Whisking matcha in a bowl on a bamboo tray.
Deer grazing in Nara Park, Japan, with lush green trees in the background.
Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan with autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.
Tōdai-ji Temple entrance with traditional lanterns and wooden architecture in Nara, Japan.
Moss-covered stone lanterns along a path at Kasuga Taisha, Nara, Japan.
Buddha statue with offerings inside Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan.
Tōdai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall in Nara, Japan, with visitors exploring the grounds.

Matcha Tour: Nara Park, Uji, and Hot Spring from Osaka, Kyoto

Kyoto
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Duration: Flexible (up to 11 hours)

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience

Transfers included

Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a Car

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

Hotel pickup

Convenient pick-up at your location

Get your booking confirmed instantly

Experience the Matcha Tour, which takes you through Nara Park and Uji on your way to enjoy hot springs in Kyoto, Japan. This tour offers an enriching journey that combines cultural exploration with relaxation, starting from Osaka and passing through key attractions like Nara Park and Uji before arriving at a soothing hot spring destination. It promises an engaging adventure across these renowned sites within the vibrant region of Kyoto.

A Full-day tour offers a delightful journey through Japan's historic landmarks including Byodo-in Temple and Uji’s renowned matcha culture. Visitors also enjoy encounters with friendly deer in Nara Park and the serenity of natural hot springs.

Nara Park is not just about feeding its amiable deer; it hosts Todaiji Temple, featuring a 15m Great Buddha, alongside Kasuga Taisha Shrine known for its beautiful lantern-lined forest paths.

Uji’s charm as Japan's tea capital shines through with visits to Byodoin Temple and the Tale of Genji Museum. The experience is further supported by sampling matcha sweets and soba along Omotesando Street.

Conclude your adventure at Uji’s Genji Hot Spring, where both indoor and outdoor baths nourished by natural waters provide a tranquil escape for relaxation after an exciting day exploring Kyoto's cultural sites.

Choose between convenient round-trip transfers from Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi area or hotel pickup in Osaka to ensure easy travel arrangements.

Full-day guided tour of landmarks in Nara and Uji

Access to A/C transportation for your journey

Transfers from Osaka, including Namba Shinsaibashi (as per option selected)

Hotel pick-up service from Osaka (as per option selected)

Landmarks visited include: Nara Park visit; Uji (Byodo-in Temple area) visit; Kasuga Taisha Shrine visit

Entry to explore the scenic beauty of Nara Park

Visit the serene Byodo-in Temple area in Uji

Access to experience the historical significance at Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Lunch Break

Byodo-in Temple Entry + Hot Spring Access

Attraction Entrances

Tipping

Whisking matcha in a bowl on a bamboo tray.

Whisking matcha in a bowl on a bamboo tray.

Welcome to Matcha Tour: Nara Park, Uji, and Hot Spring from Osaka, Kyoto! This full-day guided tour takes you through two of Japan's most beautiful destinations in a single day. Discover the serene beauty of Nara and explore Uji’s rich matcha culture.

Begin your journey at Nara Park where friendly deer roam freely among famous landmarks like Todaiji Temple, home to its awe-inspiring 15m Great Buddha. Explore the lantern-lined forest paths leading to Kasuga Taisha Shrine for a truly magical experience. From there, head over to Uji—Japan’s tea capital—to visit Byodo-in Temple and explore local flavors with matcha sweets along Omotesando Street.

End your day on a relaxing note at Genji Hot Spring in Uji, where you can relax in both indoor and outdoor baths fed by natural waters. The tour includes air-conditioned transportation for your comfort throughout the journey. Choose between round-trip transfers from Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi or hotel pick-up options to make travel easy.

Deer grazing in Nara Park, Japan, with lush green trees in the background.

Deer grazing in Nara Park, Japan, with lush green trees in the background.

Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan with autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.

Tōdai-ji Temple in Nara, Japan with autumn foliage and a clear blue sky.

Tōdai-ji Temple entrance with traditional lanterns and wooden architecture in Nara, Japan.

Tōdai-ji Temple entrance with traditional lanterns and wooden architecture in Nara, Japan.

What to bring

  • Carry Japanese yen for admission fees, meals, and personal expenses as these are not included.

A valid photo ID is necessary in case it's requested during the tour.

What’s not allowed

  • Pets are forbidden except for registered service animals.
  • No alcohol, drugs, or any form of intoxication on the tour.

Smoking is prohibited both on the bus and in designated non-smoking areas during the tour.

Accessibility

    This experience cannot accommodate wheelchair users.

    Additional information

    • Tickets do not cover admission fees for Byodo-in Temple and the hot spring; these must be paid on-site.
    • Lunch and matcha tasting are excluded from your package, so please arrange them separately.
    • The tour is conducted in large groups.
    • Hotel pick-up service is available only for select variants at designated hotels in Osaka; refer to your booking confirmation for specifics.
    • Tours proceed regardless of weather conditions—dress appropriately.
    • Gratuities are optional and not included in the tour cost.

    Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tour.

    Recommendations

    • Lunch at Kasugano, Kasuga Tea House, or Noodle House: Savor local cuisine while enjoying views of deer in Nara Park (meals are self-paid).
    • Explore the Phoenix Hall and Heian-period gardens around Byodoin Temple; admission is 600 yen for adults with an additional 300 yen to enter the Phoenix Hall.
    • Visit Uji's Tale of Genji Museum, featuring models, multimedia presentations, and seasonal exhibits (admission: 500 yen for adults, 250 yen for children).

    Savor matcha desserts at Duifengan, Nakamura Fujiyoshi, or Ito Kuemon; enjoy Uji’s renowned matcha in various sweets, ice creams, and noodles (cost is self-paid).

    Moss-covered stone lanterns along a path at Kasuga Taisha, Nara, Japan.

    Moss-covered stone lanterns along a path at Kasuga Taisha, Nara, Japan.

    Buddha statue with offerings inside Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan.

    Buddha statue with offerings inside Tōdai-ji Temple, Nara, Japan.

    Bring Japanese yen for admission fees and personal expenses as they are not included in the tour package.

    Carry a valid photo ID with you since it may be requested during verification processes on the tour.

    If your itinerary includes visiting multiple attractions, consider starting at Nara Park to maximize your day's exploration before heading back towards Uji and Kyoto.

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    FAQs

    Admission fees for Byodo-in Temple and Genji Hot Spring are not included; you will be responsible for these costs separately.
    Lunch is not included as part of the Matcha Tour package; you'll need to make arrangements separately for meals during your trip.
    It is recommended to carry Japanese yen for admission fees, meals, and personal expenses as these are not included in the tour package.
    The tour includes visits to Nara Park, Uji (Byodo-in Temple area), and Kasuga Taisha Shrine among other landmarks.
    The tour provides air-conditioned (A/C) transportation and includes transfers from Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi or hotel pick-up in Osaka, based on selected options at booking time.
    Pets are not allowed except for registered service animals during the Matcha Tour.
    Highlights include visiting Nara Park and Uji's matcha culture, exploring landmarks like Byodo-in Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and relaxing in a natural hot spring at Genji Hot Spring.
    Alcohol, drugs, and smoking (except in designated non-smoking areas) are strictly forbidden on this tour.
    The tour offers an option for round-trip transfers from Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi area or a hotel pick-up in Osaka, depending on your choice at booking.
    A valid photo ID is required, which may be requested during the course of the Matcha Tour.

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