2026 Uji Attractions Guide: Byodoin, Uji Matcha and Must-Visit Spots Nearby
Uji lies in southern Kyoto Prefecture, home to the World Heritage sites Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine and the birthplace of Japan’s top-grade matcha, perfect for a half-day to one-day trip.
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin is Uji’s most representative World Cultural Heritage site, and the design on today’s ¥10 coin is its Phoenix Hall. The symmetrical wooden building reflected in Ajiike Pond forms the classic picture of a Pure Land garden.
Inside the grounds, the Hoshokan is an underground museum displaying national treasures such as the phoenixes and the Bodhisattvas Riding Clouds. To enter the Phoenix Hall itself costs an extra ¥300 donation, accepted on site from 9:10 on a first-come, first-served basis, with a tour every 20 minutes of 50 people each, so we suggest going to the reception desk first when you enter.
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Uji Shrine
Uji Shrine stands right next to Ujigami Shrine and is known for its “looking-back rabbit,” a place said to answer prayers for study and life guidance, with cute rabbit-shaped decorations and fortune slips all around the grounds.
Uji Shrine enshrines Uji no Wakiiratsuko, regarded as a god of learning. In ancient times it and Ujigami Shrine were together called “Uji Rikyu Myojin.” Visiting the grounds is free, and it is also a key shrine for exam candidates’ prayers.
Uji Park
Uji Park is made up of Tachibana Island and Tou-no-shima Island in the Uji River. The 13-story stone pagoda on Tou-no-shima is about 15 meters high and was built in the late Kamakura period, a resting place where locals and visitors stroll and enjoy the view.
The park holds a cherry blossom festival in spring and events such as moon-viewing tea gatherings and a tea festival in autumn. It suits travelers who like a leisurely walk and is also on the way toward Byodoin and Uji Bridge.
Daikichiyama Observatory
Daikichiyama (officially Busshozan) is about 131 meters high. From the trailhead it is about a 20-minute walk to the observatory, which overlooks the Uji River, Nakanoshima and the Byodoin area.
We suggest allowing 40 to 60 minutes to climb and stay at the top. The mountain path is an ordinary hiking trail, so wear comfortable shoes and bring drinking water.
How to Get to Uji: A Complete Guide to Transport and Costs
Uji is in southern Kyoto Prefecture, close to central Kyoto, and very convenient to reach. From Kyoto Station, Osaka or Nara you can arrive within 30 to 60 minutes, with two main rail options, the JR Nara Line and the Keihan Uji Line, while driving and buses are also good alternatives.
How to Get to Uji: Transport at a Glance
🚃 JR Nara Line: from Kyoto Station take the “Miyakoji Rapid,” 17 minutes, ¥240. Trains are frequent (every 20-30 minutes) and IC cards such as ICOCA can be used.
🚃 Keihan Uji Line: change at Chushojima Station; from Keihan Uji Station it is about a 10-minute walk to Byodoin.
🎫 Keihan “Kyoto 1-Day Pass”: adults ¥1,100, covers the Uji Line, with digital tickets available at Surutto QRtto.
🚗 Driving / taxi: about 30 minutes by taxi from Kyoto Station, good for lots of luggage or larger groups.
What Are the Must-See Attractions and Experiences in Uji? Famous Matcha Shops and Itinerary Planning
Uji is in southern Kyoto Prefecture, about 20 to 30 minutes from central Kyoto by the JR Nara Line or Keihan Uji Line, an excellent choice for a light day trip. Here you find not only the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin, a World Cultural Heritage site, but also one of the birthplaces of Japanese matcha, with century-old shops lining the streets and a rich tea fragrance in the air. Below are Uji’s eight must-visit attractions, from historic temples to famous matcha shops, to help you plan a short Uji trip that combines history with a treat for the taste buds.
Byodoin Phoenix Hall
Uji’s landmark Byodoin was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994. The Phoenix Hall, the design on the ¥10 coin, was converted from a villa by Fujiwara no Yorimichi in 1052 and expresses the Heian nobility’s view of the Pure Land paradise.
The Hoshokan holds the national-treasure Bodhisattvas Riding Clouds and the temple bell, and Ajiike Pond reflecting the Phoenix Hall is the classic photo angle, especially beautiful with spring cherry blossoms and autumn maples.
The garden is open 8:45-17:30 (reception until 17:15) and the Hoshokan 9:00-17:00. Garden and Hoshokan admission is ¥700 for adults, with an extra ¥300 donation for the Phoenix Hall interior, first-come, first-served on site; we suggest staying 1.5-2 hours.
Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine sits on the bank of the Uji River and is a World Heritage site. Its main hall was built in the late Heian period and is the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. The shrine enshrines Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku and Uji no Wakiiratsuko, closely tied to Uji’s history.
The “Kirihara-sui” spring within the grounds is the only one of Uji’s Seven Famous Waters that survives today, now used as the hand-washing basin. The shrine is quiet and solemn, a contrast to Byodoin.
Visiting is free, open 09:00-16:30, and we suggest staying 30 minutes to an hour. The shrine office sells limited-edition charms and goshuin stamps, with the goshuin about ¥500.
Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Nakamura Tokichi was founded in 1854, a century-old Uji matcha shop about a 3-minute walk from JR Uji Station, with a machiya building that keeps the tea merchant’s storehouse and courtyard garden.
Be sure to try the signature “Nama Cha Jelly” matcha jelly and matcha soba noodles. There is often a wait on holidays, so we suggest taking a number early.
Hours are 10:00-17:00; for details see the Nakamura Tokichi official website (tokichi.jp). We suggest staying 1-1.5 hours, and the shop also sells matcha powder and hojicha souvenirs.
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Itohkyuemon Uji Honten
Itohkyuemon was founded in the Tenpo era of the Edo period and is as famous as Nakamura Tokichi. The main store is in Togaarasa, Uji City, about a 5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station and about a 12-minute walk from JR Uji Station, with an attached tea room and shopping area and free parking. The tea room seats guests in order of arrival and does not accept reservations. Its popular “matcha parfait” has rich layers. Hours are 10:00-18:00 with last tea-room order at 17:30, and we suggest staying 1-1.5 hours. The souvenir area offers a variety of choices such as matcha chocolate and baumkuchen.
Uji Bridge and the Murasaki Shikibu Statue
Uji Bridge, one of Japan’s three oldest bridges, was first built in 646 and spans the Uji River. It was the transport artery from Kyoto to Nara and is also the setting for the “Uji Chapters” of The Tale of Genji, with a strong literary air. The stone statue of Murasaki Shikibu beside the bridge, holding a scroll and gazing at the Uji River, is a popular photo spot. From the bridge you can look out on the Uji River’s rushing current and the distant mountains, and the sunset view at dusk is especially romantic.
Open all year and free to visit; we suggest staying 20-30 minutes. The bridge is also the starting point of the “Uji Chapters” stone-monument trail, where literature fans can follow the riverside path to find Tale of Genji sites.
Walking Order for Uji Attractions: Uji Bridge, Byodoin and a Riverside Stroll to Ujigami Shrine
Uji’s main attractions cluster on both banks of the Uji River. Start from JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station, walk across Uji Bridge past the Murasaki Shikibu statue first, then follow the Omotesando tea shop street to Byodoin. After your visit, cross Asagiri Bridge to Tachibana Island and Tou-no-shima Island in the river (Uji Park), then continue to Ujigami Shrine, Uji Shrine and the Tale of Genji Museum on the opposite bank. Travelers with energy to spare can also climb to the Daikichiyama Observatory, about 20 minutes on foot from the trailhead, for a panoramic view.
Tale of Genji Museum
The Uji City Tale of Genji Museum is in Uji Park, just a 5-minute walk from Byodoin. It presents The Tale of Genji and the life of Heian nobles, with fine models recreating the Rokujo-in mansion, ox carriages and period costumes.
Inside, display models and video introduce the story of the “Uji Chapters” and the character of the era, suiting families and literature lovers.
Open 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30), closed Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday), adult admission ¥500. We suggest 1-1.5 hours; a must-visit to experience Uji’s literature.
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Mimurotoji Temple
Mimurotoji is one of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage temples and is known as the “temple of flowers.” About 20,000 hydrangeas are planted on the grounds, along with lotus and azaleas, and the June hydrangea season is especially lively each year. The garden is scenic in every season, with spring cherry blossoms, summer flowers and autumn maples, making it one of Uji’s flower-viewing spots.
The main hall enshrines a thousand-armed Kannon, and goshuin stamps are available (from ¥500), along with several limited-edition charms. Visiting hours vary by season, so please follow the official website. Admission is ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children, and we suggest staying 1-1.5 hours. It is about a 15-minute walk from Keihan Mimurotoji Station.
Uji City Botanical Garden
Uji City Botanical Garden has areas such as a greenhouse, a rose garden and seasonal flower beds. The greenhouse grows tropical plants and orchids from around the world, and seasonal flowers bloom in turn, good for families. The garden also holds special exhibitions and markets by season, so check the official website for flower conditions and events before you go. It is open 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:00) and closed Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday); see the official website for admission, and we suggest staying 1.5-2 hours. It is in the outskirts, so a taxi or bus is recommended.
How Much Does Uji Cost? Admission and Experience Fees
Most Uji attractions have affordable admission. Below are recommended ticket combinations and experience tours so you can plan your budget in advance.
Byodoin Phoenix Hall Tickets
Byodoin garden and Hoshokan admission is ¥700 for adults (¥400 for junior and senior high school students, ¥300 for elementary school students). To enter the Phoenix Hall interior costs an extra ¥300 donation, ¥1,000 in total. The Phoenix Hall interior is accepted on site from 9:10 on a first-come, first-served basis, so we suggest going straight to the reception desk after entering. For the latest information see the Byodoin official website (byodoin.or.jp).
Uji City Tale of Genji Museum Tickets
Uji City Tale of Genji Museum admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥250 for children. It is open 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30) and closed on Mondays (next day if Monday is a holiday) and over the New Year holidays. Plan 40-60 minutes to learn in depth about the literary world of the Uji Chapters of The Tale of Genji.
Kyoto-Uji Day Tour Packages
Platforms such as KKday and Klook offer Kyoto, Nara and Uji day tours combining Byodoin, Uji’s matcha food street, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha and more. Prices and contents vary by package, suiting travelers who do not want to arrange transport and ticket purchases themselves. Before ordering, confirm the departure point, meeting time and whether admission is included.
![Nara Prefecture - [Kyoto & Nara & Uji Day Tour] Nara Park Cute Deer & Fushimi Inari Taisha Thousand Torii & World Heritage Todaiji & Byodoin & Uji Matcha Food Street & Uji River & Uji Park & Asagiri Bridge Day Tour](https://res.klook.com/images/w_300,h_300,c_fill,q_75/w_80,x_15,y_15,g_south_west,l_Klook_water_br_trans_yhcmh3/activities/ewrhbgtqhgx3n9ojjrd0/【京都奈良宇治一日遊】奈良公園萌鹿伏見稻荷大社千本鳥居世界文化遺產東大寺平等院宇治抹茶美食街宇治川宇治公園朝霧橋一日遊-Klook.jpg)
Keihan “Kyoto 1-Day Pass”: Adults ¥1,100, Includes the Uji Line
The Keihan “Kyoto 1-Day Pass” costs ¥1,100 for adults and ¥550 for children (from October 1, 2025). It covers the Keihan Main Line section from Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station to Demachiyanagi Station, the Uji Line and the Iwashimizu Hachimangu approach cable car, with unlimited rides for one day. The ticket is digital and can be bought at “Surutto QRtto”; after purchase you can use it on any one day within 3 months, and ticket holders also get discounts at some temples, shrines and facilities along the Keihan line. Please check the Keihan website for the latest details before your trip.
Where to Stay Nearby
Uji’s attractions are concentrated and can be covered in half a day to a day, and most travelers use central Kyoto as a base, reaching Uji in about 17 minutes by JR Nara Line rapid from Kyoto Station. To visit Byodoin’s garden calmly when it opens at 8:45, consider staying near Kyoto Station and taking the train early the next morning, or stay right around JR Uji Station or Keihan Uji Station.
FAQ
Q: How do I get from Kyoto to Uji?
Take the JR Nara Line rapid train, about 17 minutes, or take the Keihan line and change at Chushojima to the Uji Line. Both run frequently, and fares follow each railway company’s announcements.
Q: When is the best time to visit Uji?
Spring (March-April) for cherry blossoms, early summer (June) for hydrangeas and wisteria, and autumn (November) for maple leaves are all popular seasons, with autumn maples and the hydrangeas at Mimurotoji the most popular; we suggest avoiding holiday crowds.
Q: How should I plan the timing of a day trip to Uji?
We suggest arriving before 9 a.m. The whole trip takes about 5-6 hours, visiting Byodoin, Uji Bridge, Uji Shrine, Ujigami Shrine and the Tale of Genji Museum in turn, with lunch at Nakamura Tokichi making for the smoothest flow.
Q: Do I need to reserve Byodoin Phoenix Hall tickets?
No reservation is needed. The Phoenix Hall interior costs an extra ¥300 donation, first-come, first-served on site from 9:10, 50 people per tour, so we suggest going to the reception desk as soon as you enter.
Q: What matcha souvenirs are must-buys in Uji?
We recommend Nakamura Tokichi’s matcha powder and Nama Cha Jelly gift sets, and Itohkyuemon’s matcha sweets and tea leaves; both are very popular, easy-to-carry classic souvenirs.
Q: Is Uji better as a half-day or full-day trip?
If you only visit Byodoin and the nearby shrines, half a day is enough; if you add the Tale of Genji Museum, the Daikichiyama Observatory and a matcha experience, a full day is more comfortable.
Q: Which World Heritage sites in Uji are must-sees?
Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine are both listed among the World Cultural Heritage “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” about a 10-minute walk apart, and are the core attractions you cannot miss on an Uji trip.
