Kyoto & Nara: World Heritage Day Trip with Uji Matcha Making

Summary

Wander Nara’s temples, feed deer, make matcha in Uji Kyoto

You’ll wander ancient temples in Nara alongside gentle deer and light incense at Kasuga Taisha Shrine before heading to Kyoto’s Uji for hands-on matcha tea making with locals. Taste real Uji matcha and spot Byodo-in’s Phoenix Hall from your coins—each stop feels personal thanks to your guide’s stories and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled into Nara just as the morning haze was lifting, and honestly, I was still half-asleep until our guide, Emi, started pointing out the old palace ruins through the coach window. You could almost feel the weight of history pressing up from the ground—Heijokyo Palace looked quiet but somehow important. We didn’t stop there long; it was more of a glimpse as we headed for Todaiji Temple. That first step inside—my shoes squeaked on the wood—and then suddenly you’re face-to-face with this enormous bronze Buddha. I wasn’t prepared for how calm it felt in there, even with a crowd. The incense hit me first (sweet but sharp), and then just silence except for a few camera clicks.

Nara Park is right next door, and if you’ve heard about the deer… well, they’re everywhere. I bought those rice crackers from a lady who smiled but didn’t say much—maybe she knew what was coming. The deer are bold; one nuzzled my pocket looking for snacks. Someone’s kid shrieked when a whole group closed in (it’s funny now). Emi told us these deer are considered messengers of the gods here, which made me feel better about being mugged by them. After that we wandered to Kasuga Taisha Shrine—lanterns everywhere, mossy stone and flickering light even though it was daytime. It smelled like damp earth and old wood.

Lunch was simple but good—rice, pickles, something grilled I couldn’t quite name. Then we drove out to Uji in Kyoto for what I’d been waiting for: matcha making. The shop owner showed us how to whisk the tea just right—I definitely didn’t get it perfect (Li laughed when I tried to say “usucha” in Japanese). The matcha tasted grassy and slightly bitter but sort of comforting? We walked around Byodo-in Temple after—the Phoenix Hall is on the 10-yen coin, which felt oddly satisfying to see in real life. Sunlight caught on the roof tiles and everything seemed very still for a moment.

I keep thinking about that day—the mix of crowds and quiet moments, old stories layered over everything. If you want a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka that actually feels full but not rushed, this is it. Just don’t wear white shoes near those deer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nara and Uji Matcha Experience

• Drive past Fushimi Castle and Heijokyo Palace
• Visit Todaiji Temple and see Great Buddha
• Meet and feed deer at Nara Park
• Visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine with stone lanterns
• Lunch break
• Travel to Uji area in Kyoto
• Try making authentic Uji matcha tea
• See Byodo-in Phoenix Hall
• Walk around and taste matcha sweets

Top questions

How long does this Kyoto & Nara day trip take?

The tour covers all main sites in one full day including transport between Kyoto/Nara/Uji.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, a Japanese-style lunch is included if selected during booking.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Vegetarian meals can be arranged if requested at least two days before the tour date.

Are entry fees covered?

Admission fees for Byodo-in Temple and Todaiji Temple are included in your booking.

Is there hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is provided; you’ll need to arrive at the meeting point on time.

How much walking is involved?

This tour includes lots of walking with stairs and hills at several locations; moderate fitness is recommended.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

A professional English-speaking guide leads the tour; multilingual audio guidance is available on board in several languages including French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese, and Ukrainian.

What happens if one site is closed?

If any visiting place is closed due to unforeseen reasons, an alternative will be offered or compensation given as appropriate; refunds are not provided for changes.

What’s included

Your day includes deluxe coach transport between Kyoto, Nara and Uji with WiFi onboard; admission fees for Byodo-in Temple and Todaiji Temple; a professional English-speaking guide (with multilingual audio guidance available); hands-on Uji matcha tea making experience; Japanese-style lunch if selected during booking; plus plenty of time to wander through parks and temples before returning in the evening.