Things To Do
in Ube

Ube is a vibrant city located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful coastal scenery. The city is renowned for its production of high-quality ceramics and has a thriving arts scene. Ube also boasts various parks and green spaces, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and families alike.

With its friendly locals and delicious cuisine, Ube offers a unique glimpse into Japanese life and culture.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Ube's Cultural Heritage
morning
:

Start your day at the Ube City Museum, which showcases local art and history. Afterward, take a stroll in Ube Park to enjoy the blooming flowers and serene atmosphere.

afternoon
:

Visit the Ube Biennale, a contemporary art festival held every two years, or explore the ceramics workshops to see artisans at work. Enjoy lunch at a local izakaya that serves traditional Japanese dishes.

evening
:

Have dinner at a local sushi restaurant, followed by a visit to the Ube Sky Tower to enjoy panoramic views of the city at sunset.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Local Flavors
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at Mount Taku, where you can enjoy scenic views and fresh mountain air. Pack a picnic breakfast to enjoy at one of the viewpoints.

afternoon
:

After descending from the mountain, head to the local food market to sample fresh produce and street food. Try some local specialties like Ube sweet potatoes and grilled seafood.

evening
:

Wrap up your trip with a visit to a traditional onsen (hot spring) to relax, followed by dinner at a restaurant offering Yamaguchi-style beef.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Bowl of Ramen$7
🍣Sushi Plate$15
Coffee$3
🍱Bento Box$10
🥗Salad$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences with local art and traditions.
  • Access to beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Friendly locals and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • English may not be widely spoken, creating communication challenges.
  • Public transportation may have limited options outside peak hours.
  • "こんにちは" - Hello
  • "ありがとう" - Thank you
  • "すみません" - Excuse me/Sorry
  • "はい" - Yes
  • "いいえ" - No

Places to Visit in Ube

Visit one of these nice places.

Ube Sky Tower

An iconic landmark that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape, especially beautiful during sunset.

Ube Park

A picturesque park with seasonal flowers and serene ponds, ideal for capturing nature shots.

Mount Taku

A hiking spot providing breathtaking panoramas of the area, perfect for landscape photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ube

Ube is a food lover's paradise, offering a variety of local dishes that reflect the region's agricultural bounty and coastal resources.

Ube Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ube Sweet Potatoes

Known for their sweet flavor and vibrant purple color, these are a local specialty often used in desserts.

Must-Try!

Yamaguchi Beef

A high-quality beef known for its marbling and tenderness, often served as steak or in shabu-shabu.

Grilled Seafood

Freshly caught fish and shellfish grilled to perfection, commonly enjoyed at seaside eateries.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ube Food Market

A bustling market featuring local produce, snacks, and ready-to-eat food options, perfect for sampling local flavors.

Street Vendors

Throughout the city, you can find vendors selling takoyaki, yakitori, and sweet potato snacks.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ube experiences a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) are mild, with average temperatures around 5°C (41°F). Spring and autumn are pleasant, with moderate temperatures and beautiful natural scenery.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Tradition

Always show respect at temples and shrines, including bowing when entering.

Quiet Public Spaces

Maintain a quiet demeanor in public transportation and public areas to respect others.

Dining Etiquette

Do not stick chopsticks upright in rice; it symbolizes funerals.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ube is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is advisable to stay aware of your surroundings and keep personal belongings secure. Additionally, familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in case of natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Tipping in Ube

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not customary in Japan; exceptional service is often reflected in the overall experience.

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, but credit cards are increasingly used; ensure to have cash for small shops and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Expect beautiful cherry blossoms in parks and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Summer

Hot and humid temperatures, perfect for enjoying the beach and local festivals.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage, particularly around Mount Taku.

Winter

Mild winters with occasional snowfall, providing opportunities for winter sports nearby.

Nightlife Guide

Ube at Night

Ube's nightlife is relatively low-key compared to larger cities, with a variety of izakayas, karaoke bars, and a few clubs. Locals often gather in izakayas to enjoy food and drinks in a casual setting. For a more lively experience, visitors can check out local festivals which often feature food stalls and entertainment.

Hiking in Ube

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mount Taku Trail

A well-marked trail suitable for beginners and experienced hikers, offering scenic views of the surrounding area.

Yoshida Mountain Trail

A moderate trail with diverse plant life and beautiful vistas, perfect for a day hike.

Airports

How to reach Ube by plane.

Yamaguchi Ube Airport (UBJ)

Located approximately 5 km from the city center, this airport offers domestic flights and a few international connections, making it convenient for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ube is a walkable city, particularly in its downtown area where many attractions, restaurants, and parks are located within walking distance. Sidewalks are generally well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are marked. However, some areas may require walking along roads with light traffic.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Young Families

Ube has a growing population of young families attracted by the city's quality of life and educational opportunities.

Retirees

The city is also home to many retirees who appreciate the peaceful environment and community activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan, and Ube has local teams that engage the community with games and events.

Soccer

Soccer also has a strong following, with local clubs and youth leagues encouraging participation.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ube is generally manageable, with moderate congestion during rush hours. Public transportation includes buses and trains, providing reliable options for getting around the city and beyond. It's recommended to check schedules in advance, as services may be less frequent in the evenings.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ube.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While traditional Japanese cuisine often includes fish, many restaurants offer vegetarian options like vegetable tempura and tofu dishes.

Allergies

Be sure to inform restaurant staff of any allergies, as seafood and soy products are common in many dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Ube is accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available. Emergency services can be contacted by dialing 119. It's advisable for travelers to have travel insurance that covers medical needs.

Discover Japan

Read more in our Japan 2025 Travel Guide.

Japan Travel Guide