Uji Day Trip – A Complete Guide According to a Local in 2024
Only 20 minutes by JR train from Kyoto Station, having Uji Day Trip is a must – however long your trip to Kyoto is, don’t forget there’s more to see just outside the ancient capital of Japan’s limits.
Also, we will unveil the tourist spot in Uji that is in the Japan’s 10-yen coin!
Whether it is your first time in Kyoto or not, personally speaking, I think the best thing about having a day trip to Uji is balance of great food options, world heritages, accessibility, and main attractions can be visited on foot from the station/from each other, making it a great destination whether you are coming to Japan as a solo traveler/backpacker, couple, or even as a family.
In this Uji Day Trip guide, we will cover the following:
- What is Uji known for
- Famous spots in Uji with sample itinerary and map (including what to eat)
- Best souvenir shops in Uji
- Local’s Tips in visiting Uji
Before your Uji Day Trip: What is Uji known for?
Uji is the Matcha Capital of the World
Uji is synonymous with matcha, a finely ground green tea powder that has gained international popularity.
Actually, when we visited Uji, we were surprised that even the color of some buses are matcha 😂
Uji is Home to the World’s First Written Novel
Uji in Kyoto holds a special place in Japanese literature, primarily due to “The Tale of Genji” (Genji Monogatari). Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, it’s often considered the world’s first novel.
Uji is the setting for the last ten chapters, and the city celebrates this legacy with statues, museums, and events dedicated to the literary masterpiece.
Planning for Uji Day Trip: Famous Spots with Sample Itinerary and Map
If you do not have time to read, here is our recommended itinerary for an Uji Day Trip:
– Arrive at Uji Station then head directly to reserve at Nakamura Tokichi Honten for matcha
– Byodo-in Temple (UNESCO World Heritage)
– Lunch at a Matcha Soba Restaurant (Japanese buckwheat noodles)
– Visit Tale of Genji Museum
– Afternoon Tea at Nakamura Tokichi Honten Reservation
The first thing you need to do upon arriving Uji Station is to go to the most famous matcha cafe in Kyoto (if not Japan) – Nakamura Tokichi Honten!
This was the first thing we did when we arrived in Uji (around 11:30am) and was surprised that we had to wait for four hours.
The good thing about Nakamura Tokichi’s queuing system is you just need to get the number from their machine and you can check the status online the remaining wait time.
By the way, there is also a free Japanese tea tasting at Nakamura Tokichi Honten – so after getting your queuing number we highly recommend you to go here.
In our case, we got the queuing number then went directly to Byodo-in Temple.
Byōdō-in Temple
Byodo-in Temple is one of Japan’s many UNESCO World Heritage sites. The temple is not just an architectural masterpiece but also a testament to Uji’s rich history (in fact, the structure of some halls are kept from Heian period – 700 AD).
What Visitors and Locals Love: Byodo-in’s statues, scriptures, and even the gardens tell tales of a bygone era, making it like a living museum of sorts.
Inside Byōdō-in Temple:
- Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō): The heart of Byōdō-in Temple, the Phoenix Hall, gets its name from the two phoenix statues that adorn its rooftop. In fact, this hall is in the Japan’s 10-coin!
This hall, with its elegant curves and intricate carvings, houses a large statue of Amida Buddha, surrounded by a sea of smaller Bodhisattva figures. - Hoshokan Museum: The Byōdō-in Temple Museum Hōshōkan is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts.
It showcases a number of artifacts, including temple bells, scriptures, and relics that trace back to the temple’s inception. The detailed exhibits offer insights into the temple’s significance and its role in Japanese Buddhism. - Gardens: The temple is surrounded by pristine gardens that mirror the Heian period’s landscaping style.
As you stroll through, you’ll be greeted by serene ponds reflecting the temple’s silhouette, stone pathways leading to quaint corners, and an array of flora that changes hues with the seasons.
Operating Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily.
Entrance Fee: ¥600 for adults. Discounts are available for students, making it accessible for younger enthusiasts to immerse in its history.
Time to Spend: Dedicate a good 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing yourself to be lost in its historical allure and natural beauty.
Our Local’s tip when visiting Byodo-in: there is an additional ¥300 fee when you want to enter the Phoenix Hall which we highly recommend you to visit.
When inside the Phoenix hall you will be warned not to touch the halls because they are constructed more than 1000 years ago.
Lunch at a Torikiku Matcha Soba Restaurant (Japanese buckwheat noodles)
We had lunch at a matcha soba noodle restaurant called Torikiku, after researching and found out that a lot of Japanese locals rank it as a “hidden gem” for their Uji day trip.
I originally wanted to order the tempura + sushi set but it was out of stock so I just opted for a tempura set + nigiri and really loved the taste. This only costed 1000 Japanese yen.
Actually, Torikiku’s price point is very cheap – most probably it is the main reason why it is highly ranked as most Japanese love restaurants with good “cost performance”, or value for money.
By the way, please also note that there is also a matcha soba in Nakamura Tokichi so if you want to skip lunch and just have a heavy afternoon meal then you can also opt for Nakamura Tokichi and skip Torikiku.
The other places we saw that have high ratings for Matcha Soba Restaurants are the following. Honestly, we wanted to visit all of them but our stomach could not handle all the delicious Matcha Soba of one-day Uji Day Trip 🤣
- Masuda Chaho
- Itoh Kyuemon
- Tsuen Main Branch
- Tatsumiya (luxury option)
Statue of Murasaki Shikibu:
After having lunch, we recommend visiting the statue of Murasaki Shikibu, the esteemed author of “The Tale of Genji.” This bronze figure, with its detailing, not only captures the likeness of the literary genius but also symbolizes Uji’s deep-rooted connection to Japan’s literary heritage.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It:
- Literary Significance: For literature enthusiasts, this statue is a tangible connection to the world’s first novel. It’s a reminder of the timeless tales that have shaped Japanese literature.
By the way, there is an anime about Tale of Genji so if you are interested in Japanese (and Uji story), you might want to watch it. - Artistic Beauty: The statue’s craftsmanship is a testament to Japanese artistry, making it a favorite spot for photographers and art lovers.
- Reflective Ambiance: Its location, amidst serene surroundings, offers a peaceful spot for contemplation, making it a favorite for both locals seeking a quiet moment and visitors immersing themselves in Uji’s history.
Operating Time: Accessible 24/7, offering flexibility for early risers or nighttime wanderers.
Entrance Fee: Completely free.
Time to Spend: 10-20 minutes. It’s a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and perhaps even delve into a few pages of “The Tale of Genji.”
Ujibashi Bridge & Byodo-in Omotesando Street:
Byodo-in Omotesando Street is Uji’s historical heartbeat. With its cobblestone pathways, traditional shops, and the aroma of age-old Japanese recipes wafting through the air, it’s a sensory delight. The Ujibashi Bridge, with its classic wooden architecture, stands as a sentinel to Uji’s past, offering breathtaking views of the Uji River.
Why Locals and Visitors Love It:
- Historical Charm: The street and bridge transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse into Uji’s storied past.
- Culinary Delights: From matcha-infused sweets to traditional Japanese snacks, the street is a gastronomic paradise.
- Shopping Extravaganza: The traditional shops lining the street offer a range of unique souvenirs, from handmade crafts to local teas.
- Scenic Beauty: The Ujibashi Bridge offers unparalleled views of the Uji River, especially during sunrise and sunset, making it a favorite spot for photographers.
- Cultural Immersion: Locals often frequent the street, providing visitors with an authentic experience of daily life in Uji.
Operating Time: The street is most vibrant from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Individual shops might have their own timings.
Entrance Fee: Exploring is free, but do budget for potential purchases and culinary treats!
Time to Spend: Set aside 2-3 hours. Between the shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
Tale of Genji Museum
The Tale of Genji Museum is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone interested in Japanese culture.
The museum spans two floors, each dedicated to offering visitors a deeper understanding of the novel and its historical context.
Upon entering, we were greeted with life-sized figures representing characters from the novel, bringing the story to life.
Actually, if you are a history buff, you will really love this museum since it houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Heian period, offering insights into the era’s daily life and culture.
A highlight of the museum is a room where scenes from the novel are projected onto screens, accompanied by narration, immersing visitors in the story, which was actually our favorite part of the museum’s experience.
Matcha Afternoon tea at Nakamura Tokichi Honten
Of course, the most-awaited part of our Uji Day Trip – the afternoon tea matcha dessert sweets at Nakamura Tokichi Honten!
After the 4-hour wait, I personally had to run from Tale of Genji Museum to Nakamura Tokichi Honten because suddenly the waiting time from 30 minutes became 5 minutes.
After arriving at Nakamura Tokichi, I showed them the waiting number and had to wait for 10 minutes (because I got late for around 15 minutes after my number got called).
Of course, I ordered a limited-edition matcha parfait which is only available at the main store (by the way, the “Honten” in the Nakamura Tokichi Honten means “main store”).
I was not able to take a picture of the price but I am quite sure that the Matcha parfait + roasted tea set costed around 2500 Japanese yen.
Mimuroto-ji
If you still have energy, it seems that Mimuroto-ji (a buddhist temple) is also a famous spot among locals. For us, we skipped it this time for a Matcha and a rest, after a long walk.
Uji Day Trip: Best Souvenirs
Being the the Matcha Capital of the World, you do not want to miss buying Matcha delicacies to bring home.
After our afternoon tea at Nakamura Tokichi Honten, we explored their souvenir shops.
However, we find that the souvenirs in Itoh Kyuemon have more variant and although still relatively expensive, they still have a lot of luxurious Japanese souvenirs that are cheaper than Nakamura Tokichi Honten.
Our favorites are Uji Matcha Cheesecake, Uji Matcha Soybean Mochi,and Uji Matcha Langue de Chat form Itoh Kyuemon – definitely the sweets we highly recommend!
Local’s Tips for Uji Day Trip
Explore Beyond the Main Attractions!
While Uji’s renowned sites like Byōdō-in Temple and the Statue of Murasaki Shikibu are must-visits, our local friend from Kyoto suggests exploring the lesser-known nooks and crannies of the city.
Meandering through the backstreets can lead you to quaint cafes, artisanal shops, and hidden gardens. These off-the-beaten-path spots offer a more intimate experience of Uji’s charm.
Uji Cuisine
Beyond the famed Uji matcha, the city boasts a variety of traditional eateries serving dishes like “matcha soba” and “Uji kintoki” (shaved ice with sweet toppings). Venturing into local markets can also introduce visitors to unique snacks and fresh produce that encapsulate the flavors of the region.
Timing Your Visit Right
While Uji is beautiful year-round, locals often recommend visiting during specific seasons to witness the city in its full glory.
Though we went to Uji during summer, it seems that the cherry blossom season in spring and the vibrant autumn foliage offer picturesque landscapes, making these periods especially popular. However, visiting during the early morning hours, regardless of the season, ensures a serene experience away from the usual tourist crowds.
Wrap Up
Having Uji Day Trip for stay in Japan means not just immersing yourself into Japan’s rich history but also in the local’s cuisines. Just a stone’s throw away from Kyoto, Uji offers a refreshing escape from the usual tourist spots, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese traditions.
From savoring the world’s finest matcha to walking the same streets that inspired literary masterpieces at Byodo-in temple, Uji should definitely in your bucketlist whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple seeking a romantic getaway, or on a family travel in Japan.
As you plan your trip to Kyoto, we highly recommend to carve out a day for Uji. And remember do not forget to have a nice matcha soba, matcha afternoon tea, and matcha souvenirs!
