If you’re a die-hard green tea fan, you absolutely must visit Uji, known as Japan’s “matcha paradise.” Let Living Nomads help you explore this green paradise through The ULTIMATE Uji travel guide (Uji japan guide, Uji travel blog): Top attractions, best things to do in Uji Kyoto, Tips & MORE below!
- Kyoto itinerary 5 days: How to spend 5 days in kyoto perfectly?
- 19+ best sightseeing spots & most beautiful places to see in Japan: Mountains – Forests – Seas – Cities
- The ULTIMATE Gifu travel guide: Top attractions, best places to visit, stay & MORE
- The SUPER Hokkaido travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, stay & MORE
- Where to visit in Chiba: 14 top attractions & best places to visit in Chiba
In the heart of Japan’s peaceful Kansai region lies a pristine small city, famous for the beauty of its matcha beans – Uji, the “Matcha Capital” of the country. More than just a popular tourist destination, Uji is also a hub of rich traditional flavors and culture.
If you’re planning a trip to the Kansai region, don’t forget to visit Uji to experience authentic matcha!
Uji travel guide: Where is Uji City Located?
Kyoto and Nara Day Tour(Optional upgrade to Wagyu “Kobe Beef” lunch)
Uji is a small city situated between Kyoto and Nara – two historically and culturally significant locations in Japan. The city is renowned for its matcha green tea. If Kozanji Temple in Kyoto is considered the origin of tea production in Japan, then Uji matcha is famous for its top-notch quality, which has remained consistent since the 1100s.
Located just about 20 minutes from Kyoto, Uji is a great destination for half-day trips. Klook’s Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto also takes you to the “green tea capital.” Besides matcha, Uji also boasts Byodoin Temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s definitely worth considering on your journey to discover the hidden beauty of Japan, right!?
How to Get to Uji? Where Should You Start?
You can easily reach Uji by train along the JR Nara line. Or you can take a high-speed train or local train from Kyoto. It takes about 20 minutes by high-speed train and about 30 minutes by local train.
Besides Uji Station, the Uji area also has Keihan Uji Station. You can take the Keihan electric train to Uji. Both JR and Keihan stations are a 10-minute walk from the Uji River. If you choose to travel by train, consider purchasing a JR Pass for this area in advance to save on transportation costs.
Kyoto City Subway and Bus 1 Day Ticket
From Kansai Airport, you can also get to Uji by renting a private car. This is quite suitable for groups of 3 or more people. That’s enough about Uji! Now let Living Nomads introduce you to 5 must-visit matcha shops in Uji, Japan!
Where to visit? Exploring Uji Tourist Attractions
As mentioned above, Uji is not just about green tea. It is also considered one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Japan. Below are some famous Uji tourist attractions that will surely help you get “million-like” check-in photos on social media.
Uji-Bashi Bridge
One of the oldest bridges in Japan, Uji-bashi Bridge is celebrated in both Japanese art and literature. This bridge has survived wars and has been restored many times. One of its distinctive architectural features is the Giboshi – onion-shaped ornaments above each wooden railing. This unique design aims to harmonize with the tranquil natural landscape of Uji.
From the bridge, you can see the peaceful scenery of lush green hills and a series of red wooden bridges. Take a walk across Uji-bashi to the city center to enjoy a relaxing moment!
Murasaki Shikibu Statue
Murasaki Shikibu (from 973 or 976 to 1014 or 1031) was a respected novelist, poet, and lady of the Heian period in Japan. She rose to fame when her novel “The Tale of Genji” became widely popular worldwide. The work recounts the life of Prince Genji during the height of the Heian period. The last ten chapters of this novel are set in Uji. There is also a museum dedicated to Murasaki Shikibu, named the Tale of Genji Museum.
Uji travel blog: Byodoin Omotesando Street
Byodoin Omotesando Street is located right at the corner of the Uji-Bashi Bridge. Surrounded by numerous tea houses and dessert shops, Byodoin Omotesando Street is the most convenient place to buy tea-related items and omiyage. It’s worth noting that Uji tea has a reputation for superior quality and beautiful packaging, making it a worthwhile place to enjoy or buy as a gift.
Byodo-in Temple
Byodo-in Temple is one of the two World Heritage Sites in Uji. The most famous feature of the temple is the main hall called Hoodo (Phoenix Hall), due to its unique shape and the two phoenix statues on the roof. The main hall is now featured on the reverse of the Japanese ten-yen coin!
Despite being affected by natural disasters several times, Hoodo has retained its original Heian-era beauty. You can enter the Phoenix Hall on guided tours (in Japanese), which take place every 20 minutes. It only costs an additional ¥300 (~65,000 VND) on top of the ¥600 (~130,000 VND) entrance fee.
Kyoto Gion: 2-Hour Geisha Culture & History Guided Walking Tour
A tip for you: Byodoin Temple in Uji is one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The cherry blossom season here usually begins in late March and can last until early May.
Tonoshima Island
[Kyoto & Uji Day Trip] Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) & Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Byodo-in Temple…
Crossing the Kisen-bashi bridge, visitors will arrive at To-no-shima, a small “oasis” in the middle of the Uji River. You can see a 13-story stone pagoda on the east side of the bridge. The bridge was built in 1286, representing the temple monk’s prayer for peace for the animals in the area.
In front of the Asagiri-bashi bridge, you will find another statue inspired by “The Tale of Genji.” The statue depicts the lovers Prince Niou-no-Miya and Ukifune on a boat crossing the Uji-gawa River; the work speaks volumes about love in ancient Japan.
5 Matcha Green Tea Shops You Shouldn’t Miss in Uji, Japan
Ito-Kyuemon
Ito-Kyuemon is one of the most famous matcha shops in the area. Here you’ll find a wide variety of matcha, desserts, sake, and even matcha-flavored curry for those who like something new. Some top choices you should try are Langue de Chat Hagoromo – matcha cookies with a soft, creamy green tea filling. Each Jyujyo box contains two portions with ten different varieties.
- Address: 19-3 Todouaramaki, Uji City, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Nakamura Tokichi (Byodoin Store)
Kyoto Uji Half Day Matcha Green Tea Tour
Nakamura Tokichi offers a diverse selection of desserts and premium teas. You can enjoy delicious food while admiring the picturesque Uji River. Because the store is very popular with both tourists and locals, you should make a reservation to avoid waiting or, worse, leaving empty-handed. Remember to visit the main Uji Hotel to satisfy your green tea cravings!
A matcha latte with tea jelly costs ¥740 (~160,000 VND). You can choose from three different types of matcha to enjoy with the smooth jelly cubes. Matcha ice cream, red bean paste, and shiratama are served in unique chilled bamboo containers.
- Address: 5-1 Ujirenge, Uji City, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Weekdays), 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Weekends)
Mitsuboshien Kanbayashisannyu Honten
With a history of over 500 years, Mitsuboshien Kanbayashisanny has served more than 16 generations of Shoguns. The first impression visitors get is that the shop is designed into two separate spaces, with one half being a shop and seating area for customers; the other half is dedicated to tea ceremony rituals.
Although the menu is limited, the green tea desserts here won’t disappoint. You should try the Matcha Warabimochi and Saijo Hatsumukashi, a higher-end matcha option (priced around ¥1,100 – ¥200,000 excluding tax). The soft, chewy mochi coated in matcha powder looks just like fluffy clouds, both delicious and visually appealing.
- Address: 27-2 Ujirenge, Uji-city, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Chaganju Cafe
Chaganju Cafe is a famous eatery known for its creative menu featuring matcha in its most pristine form. While you’re here, you must try their signature crepes, available in various flavors such as matcha, bancha (raw tea), and houjicha (roasted tea). The latter crepes are more suitable for those with a sweet tooth, served with banana, chocolate, sweet potato, or acerola berries.
- Address: 66-1 Uji Ichiban, Uji, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
Masuda Chaho
Matcha Appreciation Workshop at Matchaya
For only ¥390 (approximately 80,000 VND), you can enjoy the exquisite and authentic Japanese matcha ice cream. The balance between the sweetness of the ice cream and the slightly bitter matcha creates an irresistible flavor. You can easily find Masuda Chaho at the end of the street, right in front of Byodoin Temple. The shop also sells various green tea products that tourists should buy as souvenirs.
- Address: 21-3 Uji Renge, Uji, Kyoto
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Suggested One-Day Itinerary in Uji
Morning: Visiting Uji Temples and Landmarks
Start your day at Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Uji’s most famous landmark. Spend time exploring the grounds, the museum inside, and taking photos of the Phoenix Hall. Then visit Ujigami Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, offering a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere.
Lunch: Enjoying Matcha Dishes and Drinks
Have lunch at a small restaurant around the temple grounds with matcha soba noodles or a traditional set meal. Afterwards, visit the old tea houses on Byodo-in Omotesando to enjoy pure matcha or matcha parfait and mochi. This is the most characteristic part of the Uji experience.
Afternoon: Strolling and Souvenir Shopping
Take a stroll along the Uji River, enjoying the scenery and resting. Before leaving, you can buy beautifully packaged Uji matcha cakes, snacks, or tea as souvenirs. It’s convenient to return to Kyoto or Osaka in the late afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Uji, Japan
1. Where is Uji located?
Uji is located south of Kyoto, between Kyoto and Nara. It takes only about 15-20 minutes by train from Kyoto Station to Uji, making it a convenient day trip.
2. What is Uji most famous for?
Uji is famous as the matcha green tea capital of Japan and is home to Byodo-in, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured on the 10-yen coin. The city has a quiet, traditional atmosphere and is very easy to walk around.
3. How much time should I spend visiting Uji?
Usually, half a day to a full day is sufficient. Uji is small, with not too many attractions, making it a suitable stop on a Kansai itinerary without rushing.
4. What is the best time to visit Uji?
Spring and autumn are the best times, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery along the Uji River. Summer is still possible but quite hot, while winter is quieter with fewer tourists.
5. What are there to see in Uji besides drinking matcha?
Besides tea houses, you can visit Byodo-in, Ujigami Shrine, stroll along the Uji River, walk along Omotesando Street, and visit small museums related to local history.
6. Do I need to book tickets or tours in advance to visit Uji?
Not required. Most attractions require tickets on-site. However, if you want to participate in a more in-depth tea ceremony experience, you should book in advance.
7. Is Uji suitable for families and senior citizens?
Yes. Uji is quite quiet, with flat paths and open spaces, making it suitable for families, senior citizens, or anyone who wants a relaxing getaway.
8. Can I buy souvenirs in Uji?
There are many. Uji tea, matcha sweets, packaged snacks, and green tea-related products are popular souvenirs, easy to take home, and distinctly local.
9. Which Kansai destinations should I combine Uji with?
Uji is often combined with Kyoto or Nara on the same day or in adjacent locations. This is a logical itinerary arrangement that saves travel time.
Are you Matcha-holics ready to explore Uji – Japan’s “Matcha Paradise”?
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Kyoto you can refer to
- Limousine Bus Transfers between Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka or Kyoto
- Kyoto-Osaka Sightseeing Pass (1 Day/2 Days, Kyoto Pick Up)
- Randen + Subway 1 Day Pass
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Kyoto and Nara Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- Sagano Romantic Train One-Way Ticket (Saga or Kameoka Departure)
- Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train Day Tour
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Kyoto: Fushimi Inari-taisha, Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera & More
- Amanohashidate & Miyama One Day Tour from Osaka/Kyoto
- JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area Pass
- Kimono Rental in Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple
- One Day Kimono Rental
- Kyoto Temples & Shrines Day Tour from Osaka
- Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
- 4G WiFi (Japan Pick Up) for Japan
- JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)
Are you finding more top things to do in Kyoto, read more: Kyoto blog (Kyoto travel blog) — The fullest Kyoto travel guide blog for a budget trip to Kyoto, Japan for the first-timers. And Kyoto 3 day itinerary — How to visit Kyoto in 3 days & what to do in Kyoto in 3 days perfectly?
