Uji

What are the most recommended things to do in Uji?

Visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the Phoenix Hall.
Walk along the Uji River and enjoy the scenic views of the city.
Explore Uji’s tea culture, including tea shops, tea ceremonies, and tasting sessions.
Visit the Uji Shrine and other historic sites in the area.
Enjoy traditional sweets such as matcha-flavored desserts at local cafes.
Explore the Uji-bashi Bridge area for photography and local markets.
Take part in seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing in spring or autumn foliage tours.

Introducing Uji

Uji, nestled between the ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, sits on the Uji River, whose source lies in Lake Biwa. This tranquil town, steeped in history, is traversed by the famous Uji River, a key route connecting Nara and Kyoto since ancient times. It is renowned for its renowned Uji Matcha tea, Byodoin Temple, and Ujikami Shrine.

Throughout its long history, Uji has alternately been a stage for war and a cultural center for a different era, its development keeping pace with the course of Japanese history. Uji also appears in the ancient texts "Nihon Shoki" and "Manyoshu," and is the setting for the "Uji Jujo" (Jūjō) in "The Tale of Genji," the oldest full-length romance novel ever written.

In addition to the shrines and temples featured in The Tale of Genji, the area boasts numerous historical and cultural heritage sites representing various eras, including Manpuku-ji Temple, the head temple of the Zen and Obaku sects, and Mimuroto-dera Temple, the tenth of the Thirty-Three Great Temples of the West. Each site exudes the unique atmosphere of its time.

Climate and best time to travel

From July 1st to September 30th , there is cormorant fishing on the Uji River. It has been loved by people since ancient times. The harmonious performance of fishermen and cormorants working together is a major attraction.

June 5th and 6th are the festivals of the Uji Prefecture Shrine. From around noon on the 5th, stalls will be set up along the roadside, and many people will gather here, making it very lively.

On the first Sunday of October , a tea festival is held around Ujibashi. It begins with the "Famous Water Drawing Ceremony" at Ujibashi Sanma, followed by the "Teapot Opening Ceremony" at Koshoji Temple.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Byodoin Temple

It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" and is featured on the 10-yen coin.

Duifengan

The teahouse is located in a charming spot along the Uji River. If you have the chance, please visit this traditional teahouse and savor authentic Uji tea served according to the traditional tea ceremony method.

Recommended play time: 1-2 days

Most Popular FAQs for Uji

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Uji is a historic city in Kyoto Prefecture, famous for its production of high-quality green tea and as a cultural hub in Japanese history. It became prominent during the Heian period and is home to Byodo-in Temple, an iconic example of Japanese Buddhist architecture, representing the Pure Land Buddhism tradition.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Uji is located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture. It can be reached by train from Kyoto Station via the JR Nara Line or Keihan Uji Line. Local buses and taxis are available, and many attractions are walkable from Uji Station.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Byodo-in Temple: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (longer in summer).
Uji tea shops and cafes: generally 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Best time to visit: spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Byodo-in Temple: approx. ¥600–¥1,000, tickets available at entrance and some online booking platforms.
Uji tea houses: free entry, but tea tasting sessions may cost ¥500–¥1,500.
Museums or special exhibits: prices vary, usually ¥500–¥1,000, bought onsite.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not required for most attractions. For tea ceremony experiences or private tours, booking a few days to a week in advance is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Half a day to one full day is sufficient for the main sites, tea experiences, and riverside walks.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

Byodo-in Temple and Phoenix Hall
Uji River and Uji-bashi Bridge
Tea shops and tea ceremony experiences
Uji Shrine and other historic temples
Traditional streets with cafes and sweet shops

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours and audio guides are available in English, Japanese, and sometimes Chinese or Korean. Local guides can provide tea culture experiences.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

View of Byodo-in Temple across the pond
Uji River with seasonal cherry blossoms
From Uji-bashi Bridge
Tea fields and traditional tea shops

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start at Uji Station, walk to Uji-bashi Bridge, visit Byodo-in Temple, enjoy a tea experience at a local shop, explore Uji Shrine, and stroll along the river before heading to cafes or souvenir shops.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Special seasonal illuminations occasionally occur during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, but most temples close by evening. Nighttime tea experiences may be offered by some cafes.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Uji can be busy on weekends and during cherry blossom or autumn foliage season. Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Public toilets at major temples
Cafes, tea houses, and snack shops along streets
Rest areas and benches along Uji River
Souvenir shops and local craft stores

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Most areas are accessible for elderly and children. Some historic temple structures may have steps, limiting wheelchair access, but pathways and tea shops are generally accessible.