Another great city to see is Uji which is a location made famous many years ago in "The Tale of Genji" but remains a big tourist attraction because of the Buddhist temples and green tea manufacturing. I had tried green tea in the States but always found it pretty bitter but the real deal is a whole different ballgame.
In addition to learning how to make, serve, and drink the tea I learned some of the history it has in Japan. The green tea strip leading up to Byodo-in Temple has every conceivable green tea product available for sale including green tea noodles (which were pretty delicious in Miso soup btw), ice creme, toys, and even Kit Kats.
