Uji, Japan is a small city with a population of 180,000. It is about 20 minutes south of Kyoto and makes a great day trip.
The city is well known for high-quality green tea, especially Matcha and Gyokuro. It was one of the first places in Japan to start cultivating tea, as early as the 12th century.
Uji is the setting of the final 10 chapters of The Tale of Genji, an 11th century story written by a noblewoman about courtly life in Kyoto. It is said to be the world’s first novel. Uji also boasts two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Byodoin Temple and Ujigami-jinja Shrine.
7 Interesting Things to Do in Uji, Japan
1. Eat Green Tea Soba
The main shopping area in Uji is along Omotesando, the 300-meter approach to Byodoin Temple. It is lined with shops and restaurants.
The specialty in Uji is green tea. You can find green tea flavored noodles, ice cream, and riverside teahouses for enjoying tea. I recommend trying the green tea flavored soba, called Cha Soba.
2. Explore Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple is featured on the back of the Japanese ten-yen coin. It was built in 998 as a villa for a high-ranking official and turned into a Buddhist temple in 1052. The Phoenix Hall was constructed in 1053 and is still the original structure.
Inside the Phoenix Hall is a Buddhist statue carved from cedar and covered in gold leaf, also from the 11th century. To enter Phoenix Hall, you need to sign up for the short 15-minute tour.
On the temple grounds, there is also a museum where you can see the original temple bell and the original phoenix roof ornaments.
3. Stroll through Uji Park
From Byodoin Temple to Ujigami-jinja Shrine, you can follow the walking paths through Uji Park. The park follows the Uji River and features picturesque pedestrian bridges and a small island. In early April, the 2000 cherry trees make this area a beautiful sight!
4. Visit Ujigami-jinja Shrine
Ujigami-jinja Shrine is the oldest existing Shinto shrine in Japan. It was built around 1060 as a guardian shrine for Byodoin Temple.
Of particular interest is the freshwater spring located inside a small hut. It was originally used for purification rituals. You’re free to go inside to cleanse your hands and mouth, just like pilgrims did hundreds of years ago.
5. See the Famous Uji Bridge
The Uji Bridge is one of the world’s oldest bridges. Although it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, there has been a bridge in the same location since 646. It is even mentioned in The Tale of Genji.
The bridge is celebrated because it crosses the Uji River and used to be the only way to travel between Kyoto and Nara.
Photo by Miya.m / CC BY-SA 4.0
6. Drink Tea at the Oldest Teahouse
The Tsuen Tea House next to Uji Bridge is believed to be the oldest teahouse in the world. There are even records of Ieyasu Tokugawa visiting the shop!
The teahouse has been serving travelers tea for hundreds of years, since it was founded in 1160. Today, it is operated by the 24th generation of the Tsuen family.
7. Learn How to Make Matcha
You can learn more about green tea and matcha at the Marukyu Koyamaen Factory Tour. The 300-year old company started in 1704 and has won national awards for their Uji matcha green tea.
After the tour, you can even make your very own bowl of matcha. Delicious!
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Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists
Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.
We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!
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