A Serene Weekend in Uji: Cherry Blossoms, Matcha & Timeless Beauty

#cherryblossom25
Last weekend, I traded city life for the tranquil charm of **Uji**, a historic town just south of Kyoto, famous for its **matcha, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and stunning sakura**. Visiting during cherry blossom season made the trip even more magical—here’s how it went!

### **Day 1: Arrival & Sakura Along the Uji River**
I arrived in Uji in the morning, greeted by soft pink petals drifting along the **Uji River**. The riverside was lined with cherry trees in full bloom, their reflections shimmering in the water. Walking across the iconic **Uji Bridge** (said to be one of Japan’s oldest) felt like stepping into a painting.

🍵 *First stop:* **Tsuen Tea House** (the world’s oldest tea shop, operating since 1160!). I warmed up with a frothy cup of **matcha** and traditional wagashi—perfection.

### **Byodoin Temple: A Sakura-Framed Paradise**
Next, I visited **Byodoin Temple**, a UNESCO site featured on the 10-yen coin. The **Phoenix Hall** looked even more majestic surrounded by blooming cherry trees. The temple’s garden, **Jodo-shiki**, was a sea of pink, with petals floating on the pond like delicate confetti.

📸 *Photo tip:* The reflection of the temple in the pond with sakura overhead is *the* shot—go early to avoid crowds!

### **Day 2: Matcha Indulgence & Hidden Gems**
Uji is the **green tea capital of Japan**, so I dedicated my second day to matcha adventures:
- **Matcha Tasting at Nakamura Tokichi** – Tried their famous matcha parfait (heavenly!).
- **Strolling Koshoji Temple’s Path** – A quieter temple with a beautiful **tunnel of cherry blossoms** leading to the entrance.
- **Uji City Tea Market** – Picked up some high-grade matcha to take home.

### **Final Thoughts**
Uji in sakura season is a dream—peaceful, poetic, and full of flavor. Whether you’re a history lover, a matcha addict, or just chasing cherry blossoms, this town is a must-visit in spring.

Have you been to Uji? What’s your favorite spot? Let me know below! 🌸🍵

#uji #sakuraseason #japantravel #matchalover #cherryblossoms #kyotodaytrip