Things To Do
in Uji
Uji is a compact historic city along the Uji River just southeast of Kyoto, famed for its pristine Byodo-in Temple and centuries of tea culture. The town blends ancient temples, tranquil waterways, and modern cafes that celebrate matcha flavors. Visitors wander between red-brick tea shops, riverside paths, and traditional teahouses, soaking up a serene, scholarly atmosphere.
In short, Uji offers a quiet, richly cultural escape with easy access from Kyoto and Osaka.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to the 11th century. Marvel at the exquisite Phoenix Hall, which is reflected in the tranquil pond surrounding the temple. Take a leisurely stroll through the temple grounds, soaking in the serenity and historical significance of this iconic landmark.
After lunch at a nearby café serving traditional Uji matcha, head to the Uji River for a scenic walk along its banks. Enjoy the picturesque views of the river and the surrounding hills while you visit the local shops selling matcha products and souvenirs. As the afternoon unfolds, consider renting a bicycle to explore the charming streets and nearby parks.
As the sun sets, dine at a local izakaya where you can savor seasonal dishes paired with Uji's renowned green tea. The cozy atmosphere and friendly locals make for an unforgettable dining experience. After dinner, take a peaceful evening walk along the river to watch the stars twinkle above the water.
Start your day with a guided tea plantation tour, where you can learn about the history and cultivation of Uji's famous green tea. Engage with local farmers as they share their knowledge and passion for tea production, and even try your hand at picking tea leaves. Enjoy a fresh cup of matcha prepared by a tea master amidst the lush greenery.
After your tea experience, visit the Uji Tea Museum to delve deeper into the art and science of tea. Interactive exhibits and tastings will enhance your understanding of the local tea culture. Spend some time exploring the nearby streets, sampling various tea-infused snacks and sweets from local vendors.
In the evening, participate in a traditional tea ceremony where you will learn the intricate rituals involved in preparing and serving matcha. This serene experience will provide insight into the meditative aspects of Japanese culture. Conclude your day with a quiet tea session, reflecting on the beauty of Uji's tea heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥪Lunch for one at mid-range spot | $15-25 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $80-150 |
| 🚆Local transportation (day pass) | $6-8 |
| ☕Cafe coffee or tea | $3-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich tea culture and scenic river setting
- Close proximity to Kyoto with easy access
- Compact, walkable town with concentrated attractions
- Calm, safe, and approachable for first-time travelers
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale activities
- Some small shops may be cash-only
- Seasonal crowds around peak tea harvest and temple festivals
- Occasional language barriers in smaller venues
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" - Thank you very much
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kore wa ikura desu ka?" - How much is this?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
- "Hai / iie" - Yes / No
- "Mizu o kudasai" - Water, please
Places to Visit in Uji
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vermilion gate and the mirrored pond provide classic photographic opportunities, especially in morning light.
A historic bridge with scenic river views; perfect for wide-angle shots, especially during cherry blossoms or autumn foliage.
Calm waters, tree-lined banks, and seasonal reflections create serene evening images.
Rolling green tea fields and traditional storefronts offer a tranquil rural-village backdrop for landscape and detail shots.
Food in Uji
Uji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Traditional green-tea flavored sweets that pair with a cup of hot or cold matcha; best found in teahouses around Byodo-in.
Must-Try!
Creamy ice cream featuring premium Uji matcha; widely available in cafes and dessert shops near the temple area.
Tofu skin served with light dashi; a delicate Kyoto region specialty found at certain tofu restaurants and teahouses.
Assortments of seasonal Japanese sweets made with matcha and seasonal flavors; best enjoyed with hot tea at local shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal stalls near the river and at station-adjacent lanes offering wagashi, dango, grilled fish and tea-infused treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bow lightly when greeting; speak softly in temples and museums; avoid loud conversations on public transport.
Remove shoes where required; follow signs, keep noise to a minimum, and don’t touch sacred objects unless allowed.
Present and receive business cards with both hands; show respect and never write on someone’s card in their presence.
Safety
Tipping in Uji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; you may round up modestly for exceptional service, but it is typically not expected.
Cash is widely accepted; credit cards are common in larger shops and restaurants. IC cards and mobile payments (e.g., Suica, Apple Pay) are increasingly available; some small shops may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant temperatures; sakura along rivers and temple gardens create vibrant photo opportunities and comfortable strolls.
Hot and humid; enjoy early mornings near the river, seek shade in tea rooms, and try cooling matcha desserts.
Crimson and gold foliage around temples and along the river; ideal for photography and reflective walks.
Cool, crisp days with occasional rain; temple grounds and tea houses offer warm interiors and serene vistas.
Uji at Night
Hiking in Uji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate trail with forested sections and panoramic views over the Uji Valley; suitable for a half-day hike.
Airports
How to reach Uji by plane.
Major international and domestic gateway; about 60–90 minutes by train from Uji via JR or private rail lines.
Convenient for domestic flights and some international routes; reachable by rail with transfer to Kyoto-bound lines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of long-time families, older residents, and students from nearby universities; a steady influx of travelers during peak tea season.
A number of tea industry professionals, researchers, and visitors drawn by Uji’s historical significance and seminars.
Tourists drawn to Byodo-in, tea culture, and the scenic river corridor; day-trippers from Kyoto and Osaka are common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A widely played sport in schools and clubs across the region; many local fields host amateur games.
Commonly played by youth and community teams; local parks host weekend matches.
Popular along riverside routes and scenic tea-field roads; rental bikes are available in town.
Nearby courses offer city-distance options for day trips from Uji.
Cultural and sport-adjacent activities available at local dojos or cultural centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for tofu-based or vegetable-forward dishes; request dashi-free broth where possible and ask for soy-based toppings to avoid meat-based stocks.