Recommended 1-Day Model Course in Uji City – Experience 120% Enjoyment in Uji the Home of Tea!

With the completion of the double-tracking of the JR Nara Line, Uji has become easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka. It takes just 16 minutes by rapid train from Kyoto Station to Uji Station, and even from Osaka Station, using the new rapid service on the JR Kyoto Line, the journey, including transfers, takes just under an hour. Furthermore, by taking advantage of useful sightseeing passes like JR's Kansai WIDE Area Excursion Pass or the KYOTO-OSAKA SIGHTSEEING PASS 1day (Osaka Metro), you can enjoy your trip more economically.

The first destination on this model course, the Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple, is conveniently located about a 3-minute walk from both JR Obaku Station and Keihan Obaku Station. You can choose the station based on factors such as your hotel location, transportation, or whether it aligns with your plans for after exploring Uji.

The first step in exploring Uji on a tea-themed journey begins at Obaku-san Manpuku-ji, the head temple of the Obaku Zen sect, which is one of the three major Zen sects in Japan.

Having the characteristics of the garan-style architecture of the Ming Dynasty of China, which is rarely seen in Japan, Manpuku-ji has preserved its original appearance since its founding. It includes 23 main buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government.

The monk who founded the temple, Ingen Zenji, is a revered Chinese monk credited with introducing not only ingredients like kidney beans, watermelons, and lotus roots but also the culture of sencha (steamed) green tea to Japan. On every third Saturday and Sunday in May, the "National Senchado Party" is held, and in mid-October, the "Moon Viewing Sencha Tea Party" takes place.

From the Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple, we now return on foot to Keihan Obaku Station and head to Uji Station. Our next destination is the Historical Park of Tea and Uji Town which opened in 2021. You’ll see it right in front of you as you get off at Keihan Uji Station.

The Historical Park of Tea and Uji Town is developed in an area that connects spots narrating Uji's history, such as the Uji Bridge, the Taiko Tsutsumi Embankment, and the tomb of Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto.

In the "Historical Zone," you can see the reconstruction of the era from when the Taiko Embankment was constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to the late Edo to early Meiji periods when the area was used as a tea plantation. In the "Interaction Zone," you'll find “Chazuna” the Tea and Uji Town Interaction Hall, offering various exhibits related to the Uji tea and workshops on tea brewing techniques and tea tasting experiences. After the experience, enjoy lunch at the restaurant with a menu featuring ingredients typical of Kyoto.

Next, let's head to the well-established tea Store, Itohkyuemon Uji Main Store, founded in the third year of the Tenpō era. They have contracted with local farmers in Uji, emphasizing the production of high-quality tea. It's about an 8-minute walk from the Historical Park of Tea and Uji Town.

The main store includes a tearoom where you can enjoy aromatic matcha sweets made using traditional stone mill-ground matcha. They offer treats like parfaits, anmitsu (a Japanese dessert with cubed jelly, beans and fruit), and a dessert plate for those with a bigger appetite. During the hot summer, their shaved ice is also highly recommended.

As you stroll through the heart of Uji, you'll come across the Uji Bridge, one of Japan’s three oldest bridges. The bridge was first said to have been built in the second year of the Taika era (646), and its name appears in numerous classical literary works.

The current bridge, reconstructed in 1996, maintains the characteristics fitting Uji's landmark, with cypress railings and bronze finials. The sannoma projection on the upstream side is believed to be the spot where Toyotomi Hideyoshi drew water for the tea ceremony. The seasonal views of the upstream Uji River from the bridge are breathtaking, making it a perfect spot for photos.

After enjoying a moment on the Uji Bridge, pass through the torii gate at the base of the Asagiri Bridge upstream and head to the Uji Shrine. Celebrating its 1710th year in 2023, this shrine is dedicated to the local deity of Uji, known as the messenger of the gods, the "Mikaeri Usagi" or "Looking-Back Rabbit."

Enshrining Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto, a younger brother of Emperor Nintoku known for his academic excellence since childhood, the shrine is believed to bring blessings for success in studies and exams. According to a legend, when Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto got lost, a rabbit guided him by looking back repeatedly. Rabbit figurines, inspired by this tale, can be spotted throughout the shrine grounds. Particularly, the area with the figurine known as the "Wishful Rabbit" is renowned as a power spot. To ensure proper guidance in your endeavors, be sure to make a heartfelt wish there.

After paying your respects at the Uji Shrine, take a stroll through the "Sawarabi no Michi" road and visit the Ujigami Shrine. The sacred atmosphere, with the National Treasure main hall and worship hall, is awe-inspiring.

As the guardian shrine of Byodoin, the Ujigami Shrine is highly revered by the locals in Uji. It is recognized as a cultural property of the ancient city of Kyoto and is registered as a World Cultural Heritage site. The worship hall, situated beyond the main gate, is a rare example of the residential architecture from the Kamakura period, using the shinden-zukuri style. The main hall, located behind it, dates back to the late Heian period, making it the oldest existing shrine architecture. Both are designated as National Treasures.

After exploring the shrines, the next stop is the kiln of ASAHIYAKI, which has a history of 400 years in Uji. Various utensils used in the tea ceremony and for sencha tea have been crafted here, and you can enjoy a pottery experience under the guidance of skilled artisans.

This time, try your hand at painting on dishes and teacups that have been crafted by the artisans. For those who work quickly, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the task, and the finished pieces will be fired in the kiln by the staff. The final product will be delivered to you approximately two months later, and international shipping is also available.

After enjoying the pottery painting experience, take a break with a bowl of matcha. Experience the authentic tea ceremony at Uji City Municipal Tea House Taihoan.

The place was established by Uji City to promote the Uji tea and spread the art of tea ceremony. Served by teachers from the tea ceremony federation, you can savor tea and seasonal sweets. For beginners, usucha (light tea) or sencha are recommended, as they do not require reservations. Even if you're not familiar with the etiquette, the teacher will kindly guide you, so you can relax and enjoy the experience.

Once refreshed with delicious Uji tea, it's time to visit the Byodoin Temple. In addition to the well-known symmetric hall, the museum on the premises is a must-see!

The Phoenix Hall, or "Hoo-do," has its golden phoenix on the roof and the central statue of Amida Buddha. The reflection of the Phoenix Hall on the water is considered a representation of the heaven on earth with its mesmerizing beauty. Don't forget to explore the "Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan," located within the temple grounds, showcasing numerous cultural assets and treasures, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Especially noteworthy is the exhibition utilizing the latest digital technology to recreate the vibrant interior of the Phoenix Hall — an experience sure to leave you in awe!

To conclude your journey in Uji, indulge in the matcha cuisine at Kyoto Uji Matcha Cuisine Tatsumiya. Through a collaboration of carefully selected matcha and Kyoto kaiseki, you'll savor the world of tea.

Established in 1840 as a tea merchant, Tatsumiya boasts over 100 years of history as a ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant). Here, you can enjoy matcha-infused dishes using seasonal ingredients and traditional Kyoto kaiseki. Reflect on your day while savoring delicious cuisine with the scenery outside the window.

How was your tea-themed journey in Uji?

Although this was a one-day model itinerary, just like the profound world of tea ceremony, there are still many hidden charms in the city of Uji that we couldn't fully dig into in this article. You can use a convenient railway pass to explore not only Uji but also the Fushimi area, where you can visit places like the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, take a boat tour along the waterways on the Jikkokubune (boat), and explore various sake breweries. With the Fushimi area still holding the atmosphere of the late Edo period, combining these with Uji provides a recommended sightseeing experience.