Uji is a suburb of Kyoto well known as the capital of Japanese green tea. The town is located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River, surrounded by picturesque mountains. It’s a decent 1day trip out of Kyoto.
How to get to Uji from Kyoto
By JR line : Take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station and get off at Uji Station (about 20-minute).
By Keihan Line : Take the Keihan Main Line south toward Osaka, get off at Chushojima station and change to the Uji Line and get off at Uji Station (about 30-minute).
10-minute walk from both Uji stations to Byodo-in Temple.
1. Byodo-in Temple「平等院」
The symbol of Uji, the Phoenix hall is known for a 10 yen coin.
You must visit Byodo-in. A superb Heian-era Temple is a good example of Buddhist Pure Land architecture. The Phoenix Hall is featured on the back of 10 yen coin.
Hours : 8:30 to 17:30, Admission : 600 Yen
3-minute walk from Byodo-in Temple to Uji Park.
2. Uji Park(宇治公園)
Uji Park consists of 2 islands in the Uji-gawa River. The 15-meter tall stone pagoda stands in the Tou-no-shima Island, is said to be built in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333) and designated as an important cultural property. The park is also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot for its 2000 cherry trees along the river.
Hours : Always Open, Admission : Free
You can just cross the vermilion-coloured Asagi-bashi Bridge to Fukujyu-en.
3. Fukuju-en(福寿園)
Fukuju-en, well known tea factory was founded in 1790, producing and sales of Japanese green teas. You can taste authentic Japanese tea here, such as Matcha, Gyokuro, Sencha, Genmaicha and Houjicha. You can also have some experience to produce green tea from tea leaves.
Hours : 10:00 to 17:00, Closed : Monday
Website : https://www.fukujuen.com/en/index.html
5-minute walk to Ujigami Shrine from Fukujyu-en through the precincts of Uji Shrine next to Fukujyu-en.
4. Ujigami Shrine(宇治上神社)
Ujigami shrine is the oldest standing shrine in Japan, designated as an UNESCO World Heritage. This tranquil small shrine is surrounded by trees. Kirihara-sui, one of the best water still springs up from the well.
Hours : 9:00 to 16:30, Admission : Free
About 17-minute (1.3 km) walk from Ujigami Shrine to Mimuroto-ji Temple.
5. Mimuroto-ji Temple(三室戸寺)
Mimuroto-ji Temple is famous for its hydrangeas garden. Visitors can also enjoy cherry Blossom, azalea, lotus Blossom and autumn colours throughout the year.
Hours : 8:30 to 16:00, Admission : 500 Yen
About 17-minute (1.2 km) walk from Mimuroto-ji Temple to Mimurodo station on the Keihan Uji line.