Welcome to Uji, a serene and historically rich city nestled just a short train ride from Kyoto. Often called the matcha capital of the world, this charming destination is a treasure trove of tradition, from its centuries-old temples, which predate Kyoto’s, to its role as the setting for the world’s first novel, “The Tale of Genji.”
Join us as we explore the enchanting allure of Uji and the plethora of must-visit places and activities that make it an unforgettable experience.
Want the Perfect Uji Trip Without the Planning Stress? A custom travel plan can transform your Uji day trip from good to unforgettable. Tell us your interests—whether it’s deep-diving into matcha, exploring literary history, or finding serene photo spots—and we’ll build the perfect itinerary for you.
How to Get to Uji from Kyoto
Uji’s proximity to Kyoto makes it an incredibly easy and popular day trip.
- By JR Train: The fastest way is via the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station. The rapid train takes about 17 minutes, while the local train takes around 27 minutes. JR Uji Station is a 10-minute walk from the main sights. This route is covered by the Japan Rail Pass.
- By Keihan Railway: From central Kyoto spots like Gion-Shijo or Sanjo, you can take the Keihan Main Line and transfer at Chushojima Station to the Keihan Uji Line. This takes about 30 minutes and drops you closer to the Byodo-in Temple side of the river.
Top Things to Do in Uji
Chazuna: The Art of Tea Culture
Our journey through Uji begins with the exquisite world of tea culture at Chazuna. This community centre, nestled amidst the stunning nature of Uji, serves as an excellent venue to delve into the culture and history of tea, while also uncovering the wonders of Uji. Here, you can delve into the origins of tea, not just within Uji but beyond, through various interactive displays.
From photo spots to videos and exhibitions, brace yourself to immerse in the rich tea culture of Japan. Chazuna isn’t just a community centre; it’s a gateway to the soul-soothing world of Japanese tea culture.
Byōdō-in Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take a step back in time as you visit the iconic Byōdō-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encapsulates the essence of Uji’s rich history. This architectural masterpiece is celebrated for its breathtaking Phoenix Hall, symbolising grace and beauty. Wander through the serene gardens enveloping the temple, providing opportunities for reflection and tranquillity. Byōdō-in Temple stands as a testament to Uji’s cultural significance, seamlessly blending the past with the present.
Matcha Madness: Tea Tasting and Workshops
Uji is known for its premium matcha, and what better way to indulge in this green elixir than by participating in a matcha-tasting session or workshop? Discover the art of tea blending, try your hand at whisking matcha, and savour the various grades of this exquisite tea. Whether you’re a seasoned matcha connoisseur or a novice, Uji’s matcha experiences are guaranteed to leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
The Uji River Cruise: A Scenic Journey
Go on a leisurely Uji River cruise, a scenic journey that offers a unique perspective of the city’s natural beauty. Drift along the tranquil waters and admire the picturesque landscapes that Uji has to offer. As you pass under historic bridges and witness the changing seasons reflected in the water, you’ll find a sense of serenity that can only be experienced in this charming city.
Explore the Uji Green Tea Fields
Join a guided tour of the Uji green tea fields, where the finest matcha in Japan is cultivated. Stroll amidst the lush tea bushes, learn about the tea-making process, and even try your hand at plucking tea leaves. It’s a hands-on experience that will deepen your appreciation for Uji’s famous green tea.
Visit the Ujigami Shrine
Explore the ancient Ujigami Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Marvel at the historical significance of this sacred site and immerse yourself in the serene forest surroundings. As you wander through the shrine’s torii gates, you’ll feel a connection to Japan’s spiritual heritage.
Uji River Cycling Adventure
Set off on a cycling adventure along the scenic Uji River. Hire a bicycle and explore the picturesque trails that wind through the city. Feel the gentle breeze and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that envelops you. It’s the perfect way to experience Uji’s tranquillity and charm.
Traditional Crafts Workshop
Participate in a traditional crafts workshop where you can craft your own Uji-inspired souvenir. From pottery and calligraphy to origami and fabric dyeing, these workshops enable you to engage with Uji’s artistic heritage and depart with a piece of its culture.
Seeing Uji’s famous sites is wonderful, but to truly connect with its spirit, you need to immerse yourself in its traditions. Imagine taking part in a formal tea ceremony with a local master.
This just one of the unique activities we offer. From calligraphy to traditional crafts and other hands-on workshops, we can help you find an experience that creates lasting memories.
Browse our full list of bookable Cultural Experiences.
The Perfect 1-Day Uji Itinerary from Kyoto
This itinerary covers all the highlights at a comfortable pace. It can be enjoyed independently or used as a framework for a guided tour.
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Arrival and Uji Bridge Arrive at JR Uji Station and take the 10-minute walk towards the river, starting your day at the iconic Uji Bridge. Soak in the tranquil views and get your bearings.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Byōdō-in Temple Cross the river to the main attraction, the UNESCO-listed Byōdō-in Temple. Give yourself at least two hours to fully explore the Phoenix Hall, the beautiful gardens, and the magnificent Hoshokan museum.
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Matcha Lunch & Omotesando Street Walk up the Byodo-in Omotesando, the street leading to the temple. It’s lined with historic tea shops. Stop at a famous one like Nakamura Tokichi for a matcha-infused lunch (matcha soba is a must-try!) and delicious parfaits.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Shrines and Literature After lunch, cross the small island in the middle of the river to visit Ujigami Shrine. From there, it’s a short walk to The Tale of Genji Museum to immerse yourself in the world of classical Japanese literature.
Bookable Cultural Experience: The Way of Tea
Deepen your appreciation for Uji’s most famous export. We can arrange an authentic Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chadō) for you with a local master. This hands-on experience is a peaceful and insightful addition to any Uji itinerary.
2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Tea Tasting and Souvenir Shopping Head back to the Omotesando street for more dedicated tea exploration. This is your chance to sample high-grade gyokuro or whisk your own bowl of matcha. Pick up beautifully packaged tea leaves and sweets to take a piece of Uji home with you.
4:00 PM: Depart for Kyoto Walk back to the station for your short train ride back to Kyoto.
FAQs: Planning Your Uji Day Trip
Is Uji worth a day trip from Kyoto?
Absolutely. It’s one of the best and easiest day trips. It offers a more relaxed, less crowded atmosphere than many Kyoto sights while being packed with world-class history and culture.
How much time do you really need in Uji?
A full day (about 6-8 hours) is ideal to see everything mentioned in the itinerary at a relaxed pace. However, if you are short on time, you can visit the absolute highlights—Byōdō-in Temple, Uji Bridge, and a quick matcha stop on the main street—in a half-day (about 4 hours).
Is Uji easily walkable?
Yes, perfectly so. The main tourist area is very compact. From either the JR or Keihan Uji station, all the major sites are within a 5 to 15-minute walk from each other. You will not need to use any buses or taxis to explore the central loop.
Do I need to pay to enter the temples and shrines?
Entry to Ujigami Shrine is free. However, Byōdō-in Temple requires an entrance fee which gives you access to the grounds and the excellent Hoshokan Museum. There is an additional small fee to enter the interior of the Phoenix Hall itself.
A Final Thought on Uji
Uji is far more than just a convenient day trip from Kyoto; it’s a concentrated journey into the soul of Japanese elegance. Whether you find yourself marveling at the centuries-old Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in, tracing the literary footsteps of “The Tale of Genji,” or simply savoring a perfectly whisked bowl of world-class matcha, Uji delivers a uniquely serene and profound experience. It’s a compact, walkable city where every quiet riverside path tells a story, leaving visitors with a sense of peace and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich heritage.
