Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour
Unlike generic sightseeing tours, this 1.5-hour journey offers a deep, guided experience into Japan’s rich tea culture—right in its spiritual homeland, Uji. You won’t just walk past famous sites; you’ll gain rare insights from a professional local guide who brings centuries of history and tradition to life. From the immersive, modern exhibits at Chazuna to the timeless charm of Tsuen, Japan’s oldest teahouse, you’ll explore both the past and present of Japanese tea in a way that’s intimate, informative, and unforgettable. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or simply curious, this tour offers an authentic, sensory journey into one of Japan’s most cherished cultural treasures.
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Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour
What's included in Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Chazuna
Chazuna is a contemporary museum in Uji dedicated to the rich heritage of Japanese tea. Unlike traditional museums, Chazuna offers a fully immersive experience: from interactive exhibits and beautifully curated multimedia displays to hands-on educational materials, it brings the world of tea vividly to life. Visitors can explore the journey of tea—from its cultivation in misty fields to its place in Japanese culture and daily rituals. The architecture itself reflects the aesthetics of tea: clean, harmonious, and rooted in nature. Whether you’re a seasoned tea enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Chazuna is the perfect gateway to understanding the depth and beauty of Uji’s tea traditions.
Tsuen is not just a teahouse—it’s a living piece of history. Located at the foot of the iconic Uji Bridge, Tsuen has been serving tea since 1160, making it Japan’s oldest operating teahouse. For over eight centuries, this humble yet revered establishment has welcomed samurai, monks, poets, and travelers with its time-honored hospitality. The wooden building, with its simple yet elegant design, carries the atmosphere of old Japan. Stepping into Tsuen is like stepping back in time, where you can savor expertly prepared tea while surrounded by centuries of tradition. It’s a place where you don’t just drink tea—you experience it with all your senses.
Inclusions
- Professional local guide
- Visit to Tsuen teahouse
- Tea and tea sweets tasting at a traditional teahouse
- Visit to Chazuna tea museum
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Please meet in front of the entrance to Chazuna (The Uji Tea Museum). Your guide will be waiting for you holding a yellow sign. For exact directions, please refer to the map.
End Points
- Tsuen is located in the heart of Uji, making it a convenient spot to end the tour. After the tour, you’ll find it easy to continue exploring Uji’s historic sites or travel on to your next destination.
