Uji
The quaint town of Uji is located between the historical cities Kyoto and Nara, and from ancient times it prospered from its proximity to these cultural centres. Today it's a breath of tranquility and fresh air away from the nearby bustling tourist hubs and makes for a wonderful day trip.
Visit Byodoin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its perfect symmetry which is reflected in the huge pond in front of it and is even portrayed on one side of the bronze-coloured 10-yen coin. Inside Byodoin is the Phoenix Hall, home to an impressive golden bodhisattva statue and originally some very colouful and elaborate paintings that you can see more of at the nearby museum.
Take a relaxing stroll along the river or go for a boat ride or witness the traditional cormorant fishing in season. Uji has been known for its production of superior green tea since the 1100's, so pop into one of the many restaurants serving green tea soba noodles or grab a houjicha roasted tea ice cream on the way. Cross the river to visit the impressive Kosho-ji temple or the small Ujigami Shrine with its many rabbit figurines. Before heading back to the city, stop by Japan's oldest teahouse right by the bridge and enjoy a traditional tea set or a matcha parfait.
Kosho-ji Temple
Wander the quiet corridors of Kosho-ji Temple and admire the beautiful traditional garden. The temple is especially impressive in autumn when the leaves change colour.
Byodoin Temple
Got a 10-yen coin in your wallet? Flip it out as you stand on the edge of the pond, and notice the perfect copy of the wonderfully symmetrical Byodoin Temple.
Ujigami Shrine
A local tale tell the story of a lost prince being saved by a rabbit, and at Ujigami Shrine you can see tiny figurines of the kind animal that helped him find his way out of the deep forests.
Tsuen Tea House
Visit Tsuen Tea House, the oldest tea house in Japan, and enjoy the river views and some people watching while you sip away or dig into a matcha ice cream.
Boat Tours
In summer, boats of all sizes cruise the river and provide a great opportunity to see the town and its many bridges from the waterside, including Uji Bridge which is one of the oldest in Japan.
Murasaki Shikibu
The world’s first novelist, Murasaki Shikibu, chose Uji as the location for The Tale of Genji, a story that has inspired countless anime, manga and musicals.
Houjicha
Not a big fan of matcha? Do not worry, Uji is also big on houjicha, or roasted green tea, so try one of the many houjicha-flavoured treats as you stroll through the atmospheric town.
Cormorant Fishing
In summer, when dusk falls upon Uji, you can watch fishermen using trained cormorants to catch river fish with the traditional fishing method that is ukai.
Matcha
Uji is a haven for matcha aficionados. When green tea came to Japan from China it was first cultivated here, and to this day Uji tea is considered to be special and of superb quality.
Soba
Sample noodles flavoured with matcha and houjicha at one of the many soba restaurants in town and enjoy the subtle differences in taste with each bowl.
Uji River
Take a stroll along Uji River and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you admire the many bridges spanning the gushing water, connecting the banks with the tiny island in the middle.
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