Discover the World Heritage
and the History of Tea.
The setting of “The Tale of Genji” and a scenic retreat loved by Heian nobility.
Experience an exclusive time travel in Uji, the birthplace of Japan’s finest tea.
Important Notice: Temporary Suspension of Uji Area Tours
Thank you for your continued support of NINJAYA.
We are currently preparing a dedicated private boarding facility in the Uji area to prioritize harmony with the local environment and ensure the highest safety standards. Therefore, we have temporarily suspended our rickshaw tours and related experiences in this area until this ideal environment is complete.
We will announce the resumption date on this website as soon as it is confirmed. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.
During this period, we cordially invite you to experience our exclusive tours and Kyoto’s elegance at our Gion branch.
Explore the Gion BranchFrom a Noble Retreat to
Japan’s Tea Capital
Located south of Kyoto station, Uji City flourished from the Heian period as a scenic retreat for aristocrats, including the powerful Fujiwara clan. It is widely known as the primary setting for the “Uji Chapters,” the final act of Japan’s oldest novel, “The Tale of Genji.” Furthermore, from the Kamakura period onwards, following the encouragement of tea cultivation by Myoe Shonin, Uji developed its unique culture as Japan’s premier tea-producing region.
NINJAYA offers more than just sightseeing. Our dedicated guides, well-versed in this rich historical evolution, provide profound commentary based on objective facts and primary sources, using the rickshaw as a special means of transportation. From the architectural value of the World Heritage Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine to an authentic matcha experience in a traditional tea room, we promise a time-travel experience that satisfies intellectual curiosity and becomes a lifelong memory.
Three Promises to Every Guest
Transparent Pricing
Our plan fees completely cover the nomination fee for experienced guides and high-quality photography support. No hidden charges will occur on the day. You can entrust your journey to us with peace of mind from booking to completion.
Ultimate Comfort
NINJAYA is one of the few companies in Japan that manufactures its own rickshaws. Designed with a wider seat than standard models, guests in kimono can relax without feeling constrained, enjoying a smooth ride akin to a custom-made sofa.
Photography Support
Our guides, knowing every detail of Uji’s natural beauty and historical structures, will capture photos using your camera or smartphone from the best angles, all while preserving the harmony of the surrounding landscape.
Featured Stages
Our private tours in this area are structured around the following World Heritage sites.
(*The information below reflects our standard routes prior to suspension, and will form the foundation upon reopening.)
Byodoin Temple Area and the Uji River
Byodoin, a World Heritage site established in 1052 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi. We provide on-site explanations of the historical significance of its Amida Hall (Phoenix Hall) and Pure Land-style garden. The rickshaw glides along the abundant Uji River, allowing you to relive the views once gazed upon by Heian aristocrats from an elevated perspective.
Uji Shrine & World Heritage Ujigami Shrine
The main hall of Ujigami Shrine is highly acclaimed academically as the oldest existing Shinto shrine architecture in Japan, built with cypress harvested in the late Heian period. Approaching the sacred domain through the tranquil stone-paved “Sawarabi Path”—named after a chapter in The Tale of Genji—offers a deeply immersive experience.
Special Experience: Authentic Uji Tea Ceremony
Uji tea and tea ceremony culture are integral to Uji’s historical backdrop. In collaboration with esteemed local partners, NINJAYA can incorporate an authentic tea ceremony into your private itinerary. While receiving fact-based explanations about the history of matcha and tearoom etiquette, you will physically experience making and tasting tea, deepening your understanding of Kyoto’s traditional culture.
Unraveling the Depths of Uji
Discover the historical context and hidden tales that make your time travel experience even more profound.
Your Dedicated Concierges
NINJAYA provides more than mere transportation.
Only professionals who have passed rigorous training and mastered Kyoto’s history, photography skills, and ultimate hospitality will flawlessly escort your special day.
Akifumi Yamamoto
“His extensive knowledge satisfied my intellectual curiosity with deep historical backstories of Kyoto! I am highly satisfied with the professional-level camerawork.”
Kosuke Utsumi
“His light-hearted talk and overwhelming communication skills brought out natural smiles immediately! The ultimate mood maker who creates the perfect atmosphere.”
Takumi Kawakami
“I was moved by his meticulous attention to detail and polite escort, ensuring my kimono stayed immaculate. A sincere guide I recommend to everyone.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Are NINJAYA rickshaw tours currently available in the Uji area?
What historical sites are included in the Uji route?
What does the tea ceremony experience entail?
Can the rickshaw enter the Byodoin Temple grounds?
Boarding Location
To ensure smooth boarding and consideration for surrounding traffic, we have designated a specific boarding location for the Uji area.
*Detailed meeting instructions will be provided individually by your dedicated concierge upon confirmation of your reservation.
NINJAYA Uji Boarding Point
Riverside Building 1-A
175-1 Ujimyōraku, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0021
Reviews
I was amazed by the depth of the guide’s knowledge about the history of Byodoin and the background of The Tale of Genji! The ride along the Uji River was supreme, and the wider, in-house manufactured seat made perfect sense.
I will never forget the tranquil approach from the Sawarabi Path to Ujigami Shrine. The matcha experience in the tearoom wasn’t just about drinking tea, but learning its history and etiquette, allowing me to understand the true depth of Kyoto.
Reservations for the “Gion Area” are Available.
While we prepare our dedicated site in Uji,
we invite you to experience a special time travel exploring the elegance of Kyoto’s Gion area.