Verdant South
- Douglas Jay Falcon
- Sep 6, 2025
- 1 min read
Uji, Kyoto’s emerald tea-growing haven, radiates a matcha tea journey, where vibrant tea festivals, quirky tea-tasting events, and unique cultural experiences offer a serene immersion, from matcha harvest ceremonies to anime-inspired tea art workshops, just 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by JR Nara Line. Renowned for its matcha production and the UNESCO-listed Byodoin Temple, this tranquil town draws tea lovers and cultural explorers to its lush fields, perfect for a unique experience after touring tea plantations or savoring matcha soba at a local eatery. Adored by locals for its blend of Heian-era heritage and modern creativity, Uji offers English-friendly signage at major sites, accessible event spaces, and lesser-known local traditions tucked in tea house gardens, balancing iconic festivals with hidden cultural gems. From celebrating at the Uji Tea Festival to crafting matcha-themed anime art, Uji’s journey weaves a verdant tapestry where Kyoto’s tea-infused soul blooms, inviting you to sip a world where green fields and sacred temples embrace the heart.
Uji Tea Festival (October)
In Uji (free entry; tastings ¥500–¥2,000), this festival features matcha ceremonies and tea stalls, centered around Uji Bridge, a 5-minute walk from Uji Station.
Matcha Art Workshop (Uji Tea House)
In Uji (¥3,000–¥6,000 per session), this tea house offers anime-inspired matcha art classes, a 7-minute walk from Uji Station.
Location Benefits: Uji’s JR Nara and Keihan Uji lines link to Kyoto Station (20 minutes) or Fushimi (10 minutes). Walkable Byodoin Temple, local matcha tea houses, and Uji River offer cultural and scenic depth, with Uji Station’s access ideal for tea festivals and cultural workshops in Kyoto’s verdant south.
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