Uji - Discovering Japan

Travelling to Uji

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Uji, a pretty good destination in Japan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Uji and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Uji, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Japan, here's everything to know about Uji for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Uji

Uji is a city located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture in Japan. It is situated between Kyoto city and Nara city, and is known for its rich cultural history, natural beauty, and famous green tea. Uji is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Phoenix Hall and Byodo-in Temple, as well as the Ujigami Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan. With its stunning natural landscapes and impressive cultural heritage, Uji is a popular destination for tourists visiting the Kansai region of Japan.

What to visit in Uji

1. Byodoin Temple - A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its Phoenix Hall, a national treasure of Japan. The temple was built during the Heian period and features Japanese Buddhist architecture.
2. Ujigami Shrine - Another UNESCO World Heritage site, it is believed to be the oldest remaining shrine in Japan. The shrine was originally built in the 11th century and is known for its simplicity and elegant design.
3. Uji Bridge - This bridge is famous for being the setting of one of Japan's greatest literary classics - The Tale of Genji. It is a beautiful arched bridge that spans the Uji River.
4. Uji City Botanical Park - A beautiful park full of lush greenery and blooming flowers. There are several walking paths that allow visitors to take in the natural beauty of Uji.
5. Shogoin - A Buddhist temple with a rich history linked to the Fujiwara family. Its main hall is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and features many intricate carvings and murals.
6. Mimuroto-ji Temple - This temple is famous for its blooming gardens, particularly the hydrangeas that cover the temple grounds. It is a popular spot for visitors during the blooming season.
7. Uji Tea Fields - Uji is famous for its production of high-quality green tea, and the tea fields offer a beautiful natural landscape for visitors to take in. Some tea fields offer tours and tea tastings.
8. Ujigawa Kisen Boat Tour - Visitors can take a guided boat tour down the Uji River, taking in the beautiful scenery and landmarks like the Uji Bridge and Byodoin Temple. Overall, Uji is famous for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful gardens, and scenic landscapes.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Japan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Uji.

When to go on holiday to Uji

The best time to go on holiday to Uji, Japan is during the spring season from March to May or in the fall season from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and the foliage and landscapes are picturesque. It is also during these months that Uji holds its popular Uji Tea Festival in May and the Momiji Autumn Festival in November, which are both great cultural events to experience. However, it is important to keep in mind that the cherry blossom season in Uji is usually early April, so it can get crowded during that time.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Uji

Uji is a city located in the southern part of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Here are several ways to get there: 1. By train: You can take the JR Nara line from JR Kyoto Station to Uji Station, which takes around 20 minutes.
2. By bus: You can take the Kyoto Bus from Kyoto Station to Uji, which takes around 40 minutes.
3. By taxi: Taking a taxi from Kyoto Station or other parts of Kyoto can be a quicker but more expensive option.
4. By car: Renting a car and driving to Uji from Kyoto is also an option.
I recommend taking the train as it is a convenient and affordable way to get to Uji.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Uji, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Uji

Uji is renowned for its tea and various traditional Japanese sweets that pair well with it. Here are some typical foods from Uji with a brief description: 1. Matcha: Powdered green tea that is Japanese traditional tea. It is famous in Uji, and you can find it in several places in the city. You can also have it in several forms like tea, latte, ice cream, and more.
2. Uji-Kintoki: A green tea flavored shaved ice dessert that comes with red bean paste and mochi rice cakes. It's a perfect summer treat.
3. Warabi Mochi: A jelly-like Japanese sweet served with kinako powder (roasted soybean flour). It's a seasonal sweet, famous in spring and summer months.
4. Yatsuhashi: These are triangular-shaped cinnamon-flavored rice cakes filled with sweetened red bean paste. They are famous in Kyoto and Uji as well.
5. Mitarashi Dango: These are skewered rice dumplings covered with sweet soy sauce glaze. They are typically served as a snack or dessert.
6. Anmitsu: A traditional Japanese dessert made with agar jelly cubes, sweet azuki red bean paste, and assortment of fruit. It's a refreshing summer dessert.
7. Unagi: A freshwater eel usually grilled and served with rice. Uji is also famous for its unagi dishes, which you can find in various restaurants in town. These are just some of the foods that Uji has to offer. There are many other delicious dishes to try as well.
You can find general info about typical foods in Japan here.

Is Uji an expensive destination for tourists?

Uji, Japan can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists. It is generally more expensive than other cities in Japan such as Osaka or Kyoto. However, the cost of living in Uji is relatively cheaper compared to other major cities such as Tokyo. Accommodation and dining options can be expensive, but there are also budget-friendly options available. It is important to plan your budget ahead of time and do some research to find the best deals on accommodation, transportation, and activities.

Where to find accomodation in Uji

There are different areas where you can find accommodation to visit Uji: 1. Uji City Center: This area is the most convenient location to stay if you want to explore Uji's famous tourist attractions such as the Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, and the Uji River. There are plenty of hotels, guesthouses, and traditional Japanese ryokans in this area.
2. Obaku Station Area: This area is just one train stop away from Uji City Center and is a great choice if you want to be close to the city center but away from the crowds. You can find comfortable and affordable hotels in this area.
3. JR Uji Station Area: This area is a bit further from the city center but still a good location to stay if you want to visit Uji's attractions. The advantage of staying in this area is the easy access to Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara via the JR train line.
4. Kyoto City Center: If you plan to visit both Kyoto and Uji, staying in Kyoto City Center is a great option. You can find plenty of accommodation options in this area and easily travel to Uji via train or bus.
You can check hotel prices at Uji here:
Booking.com

Is Uji a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Uji, Japan is generally considered a safe place for tourists. The crime rate in Uji is low, and there are generally no major safety concerns for visitors. However, as with any destination, it's always a good idea to take basic precautions to stay safe, such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your belongings, and avoiding unfamiliar or sketchy areas. Additionally, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with local customs and cultural practices so that you can be respectful and avoid inadvertently causing offense. Overall, though, Uji is a safe and welcoming place for travelers to explore.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Japan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Uji.

What type of travelers will enjoy Uji the most?

Uji, Japan is a popular tourist destination that has something to offer to all types of travelers. However, it is particularly well-suited for couples and families. Couples will appreciate the romantic atmosphere of Uji, especially during the spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. They can take a stroll through the picturesque Ujigawa River and visit the beautiful Byodo-in Temple together. There are many local cafes and restaurants that offer delicious traditional cuisine, which couples can enjoy while admiring the serene surroundings.
Families can enjoy Uji's many kid-friendly activities, such as the Tale of Genji Museum, Ujigami Shrine, and Uji City Botanical Park. Children will especially love the Uji Byodo-in Omote-sando, which is a street full of shops offering a variety of traditional Japanese sweets and snacks.
Overall, Uji, Japan is a great destination for individuals of all ages who are interested in Japanese culture, history, and picturesque natural beauty.

How to get around Uji

In Uji, Japan, you can use various modes of transportation to move around the city. The most common modes of transportation are buses and trains. The Keihan Uji Line runs from Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto to Uji Station, which is the central transportation hub in the city. Buses are another good option since the municipal buses, and the Keihan bus lines can take you to different parts of the city. Taxis are also available, but they can be expensive compared to public transportation. Additionally, Uji is famous for its tourist sites and walking around the city is an excellent way to explore its attractions such as the Uji River and Byodo-in Temple.

What to see around Uji

Sure, I would love to help you with that! Here are some suggestions for day trips from Uji, Japan: 1. Kyoto: Just a 20-30 minute train ride away, Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Japan and an excellent place to explore ancient Japanese temples and shrines, such as the iconic Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine and the serene Kinkaku-ji Temple.
2. Nara: Located about 50 minutes away by train, Nara is a beautiful city filled with lush parks and temples, including the famous Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine.
3. Osaka: Japan's second-largest city, Osaka is about an hour away by train and is known for its foodie culture, historic landmarks like Osaka Castle, and bustling shopping districts.
4. Amanohashidate: Located north from Uji, Amanohashidate is a beautiful sandbar lined with pine trees and is often considered one of the top three scenic spots in Japan.
5. Lake Biwa: One of Japan's largest freshwater lakes, Lake Biwa is about a 30-minute train ride away and is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and cycling.
I hope this helps and let me know if you need any more suggestions!
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