Day Trip to Uji from Kyoto: Perfect Itinerary for Temple and Matcha Lovers
Just a short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, Uji (宇治) offers a perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Japan’s cultural heritage and indulge in its most iconic tea—matcha! Famous for its ancient temples, serene river views, and rich tea culture, Uji is an underrated day out for Japanese history and culture enthusiasts, and should definitely be on the travel bucket list of matcha lovers.
You can read below about the itinerary I followed the last time I visited Uji, with recommendations and travel tips for an amazing time in Japan’s ‘tea capital’.
Why Visit Uji?
Uji, located just outside Kyoto, is a must-visit destination for travelers who appreciate history, culture and nature.
Uji's history dates back over a thousand years, with its prominence growing during the Heian period (794-1185) when it was favored as a retreat for the imperial court. It gained fame as the setting for the final chapters of The Tale of Genji, one of Japan’s most celebrated literary works. Uji was also a key battleground during Genpei war, and its temples and shrines, such as the UNESCO-listed Byodo-in temple and Ujigami Shrine, which is said to be one of the oldest standing Shinto shrine in Japan, reflect its rich historical heritage. Over the centuries, Uji has become the birthplace of some of Japan’s finest matcha, making it a paradise for tea lovers (like myself) who can sample matcha-based sweets and enjoy tea ceremonies.
How to Get to Uji From Kyoto
Uji is easily accessible from Kyoto via the JR Nara Line. From Kyoto station, it takes around 30 minutes to reach JR Uji Station, making it an easily accessible day trip destination.
From the station, most of the major sights are within a 15-20 minute walk.
A One-Day Itinerary to Explore Uji
Stroll Through Uji Shopping Street: Discover Matcha Treats & Souvenirs on Byodo-in Omotesando
After arriving at Uji Station, take a leisurely stroll toward the Uji River and explore Byodo-in Omotesando (平等院表参道), Uji’s lively shopping street. Along the way, you'll discover a variety of shops offering everything from matcha pastries to different types of teas. This street is also the perfect place to pick up unique souvenirs, whether it's artisanal ceramics, handcrafted fans, or beautiful tea sets.
Admire the Historic Uji Bridge
Uji Bridge (宇治橋) is one of Japan's oldest and most iconic bridges. It has been a vital crossing point for centuries and is mentioned in classic literature such as The Tale of Genji. You will see in front of the bridge the statue of Murasaki Shikibu (紫式部像), the Japanese author of this literary masterpiece, often considered the world's first novel. You can learn more about it in a dedicated museum in Uji, the Tale of Genji Museum (宇治市源氏物語ミュージアム), located a few streets across the bridge.
Explore Byodoin Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji
Next on the itinerary is Byodo-in Temple (平等院), a UNESCO World Heritage Site that also features on Japan’s ¥10 coin. With over 1,000 years of history, this temple is an architectural masterpiece as you stroll through the garden. Be sure to visit the nearby Hoshokan Museum (平等院ミュージアム鳳翔館), where you can see and learn about ancient Buddhist artifacts belonging to the temple. There’s also a teahouse where you can sample authentic Uji green tea with wakashi (traditional Japanese sweets). And if you visit the temple between late November and early December, you’ll be greeted by stunning autumn colors that add to the temple’s beauty.
The entrance to Byodo-in Temple costs 700¥, and if you’d like to visit the interior of the Phoenix Hall, know that the entrance is limited to 50 people every 20 minutes, so you might have to wait a bit. I invite you to check out the temple’s website, with more practical information, including suggestions for a 50-minute and 90 minute walking courses to discover the temple.
Enjoy a Relaxing Walk Along Uji River to Tou-no-shima Island
Once you’ve left Byodo-in, I’d recommend you to take a stroll along the Uji river. There were beautiful autumn foliage when I visited early December. At some point, you will pass by Taihoan, Uji Municipal Tea House (宇治市営茶室 対鳳庵), another place where you can enjoy an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience. You can find more details on this pamphlet, and make a reservation here (website in Japanese, but you can use Google Translate).
Eventually, you can cross a bridge to reach Tou-no-shima Island (塔の島 and Tachibana Island (橘島), both islands offering beautiful views of the river and surrounding mountains. As you explore the area, you might spot cormorants both in the wild and in cages. There is a traditional practice of cormorant fishing in Uji River, a centuries-old method carried out by local fishermen at night during the summer months (July 1 - September 30).
Visit More of Uji's Temples and Shrines
Next, head to Kosho-ji Temple (興聖寺), a hidden gem nestled in the hills of Uji. Unlike the more popular Byodo-in, this tranquil Zen temple offers a peaceful retreat and is especially known for its picturesque Maple Tree Path or Kotozaka (琴坂). At the end of November, the path is transformed into a vibrant tunnel of autumn colors. Entry costs ¥500, but I highly recommend it to temple lovers who appreciate serene, off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Other shrines you can visit in the are are Uji shrine (宇治神社) and Ujigami Jinja (宇治上神社). In particular, Ujigami Jinja (宇治上神社) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Japan’s oldest standing Shinto shrine, dating back to the 11th century.
Uji shrine
Uji shrine
Further away, another temple not to miss in late spring and early summer during the azalea and later hydrangeas seasons is Mimuroto-ji Temple (あじさい園). I haven’t been but it’s definitely on my bucket list if I come again to Uji during that period of the year.
Enjoy Matcha Sweets for an Afternoon Snack
After exploring all these temples and shrines, it’s time for a sweet treat! While Uji has plenty of options, I highly recommend Itoh Kyuemon, one of the oldest and most renowned tea shops in the area. With three locations in Uji, I chose to visit the Itoh Kyuemon Uji Head Shop / Sabo (伊藤久右衛門 宇治本店・茶房), as I figured it would be a bit less crowded than the others as it is further away from the main attractions of Uji.
Their matcha ice cream is by far one of the best I've ever had! Besides the café, there's also a shop filled with an impressive variety of matcha-related souvenirs—perfect for taking a piece of Uji home with you. For me, it was the ideal way to wrap up my Uji adventure!
Uji One-Day Itinerary in a Map
Top Travel Tips to Make the Most of You Day in Uji
When to Go ?
Uji is a year-round destination, but is especially beautiful during the autumn season when the landscape is transformed by fall colors (mid-late November to early December), or in spring and early summer when you can admire the seasonal blooms like sakura, wisteria, azaleas and later hydrangeas.
How Long to Spend in Uji?
Depending on your pace and interests, I would recommend setting aside at least half a day to a full day to fully enjoy this itinerary.
Where to Eat Lunch in Uji: Delicious Restaurants Near Byodo-in Temple
There are many options to choose from when it comes to restaurants in Uji. When I visited Uji, I had a delicious lunch at Udon Miyoshiya (京うどん 三よしや). Even though I chose a oyakodon, this cosy place is known for its Kyoto-style udon dishes. Next on my list to try on my next visit to Uji are Torikiku (とり菊), a local favorite that seems to have an amazing lunch set to try, and Sabo Kunugi (茶房 櫟), a café in a tranquil setting by the river.
Other Things to Do in and around Uji
If you’d like to take your matcha experience to the next level, you can visit Chazuna (お茶と宇治のまち交流館 茶づな), a facility dedicated to Uji’s tea. If you’d like to add a bit of hiking to your day, you can also head to Daikichiyama Observation Deck (大吉山展望台) and admire a good view of the city, about 20 minutes walk from Ujigami shrine. You might want to consider joining a Get Your Guide tour matching your schedule and interests (walking tour with a local guide, matcha-related experience…).
And if you have extra time and energy, you can consider stopping at Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社), one of Japan’s most iconic shrines, on your way back to Kyoto (or start your day there for an early hike). Another suggestion is to explore Fushimi sake district, a historic area famous for its high-quality sake production, and visit the Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum (月桂冠大倉記念館), where you can learn about the history of sake-making and enjoy a sake tasting.
Want to Stay Longer? My Hotel Picks in Uji
Given its lovely location and things to do around, you might be considering staying overnight in Uji. Based on reviews and its idyllic location by the river and close to the main Uji attractions, I’d recommend Hanayashiki Ukifune-en for an authentic Japanese ryokan and onsen experience. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, check out Uji Cha-gan-ju-tei, a hostel located near JR Uji station.
To Conclude
Uji is a lesser-known day trip from Kyoto that I’d highly recommend to Japan lovers in general, and particularly to those interested in historical temples and Japanese tea culture. I had a wonderful time in Uji, and I would love to visit again someday. Will you add Uji to your Japan travel bucket list?
If you’re planning to explore Japan’s Kansai region, you can check out my other Kyoto or Osaka articles for more guide and itinerary suggestions.
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