A Must-Visit for Tourists in Japan: 5 Things to do in Uji, Kyoto
ShinobuJust 30 minutes by train from Kyoto, Uji is known for its world-renowned premium matcha and historic temples registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
While many visitors head to Kyoto’s famous attractions, those who visit Uji will encounter authentic Japanese culture, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable culinary experiences.
In this article, we introduce basic information about Uji along with five special experiences that will make your trip truly memorable.
1. What kind of place is Uji?
Uji has a long history.
During the Heian period (794–1185), aristocrats built elegant villas here.
Byodoin Temple, constructed during this era, remains a precious cultural heritage site that reflects the splendor of aristocratic life.
Uji is also famous as the setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji, known as the “Uji Chapters,” one of Japan’s greatest works of classical literature.
Uji’s greatest attraction is tea, especially matcha.
Known as the birthplace of matcha, Uji has produced the highest-quality green tea for centuries.
Its climate and fertile soil cultivate richly aromatic tea loved around the world.
The town is filled with long-established tea shops and stylish cafés, and the sweet, roasted aroma of matcha drifts through the air everywhere.
Access to Uji
Getting to Uji is very convenient. From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line or Keihan Uji Line, and you will arrive in just 20 to 30 minutes.
While perfect for a day trip, staying overnight is recommended if you want to fully enjoy its charm.
Uji is more than just a tourist destination.
It is a special place where you can experience Japan’s history, culture, and tea traditions with all five senses.
2. Visit Byodoin Phoenix Hall
If you visit Uji, Byodoin Temple is a must-see. This beautiful temple is one of Japan’s most iconic structures, even featured on the 10-yen coin, and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Essence of Heian Period Beauty
Byodoin was originally built about 1,000 years ago in 1053 by a Heian aristocrat as a villa that was later converted into a temple.
Its most famous structure is the Phoenix Hall (Hōōdō).
Built to enshrine Buddha, the hall appears to float gracefully above a large pond, resembling a legendary phoenix spreading its wings.
A phoenix statue decorates its roof, and the building was designed to recreate the Pure Land (a Buddhist paradise) envisioned by Heian aristocrats.
- Byodoin
- Address: 116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto
- Byodoin Official Website
3. Fully Enjoy Uji Matcha
If you visit Uji, experiencing its matcha is essential.
Uji produces Japan’s most famous and highest-quality matcha.
Here, you can explore not only the taste but also the culture, history, and production process behind it.
Uji has many historic tea shops that have been in business for hundreds of years.
You can purchase premium matcha as well as sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha.
Recommended Matcha Experiences
Uji offers many cafés and dessert shops specializing in matcha sweets. Matcha parfaits are particularly iconic, featuring layers of rich matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, rice dumplings, and red bean paste.
Each shop has its own unique style, so comparing different desserts is part of the fun.
Nakamura Tokichi Main Store
A historic tea shop famous for matcha jelly and fresh tea jelly.
Address: 10 Ichiban, Uji, Uji City, Kyoto
Nakamura Tokichi Main Store Official Website
Itohkyuemon Uji Main Store
Another long-established shop offering a wide variety of matcha sweets, including seasonal treats.
Address: 19-3 Todou Aramaki, Uji City, Kyoto
Itohkyuemon Uji Main Store Official Website
Choose Matcha as a Souvenir
High-quality Uji matcha makes an excellent souvenir, along with matcha sweets and tea utensils.
Matcha is also rich in beneficial compounds such as catechins and vitamin C, and is believed to promote relaxation and improve concentration.
Experiencing matcha in Uji is not only delicious but also a meaningful encounter with Japanese aesthetics, spirituality, and craftsmanship.
Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop
Learn about tea history and production, grind matcha with a stone mill, and experience a tea ceremony.
Address: 10 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto
Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop Official Website
4. Experience Being a Ninja at “Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion”
You may wonder, “Ninjas in Uji?” Just a short trip from Uji to Kyoto’s Gion district brings you to a popular attraction among international visitors: Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion.
After enjoying Uji’s traditional beauty and tranquility, an active ninja experience in Kyoto allows you to experience Japan’s diverse culture all at once.
- Change into authentic ninja costumes (available for children and adults)
- Try ninja skills such as shuriken throwing and blowgun practice
- Watch thrilling ninja shows performed by professionals
- Enjoy visually exciting ninja-themed dishes
- Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
- Address: 6F Shinsei Building, 398-3 Hashimotocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto (near Gion-Shijo Station)
- Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto Gion
5. Take a Walk Along the Uji River
The Uji River, flowing through the center of Uji, captivates visitors with its beautiful scenery and rich natural surroundings.
Walking along the river is one of the best ways to fully experience Uji’s charm.
The river was historically an important route connecting Kyoto and Nara and frequently appears in The Tale of Genji.
Walking along its banks feels like stepping into a literary world.
The well-maintained riverside paths are ideal for strolling.
Each season offers different scenery: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful autumn leaves, and crisp winter air.
For a more leisurely experience, take a sightseeing boat along the river.
Viewing Byodoin and the surrounding scenery from the water offers a different perspective, especially at sunset or when the temple is illuminated at night.
6. Buy Souvenirs at Byodoin Omotesando Street
To conclude your visit, explore Byodoin Omotesando Street, located just in front of the temple.
The street is lined with charming shops offering items unique to Uji.
Long-established tea shops sell premium matcha, sencha, gyokuro, and hojicha.
Many offer tastings, allowing you to compare flavors.
- Tsuen Tea
- A historic shop with over 850 years of history, located near Byodoin.
- Address: 1 Uji Higashiuchi, Uji City, Kyoto
- Tsuen Tea Official Website
- Matcha cookies and chocolates, ideal for gifts
- Matcha castella and baumkuchen with a moist texture
- Matcha-flavored nama yatsuhashi, a Kyoto specialty
- Limited-edition sweets available only in Uji
Traditional Japanese Goods
You can also find traditional accessories, crafts, and ceramics such as pouches, folding fans, and pottery.
Omotesando Street is lively and enjoyable simply to explore.
Conversations with shopkeepers also become part of the travel experience.
７．Summary
The experiences introduced in this article, visiting Byodoin Phoenix Hall, enjoying Uji matcha, trying a ninja experience in Kyoto Gion, strolling along the Uji River, and shopping on Byodoin Omotesando Street, are recommended ways to fully enjoy Uji.
If you want to escape the crowds, experience Japanese traditions, savor delicious tea, and relax in beautiful surroundings, Uji is the perfect destination.
What are we?
We run Ninja Experience Cafe in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, Japan.
Here you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture through experiencing ninja training.
Both adults and children are welcome to try their hand at defeating the ninja master inside the cafe.
The cafe is an indoor interactive zone, so it can be enjoyed even on rainy days.
If you are thinking "I want to be a real ninja too!” or interested in becoming a real ninja, please visit us.
Reservations can be made here.
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