Are you planning a trip to Uji as part of your Japan adventure? In this Uji travel guide, you’ll discover why this charming city is a must-visit for matcha lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
I’ll share my experiences exploring the best green tea spots, indulging in unique matcha treats, and uncovering Uji’s historical allure and scenic natural beauty. As a matcha lover with 20+ years exploring the world’s tea scenes and a traveller seeking authentic gems, I’m your guide to matcha’s birthplace. From the streets of Uji to its serene tea houses, I’ll provide insider tips to make your visit unforgettable.
This post will give you everything you need to know to have the best visit to Uji!
Plan Your Trip with
My Favourite Resources
– Best Accommodation Site: Booking.com
– Top tours + attraction tickets here: Klook.com
– Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing
Nestled in the scenic hills of Kyoto, Uji is a small city with a big reputation, especially when it comes to matcha. The region, traversed by the Uji River, Kizu River, and other waterways, has long been celebrated for its exceptional green tea. Thick fogs and mists that blanket the mountainous areas of the river basins contribute to the cultivation of high-quality tea.
Known as the heartland of Japanese green tea, Uji is a paradise for matcha lovers, offering an appealing blend of history, peaceful landscapes, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a tea connoisseur who is ready to get caffeinated or a casual traveller, this guide will lead you through the best matcha spots and cultural attractions that Uji has to offer.
How do I get to Uji?
Getting to Uji from Kyoto is easy and convenient, making it an ideal easy day trip. You can take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, which will get you to Uji in about 20 minutes. If you prefer a more scenic route, hop on the Keihan Uji Line from Gion-Shijo Station, which takes around 30 minutes.
Both routes drop you off within walking distance of Uji’s main attractions, including Byodo-in Temple and the famous Uji Bridge, allowing you to start exploring as soon as you arrive.
When is the best time of year to visit Uji?
The ideal time to visit Uji is during spring and autumn when the city’s natural beauty peaks. In spring, from late March to early April, Uji is adorned with cherry blossoms, especially along the Uji River and Byodo-in Temple. Late October to early December offers vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage, transforming the city into a picturesque autumn scene.
Both seasons provide a mild climate, making it comfortable to explore Uji’s tea houses, temples, and scenic spots.
However, I visited Uji in the heat of summer, in July, and it was still a fantastic experience. The warm weather gave my husband and I the perfect excuse to indulge in iced matcha and matcha soft serve, making the trip even more enjoyable!
Top Matcha Locations in Uji
Matcha Republic – Iced Matcha & Matcha Ice Cream
Embark on your Uji adventure at Matcha Republic (抹茶共和国 宇治本店), a chic and contemporary tea shop. Nestled in the centre of Uji, this hotspot offers creative matcha beverages. The shop’s minimalist design and airy space, is the perfect setting in which to enjoy a delicious matcha latte.
Matcha Republic also serves Cremia soft serve ice cream with several matcha flavours to choose from, which is perfect for summer! Be sure to try their matcha boba; a delightful bubble tea drink fusing classic green tea with modern Taiwanese influence.
Torikiku – Matcha Soba Noodles & Matcha Tempura
For a unique culinary experience, try matcha soba in Uji. For a top-rated, ambient, hole-in-the-wall eatery, head over to Torikiku (とり菊), a cozy restaurant set in a residential area where you can indulge in matcha in savoury form.
Matcha soba set meals on a picture menu at Torikiku offer a refreshing twist on the classic Japanese noodle dish. Paired with tempura and served with matcha dipping salt, you get an unexpected yet satisfying combination that elevates crisp, golden tempura to a new level. Ambient bar seats where you can observe the meal prep firsthand or cosy, private tatami mat rooms make this family-run eatery an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate the flavours of Uji.
Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in – Matcha Desserts
No visit to Uji is complete without stopping at Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-in (中村藤吉平等院店), a historic tea house with a long history in Uji that dates back to 1854! Located near the iconic Byodo-in Temple, this tea house offers a serene setting to enjoy traditional matcha desserts. Head to the second level for a stunning river view while you indulge in their signature seasonal matcha parfaits.
During our July visit, our summer-themed matcha parfait was a decadent creation layered with yogurt cream, aromatic Iyokan bean paste, fresh matcha jelly and seasonal citrus. We also ordered matcha jelly with Iyokan bean paste, matcha ice cream, and mochi and were certainly glad we did! The tea house also offers complimentary green tea with each order, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the flavours of Uji’s finest matcha. We were presented with iced sencha（水出し煎茶) during our visit in the summer months.
Itoh Kyuemon – Buy Matcha Products & Souvenirs
Near Byodo-in Temple, be sure to visit Itoh Kyuemon, a distinguished shop known for some of Uji’s finest matcha. With a legacy spanning centuries, Itoh Kyuemon has an unmatched matcha selection, from everyday drinking grades to exquisite ceremonial blends.
The shop features beautifully packaged matcha products including cookies, chocolate, and mochi. These are ideal as souvenirs or gifts for fellow tea enthusiasts. Choose the perfect matcha to suit your preference, and take home a piece of Uji’s legendary tea culture.
Uji’s Cultural and Scenic Attractions
Beyond its culinary offerings, Uji boasts a wealth of history and natural beauty. Once you’ve indulged in matcha, take a leisurely stroll and discover the city’s most iconic attractions:
Byodo-in Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its Phoenix Hall, which is depicted on the 10 yen coin. The serene gardens and pond make it a peaceful retreat.
Tachibana Island
A small island in the Uji River, accessible by footbridge, is a tranquil spot for a leisurely walk. Public washrooms are accessible at the south end of the island.
Asagiri Bridge
Cross this picturesque red bridge for stunning views of Uji River, particularly during cherry blossom season.
Uji Bridge
A historic structure, Uji Bridge offers picturesque views and dates back to 646 CE. Built by a Nara monk, it spans the Uji River and is one of Japan’s three oldest bridges. Although reconstructed over the centuries, the current bridge, completed in 1996, preserves the traditional cypress wood and bronze accents, showcasing its original craftsmanship.
Statue of Murasaki Shikibu
This statue honours the legendary author of The Tale of Genji, often considered the world’s first novel. Near Uji Bridge, a bronze statue shows Murasaki with a scroll, symbolizing her link to Uji, setting of her work’s final chapters. Surrounded by the serene Uji River and scenic views, it’s a favourite for literature enthusiasts and book nerds like me!
Gashapon Capsule Toys
Thought you got your fill in Akihabara? One of my favourite capsule toy machines on our entire Japan trip. This was full of mofosand figurines and located in Uji across from the Fujidana Garden.
Sneaky Coffee Fix at ap coffee shop (アープ)
If you’re craving the black brew after all this green tea, stop at this clean, modern café. We did and got highly caffeinated with top notch coffee amplified by all the Uji green tea. AC and power outlets along the bar seats were a great to place charge our phone batteries.
Ready for a Picturesque Trip to Uji?
Uji offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and, of course, green tea and matcha. From Matcha Republic’s trendy drinks to Torikiku’s delicious soba, this matcha haven is one of the best green tea spots in the world. Whether a day trip from Kyoto or Nara or a highlight of your Japan journey, Uji promises lasting memories.
Book Your Japan Trip with
My Favourite Travel Resources
– Top Accommodation Site: Trip.com
– Book your flights here: Cheapoair.com
– Purchase travel insurance here: SafetyWing
How’s your Japan trip planning coming along? Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Tokyo or venturing beyond to discover more of Japan’s rich culture and stunning landscapes, I’ve got you covered! Check out my 3-day Tokyo itinerary for must-visit spots in the city, my 2-day Kyoto guide or dive into my guide to Japanese food!
If you’re a Vancouver local like me looking to enjoy premium matcha in the city, check out my blog post, on the top matcha cafés in Vancouver, Canada.
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また次回 (Mata jikai) – Until next time,
♥ Agni
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