Uji, the city of green tea

For matcha lovers, Uji is a must-visit destination. This small town on the Uji River is just a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka. As soon as you exit the station, the atmosphere immediately changes. The hustle and bustle of the big city is transformed into tranquility, with mountains, beautiful river bends, and the fragrant aroma of matcha right from the entrance.

🚉 Starting from the front of Uji Station, just standing there, you'll feel like you're in rural Japan. Wooden houses, small shops, and a warm atmosphere. A few minutes' walk will take you to the Matcha Shopping Street, lined with tea shops, dessert shops, and souvenir shops. Almost every sign says "tea." Matcha lovers will be delighted to wander through the alley.

🌿 The food here is incredibly diverse. It's not just hot or cold green tea, but everything from matcha soba (ba noodles), matcha udon (dumplings topped with matcha powder), to the delicious matcha soft serve ice cream. It's a perfect ten! It's slightly bitter, yet fragrant, and not too sweet. Matcha lovers will love every dish.

☕ The riverside cafe is another highlight. We stumbled upon an old teahouse with a beautiful garden and a view of the Uji River. Just order a matcha latte. Sitting and looking at the red bridge and the mountains behind you is incredibly relaxing, as if time has automatically slowed down.

📸 A must-see landmark is the statue of Murasaki Shikibu, a Heian-period female writer who wrote The Tale of Genji, the world's first novel. It's located right by the riverside. Taking a photo with the bridge and the mountains behind is truly breathtaking. It's a popular spot for both sightseeing and relaxation.

🚶♀️ Strolling along the riverside is also incredibly enjoyable. The atmosphere is peaceful, with long stone paths where you can see groups of Japanese students walking by. On cooler, windy days, it's a truly relaxing, unhurried experience.

🛍️ If you're looking for souvenirs, you can find a wide selection of green tea sweets here, including mochi, yatsuhashi, green tea cheesecake, and even premium matcha powder you can buy and brew yourself. Prices range from a few hundred yen to premium packages for those seeking luxury.

Overall, Uji is a city you can spend all day strolling around without getting bored. It's perfect for those looking to take a break from the big city and truly appreciate green tea. It's not just about delicious food, but also about history, art, and culture.

💚 If you have a day in Kyoto or Osaka, I highly recommend stopping by here. You'll understand why Uji is called the "City of Matcha." 🍵

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Post by Nicha.sun | Sep 8, 2025