- Uji serves as the primary setting for the final ten chapters of The Tale of Genji, written in the early 11th century.
- The city has been a center for tea production since the 12th century, when the monk Eisai introduced tea seeds from China to the region.
- The Uji River is one of the few places in Japan where traditional cormorant fishing, known as ukai, is still practiced as a cultural demonstration.
- Uji's tea market historically held such prestige that the region's top-tier matcha was once reserved exclusively for shoguns and the imperial court.
About Uji
Uji is globally renowned as the cradle of Japanese green tea production, with a history inextricably linked to the cultivation of high-quality matcha. The city serves as a living museum of Heian-period aesthetics, featuring the iconic Byōdo-in Temple which appears on the Japanese ten-yen coin. Visitors can trace the literary roots of the world's first novel at the Tale of Genji Museum or cross the historic Uji Bridge, which has been rebuilt repeatedly since its seventh-century origins. This tranquil riverside destination seamlessly blends ancient Buddhist architecture with deep-rooted culinary traditions.
Highlights of Uji
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Admire the Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture featured on the ten-yen coin.
Temples
Explore the hillside temple grounds known for their extensive botanical collection.
Museums
View detailed exhibits dedicated to the literary history and cultural significance of The Tale of Genji.
Parks
Walk through thousands of blooming hydrangeas during the peak June season.
Temples
Visit this Sōtō Zen temple to experience the architecture and peaceful wooded hillside setting.
Places of interest
Cross one of Japan's oldest bridges, a structure with origins dating back to the year 646.
Top things to do in Uji
The 347 highest-rated places in Uji, ranked by travellers.
1
Temples
Byōdo-in Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prime example of Pure Land Buddhist architecture, established in 1...
2
Museums
The Gekkeikan Ōkura Sake Museum is located in the Fushimi district of Kyoto, a region historically renowned for its high...
3
Temples
Mimuroto-ji is a historic Buddhist temple in Uji famous for its expansive gardens, particularly its collection of approx...
4
Temples
Manpuku-ji is the head temple of the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, characterized by its unique Ming Dynasty Chinese arch...
5
Parks
Kyoto Prefectural Yamashiro Sports Park, locally known as Taiyogaoka, is a sprawling 108-hectare facility integrated int...
6
Temples
Shoju-in is a high-altitude temple in Ujitawara renowned for its seasonal Furin (wind chime) festival held during the su...
7
Historical places
Teradaya Inn is a historic ryokan famously associated with Sakamoto Ryoma, a pivotal figure in the Meiji Restoration. Th...
8
Museums
The Tale of Genji Museum is dedicated exclusively to the final ten chapters of Murasaki Shikibu’s 11th-century literary...
9
Places of interest
The Fushimi Jukoku-bune are traditional flat-bottomed wooden boats that navigate the Uji River and Hori River canals in...
10
Temples
Shūon-an, commonly known as Ikkyū-ji, is a Rinzai Zen temple associated with the eccentric 15th-century monk Ikkyū Sōjun...
11
Historical places
Fushimi-Momoyama-jo Castle is a reinforced concrete reconstruction of the original 16th-century fortress commissioned by...
12
Parks
The Mimurotoji Temple Hydrangea Garden is renowned as one of the premier hydrangea viewing spots in the Kansai region. I...
13
Temples
Kōshō-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1233 by the monk Dōgen, originally located in Fukakusa before relocati...
14
Parks
Konosuyama Sports Park is a multi-functional outdoor facility situated in the Joyo and Uji area of Kyoto Prefecture. The...
15
Places of interest
Uji Bridge is one of Japan's oldest bridges, first constructed in 646 AD by the monk Dōshō. It serves as a central link...
16
Amusement parks
Pure Heart Kids Land Fushimi Momoyama is a large-scale indoor amusement facility located within the MOMO Terrace shoppin...
17
Parks
Uji Park is a prominent riverside green space situated on the islands of the Uji River, connected by the historic Uji Br...
18
Historical places
The Fushimi Momoyama Ryo serves as the burial site for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Located on the former site of F...
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Parks
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Places of interest
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Uji on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Uji
June, when the rainy season brings the iconic hydrangea blooms to full color, or November for the vibrant autumn foliage.
1-2 days, which provides sufficient time to visit major temples and experience a traditional tea ceremony.
The city center is highly walkable, while regional rail lines connect key districts; local buses are available for hillside temple access.
Stay near Uji Station or JR Uji Station to remain within walking distance of the riverfront and major temple sites.
Mid-range; while temples have entrance fees, many cultural sites are accessible, and dining costs remain standard for Japan.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 347 curated attractions in and around Uji, ranked by traveller ratings.
Byōdo-in Temple is the highest-rated place to visit in Uji right now.
The largest category is temples, with 125 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Toshima, Osaka, Kyoto.
Explore more of Japan
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
