About Uji
Uji is a small tranquil town located on the south of Kyoto. It is best known for its beautiful temples and shrines, and the production of matcha – green tea. It is a perfect day trip from Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. The close proximity to all these cities made Uji a prominent location since the 10th century and you can see it in beautifully preserved traditional houses in its city center. uji Kyoto
Here is a short guide what to do in Uji and how to spend a day here, plus some travel tips to make your visit easier and more memorable.
Visit Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple is the most important historical site of Uji. The temple is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage site and it is also portrayed on the 10 yen coin. The history of the temple dates back to the 11th century, but since then the main Phoenix Hall has been rebuilt. Today the temple grounds feature picturesque pond with koi fish, a museum with relics from the original temple, massive temple bell and a small park. uji Kyoto
Byodoin Temple is also one of the best places to see blooming wisteria flowers in Kyoto. They are usually in full bloom at the end of April.
Entrance Fees
The entrance fee to the temple grounds is 600 yen per person. If you wish to visit the Phoenix Hall, you have to pay extra 300 yen.
Opening hours
Open daily from 8:30 to 5:30 pm.
Tours
The Phoenix Hall, offers only guided tours. At the time of our visit they were only in Japanese, and I am not sure if they can be conducted in any other language. The leaflets are available in English and in the museum, each exhibition has a QR code where you can read about it in English (and other languages). It is strictly prohibited to take pictures in the museum.
Stroll along the Uji River
Uji River intersects the city of Uji and on its shores there’re paths for people to relax and stroll along. You can rest on the benches or small beaches while soaking in the views on the mountains and forests that surround this town.
On the banks of the river, there are many maple trees (momiji in Japanese) that play with all the colors in autumn. The best time to see autumn foliage in Kyoto is at the end of November.
Eat Matcha Noodles
As I mentioned at the beginning, Uji is well-known for its premium quality green tea matcha. The locals got very creative how and where to use their most popular and prized product. You will see many restaurants serving noodles made of green tea. Udon, soba, or ramen… You name it! All of them can be made with green tea and put into traditional Japanese dishes. uji Kyoto
Of course I had to try matcha ramen. The noodles were good, a little bit unusual but the fact that they are made of green tea didn’t affect the flavor of the broth. We even saw a green tea beer, but after we ordered it they told us it is sold out. Well, hopefully on my next visit I will get luckier!
Sample Green Tea in a Tea House
Just like restaurants, the historical city centre of Uji is full traditional tea houses serving the best green tea. Visiting one is must!
Tips for visiting a traditional Japanese tea house
When walking into a tea house, notice if they have tatami mats lied down on the floor. If yes, and if people sit at the low tables on cushions, you will have to take your shoes off. It is very impolite to step on tatami with shoes!
In Uji, there are many different types of green tea with different flavors. For example, seeing green tea with a taste of roasted rice isn’t unusual. There are also many ways how to drink it. Matcha latte is usually sweet, but if you order just a cup of green tea, you won’t get any sugar or honey, because it is not the way you drink it. I like my tea sweet, so I always only take a small sample that they offer for free, but I rarely order the whole thing.
Try Matcha Ice-Cream and
Matcha soft serve and artisan ice cream bars can be also found on the main street. Matcha ice cream is not an unusual commodity to find in Japan, but in Uji it has slightly stronger and more fragrant flavor. I highly recommend sampling it! I got a beautiful ice cream bar with strawberries and white chocolate. It was a perfect match with matcha.
Visit the Museum of Tale of Genji
The Tale of Genji is an original Japanese story from the 11th century and it is also considered to be the first novel in the world. The story follows the life of Genji, a son of an ancient emperor, and a low-ranking concubine. The last ten chapters of the book take place in Uji and so there’s a museum dedicated to this classic tale. If you like classic literature, I think you would enjoy visiting this museum.
The Tale of Genji was written by a noblewoman Murasaki Shikibu and it is the first psychological novel ever written that is still considered a classic. It was written in an old Japanese that was very difficult read for a regular modern Japanese person. In the early 20th century it was translated to modern Japanese and since then the book was also translated into English as well.
Climb up to Daikichiyama Observation Deck
The Daikichiyama Observation Deck is about 30 minute long hike from the city through green forests that surround Uji. It is a pleasant walk lined with sakura and maple trees. From the top you can admire the views over the Byodoin Temple, river and the town. uji Kyoto
Admire the Hydrangea Garden in Mimuroto-Ji
The Mimuroto-ji Temple is little bit further from the center of Uji, located on the north. You will have to walk around 2 km to get there or alternatively you can take a bus number 205A.
If you are visiting Kyoto and Uji in summer, especially in June/July, you really shouldn’t miss this place. At the end of June, the hydrangea flowers are in bloom after a month of constant rain and Mimuroto-ji temple is one of the best places in Japan where you can admire its beauty!
Visit Kosho-ji and Ujigami Shrine
In Kosho-ji temple you can experience Buddhist monks chanting and praying early in the morning. It is a beautiful temple surrounded by Zen gardens with wooden Buddha statues.
Ujigami shrine is a very authentic forest shrine from the 11th century. It was built in nagare-zukuri style for Emperor Ojin and his sons.
Have a Picnic on Tachibanajima Island
After all day of walking and exploring, it is time to take some rest. Tachibanajima Island is the perfect place where you can recharge your batteries. It is located between the main street and the train station and it offers a quiet oasis away from the busy shopping streets.
The island is lined with cherry blossom trees so the best time to have a picnic here is at the end of March and beginning of April, however, this place is beautiful all year round.
Watch Traditional Cormorant Fishing – Ukai on Uji River
Uji’s most attractions are in close proximity to the river so you really can’t miss it. In summer you can take a boat tour on the river to enjoy the city from a different perspective. uji Kyoto
From June to September, there’s an unusual seasonal activity taking place on the Uji River – cormorant fishing, called Ukai in Japanese. This old fishing technique is mostly aimed at tourists and it is really interesting to watch. The fisherman have their own trained cormorant birds that are used to catch the fish (instead of using a fishing rod). It is said that this type of fishing has been around for 1300 years.
The cruises where you can watch cormorant fishing start at dusk. You can purchase the ticket right at the venue and they usually cost from 2000 to 3500 yen (around 20-35 USD).
Shop for Souvenirs in Byodo-In Omotesando Street
Before leaving Uji, don’t forget to shop for some unique souvenirs with green tea. From cosmetics to sweets, or noodles, I am sure you will something nice to bring home with you that will remind you of a fun day you spent in Uji.
I particularly like to buy here instant matcha cappuccino that you just mix with hot water, sugar and milk, matcha candy or cookies, and green tea hand-cream.
Tips for visiting Uji
How to get to Uji
From Kyoto
Take the JR Nara line from Kyoto station to Uji station – the journey takes about 40 minutes. Other option is to take the Keihan line from Gion-Shijo station to Chushojima station. Hop on the Uji Keihan line from there to Uji station. It should take about 30 minutes.
From Osaka
The most convenient and cheapest way to get to Uji from Osaka is to take Keihan Limited Express line from Kyobashi station to Chushojima station. From there take the Uji line to Uji station. The journey takes about one hour.
From Nara
From Nara you can take the Nara line from Nara station directly to Uji station. The journey lasts only about 30 minutes.
Note
There are two different Uji stations in Uji – JR Uji station and Keihan Uji station. The JR station is little bit further, you will have to walk about 10 minutes to get to the city centre. Keihan station is closer, less than 5 minutes away.
The Best Time to visit Uji
Uji is worth visiting any time of the year, because each season brings something unique to look forward to. In spring you can admire the seasonal flowers. Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to beginning of April, followed by wisteria that is at its peak at the end of April. With heavy rains in June and July, hydrangea starts to bloom. August and September bring summer festivals such as cormorant fishing and in autumn you can look forward for breathtaking foliage. In winter the city experiences lesser amounts of tourists which is also a season to consider, if you don’t enjoy crowds.
Why you should go to Uji
If you are staying in Kyoto or Osaka for more than just a couple of days, I highly would suggest you to explore the area of Uji as well. It is very charming, full of surprises and still pretty much undiscovered by international tourists! If you are looking for more inspiration about day trips from Kyoto, don’t forget to check my article about Arashiyama, because this little district hides more wonders than just a bamboo forest. uji Kyoto
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