Things To Do
in Uji
Uji is a historic city located in the Kyoto Prefecture of Japan. It is renowned for its beautiful tea fields and the production of high-quality matcha green tea. Uji is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine.
The city is also famous for the Tale of Genji, a classic work of Japanese literature written by Murasaki Shikibu, who served as a lady-in-waiting at the Byodoin Temple in Uji.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the famous Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning piece of architecture. Don’t forget to capture beautiful photos of the Phoenix Hall and its surrounding gardens.
After lunch, visit the Ujigami Shrine, which is the oldest surviving shrine in Japan. It offers a tranquil atmosphere amidst ancient trees.
Conclude your day at a local tea house for some authentic Uji matcha. Enjoy a calm evening surrounded by the peaceful flavors of green tea.
Begin your morning with a stroll along the Uji River. Enjoy the serene scenery and watch the boats glide by.
Explore the historic streets of Uji, lined with traditional shops and stalls. Here, you can sample local sweets and snacks.
Visit a riverside café to unwind with a view of the sunset over the water. The ambiance is perfect for winding down.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Historical significance with many temples and shrines, such as the famous Uji Byodoin.
- Renowned for high-quality matcha (green tea) production.
- Beautiful natural scenery along the Uji River, especially during cherry blossom season.
- Rich cultural heritage and festivals throughout the year.
- Proximity to Kyoto, allowing easy access to additional attractions.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Can be crowded with tourists, especially during peak seasons.
- Public transportation may be less frequent than in major urban areas.
- Cost of living may be high due to its popularity as a tourist destination.
- Fewer English-speaking services compared to larger cities, which may pose a challenge for non-Japanese speakers.
Best Activities in Uji
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Take a serene boat trip along the beautiful Uji River, offering scenic views of nature and historic landmarks.
Explore the picturesque Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Phoenix Hall and peaceful gardens.
Visit the historic Uji Shrine, dedicated to Uji's guardian deity and surrounded by a tranquil forested setting.
Discover Uji's renowned tea culture by visiting local tea fields and experiencing traditional green tea tastings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Uji with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Uji
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers a picturesque view of the Phoenix Hall and its reflection in the pond.
Provides a great vantage point for viewing the Uji River and surrounding scenery.
Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and traditional architecture, offering superb photo opportunities.
Food in Uji
Uji Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
This unique dish features green tea soba noodles, served in a savory broth and often accompanied by tempura. A must-try for anyone visiting Uji. Recommended place to try: Tsuen Tea Shop.
Must-Try!
Grilled sea bream served with hot tea poured over rice, creating a comforting and flavorsome dish. You can enjoy Tai Chazuke at Uji Bridge.
Uji is renowned for its freshwater eel, which is often grilled and served over rice. Look for authentic unagi restaurants along the Uji River to savor this local specialty.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Uji better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling street is lined with food stalls offering a variety of treats, including fresh rice cakes, matcha-flavored sweets, and savory snacks like yakisoba. Perfect for experiencing the vibrant street food culture of Uji.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Uji, it's important to show respect for others, especially elders and people in positions of authority. This can be demonstrated through bowing and using polite language.
When entering someone's home or certain traditional spaces such as temples and tea houses, it's customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect for the cleanliness of the indoor environment.
Uji is famous for its tea culture, and participating in or observing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is a way to show respect for this cultural practice.
Safety
Tipping in Uji
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Uji, Japan. In fact, it is often considered rude or insulting to leave a tip at restaurants, hotels, or other service establishments. The exceptional service and hospitality are expected as part of the overall experience, and there is no need to add extra money for tipping.
In Uji, Japan, cash is the primary form of payment, and credit cards are not as widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments. It is essential to carry enough cash when visiting Uji. Additionally, some places may accept electronic payments, such as mobile wallets or prepaid cards, but it is always wise to inquire beforehand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for cherry blossoms, with Uji's famous Byodoin Temple providing a stunning backdrop.
Expect warm weather and the chance to participate in traditional Uji tea ceremonies.
Perfect for enjoying the vibrant fall foliage, especially around the Uji River and Byodoin Temple.
Experience a quieter, less crowded Uji, with the added charm of traditional New Year's celebrations.
Uji at Night
Hiking in Uji
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic mountain that offers various hiking trails with beautiful views of the surrounding area. It is suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
This trail leads to Hōrin-ji Temple and provides a peaceful hike through the lush greenery of the region, making it perfect for both hiking and spiritual reflection.
A leisurely hiking spot along the Uji River with picturesque views, ideal for family outings and casual walks while enjoying the local scenery.
Located a bit further from Uji, Mount Katsuragi includes various trails that offer stunning vistas over the Kansai region, popular among serious hikers.
A lesser-known hiking spot that provides a tranquil experience amidst nature, featuring unique rock formations and views of the city of Uji.
Aiports
How to reach Uji by plane.
An international airport located on an island in Osaka Bay, serving as a major hub for Asian and European flights.
Also known as Itami Airport, primarily serving domestic flights but has some international destinations.
A relatively small international airport located in Kobe, serving domestic and limited international flights.
Located on an artificial island off the coast of Nagoya, serving the Chubu region with both domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in Uji, comprising the majority of the population.
Includes various nationalities living in Uji, though they represent a smaller percentage of the population.
A significant demographic due to the aging population in Japan, including a notable number of elderly residents.
Includes children and teenagers, representing a smaller, yet vital part of the community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords (shinai). Kendo is popular in schools and universities in Uji.
Baseball is extremely popular in Japan, including Uji, with local schools and community teams participating in tournaments.
Soccer has a significant following, with local youth leagues and clubs promoting the sport among young players in Uji.
Table tennis is a popular sport in Japan, practiced at schools and recreational centers in Uji.
Basketball is widely played in schools, and local clubs often have teams that compete in regional tournaments in Uji.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Uji.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Uji's traditional cuisine heavily features seafood and eel, many restaurants in the area offer vegetarian options such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based dishes, and matcha desserts. Be sure to inquire about vegetarian-friendly choices when dining out.
Travelers with gluten restrictions can enjoy Uji's vibrant food scene by opting for rice-based dishes like sushi, sashimi, and rice cakes. It's recommended to communicate your dietary needs with restaurant staff, who are generally accommodating and knowledgeable about ingredients.