Uji City: Features, Popular Tourist Attractions, Gourmet

Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture is renowned as a tourist destination that preserves the rich history and culture of ancient Japan, featuring World Heritage sites such as Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine. As Japan’s oldest matcha-producing region since the Heian period, the Uji Bridge Street is lined with long-established tea shops offering authentic matcha experiences and matcha-flavored sweets.

The city is also famous as the setting for the latter half of The Tale of Genji known as “Uji Jujo,” featuring atmospheric tourist spots that blend literature and history, including Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, and the Tale of Genji Museum. The Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple, featured on the 10-yen coin, attracts many visitors with its elegant architecture and garden.

A well-maintained promenade along the Uji River allows visitors to enjoy nature throughout the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage reflect on the river’s surface, creating picturesque scenery. The traditional cormorant fishing on the Uji River is a popular summer attraction, offering visitors a close-up view of this ancient fishing method.

Transportation is convenient, with just a 20-minute trip from Kyoto Station via JR or Keihan trains, making it a popular day-trip destination. The city has well-equipped tourist information centers providing guidance in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Uji is also a notable culinary destination, offering various matcha-flavored dishes and sweets, including matcha soba noodles, matcha parfaits, and matcha ice cream. Traditional restaurants also serve kaiseki cuisine featuring Uji tea.