Things about UJI, the capital of Japanese tea

If you are a matcha enthusiast, you may have heard of UJI, often known as the tea capital of Japan. Uji not only offers a small city located in the southern part of Kyoto’s southern prefecture World-class matcha. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Ujigami Shrine and Byodoin Temple) and is the main environment for the last 10 chapters of Murasaki Shikibu’s 11th-century literary classics, Genji’s story. Recently, the city has attracted great attention not only to its lush tea farms, but also has a highly anticipated opening. Nintendo Museumit began welcoming visitors in October 2024.

Keep reading for our advice on what to do, view and experience in UJI, including historic sites, natural escapes and of course delicious matcha themed cuisine. We also offer tour ideas that cover many of these experiences for your convenience.

Explore the treasures of UJI

Byodoin Temple

Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an architectural wonder and cultural landmark, known for its tranquil atmosphere. Its appearance may look familiar, as the temple is on display on the October coins of Japan.

The most iconic structure of the Temple Complex, Phoenix Hall, is considered a masterpiece of Heian-Period architecture. It was built in 1053 by the Regent Fujiwara no Yorimichi, and it is one of the only remaining architectural examples during the Fuji Regent period.

One of the unique features of the building is its shape: a decorative wing corridor extending from both sides of the main hall, which, when viewed from the front, resembles the extended wings of Phoenix in flight. This image, along with the two phoenix statues on the roof of the hall, are the origins of the hall’s name. Its official name, Amida-do Hall, originated from the engraved image of the designated national treasure Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha), which is housed within its walls.

Ujigami Shrine

The Ujigami Shrine is considered the oldest existing shrine in Japan and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its history can be traced back to the Hai’an period. It was dedicated to Emperor Ojin and his son, originally built as a guardian shrine of Byodoin Temple.

Its flowing asymmetric roof dog (Main Hall) is a good example Nagare-Zukuri Style architecture, one of the most common forms of shrine architecture in Japan. Ujigami is also known for its freshwater spring, which is commonly used as a source of water for tea rituals and is considered one of the “seven best waters in Uji”.

Please pay close attention to the images of rabbits sprinkled throughout the shrine – explaining one of several legends of Uji -rabbit Connection that the rabbit leads the youngest son of Emperor Ojin to Uji.

Embrace the natural beauty of Uji

Wuji River and Bridge

The Uji Bridge, also known as the Uji-Bashi Bridge, has a history of more than 1,300 years and is considered one of the three ancient bridges in Japan. It is also made of modern concrete. Although the original structure is believed to have been built around 646, a monk named Douto from Nara, the current structure – one of many reconstructions over the years – dates back to 1996. It is not only for matching the old bridge, but also for building according to the National Tourism Organization of Japan, Keep its components.

Cypress railings and bronze decoration help bridges, thus appearing Genji’s storyits classic look. A platform called San-No-Ma extends beyond the bridge on the upstream side. It is believed that this is the location of the shrine of Hashihime, the patron saint of the bridge. It is said that the same place is Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s three great unifications, pumped water to attend the tea ceremony.

The Uji River – the only river that flows out from Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake – is a historically important waterway, passed down from generation to generation, a connection between generations. Its bank makes scenic and relaxing walks, especially during cherry blossom season and autumn.

UJI Park, Kyoto Prefecture

Unlike the Uji Bridge that connects the UJI River banks, the nearby Asagiri Bridge leads to Tachibanajima, one of two islands in the middle of the river. Tachibanajima is part of UJI Park in Kyoto Province, which is also composed of Tohima, Tonoshima on the adjacent island and Yorimichi Park on the left bank of the river. Inside the park, you will find a historic pagoda 15 meters high. It was built in the late 13th century and was designated as an important cultural property.

Besides being culturally significant, the park is a great place to gaze into the glittering waters of the Wuji River, and in the spring, enjoy the pale pink cherry blossoms dancing in the breeze.

Addicted to UJI’s food

Provided by Uji City Tourism

Enjoy nipples while waiting

Due to its geography and climate, UJI is a historically important tea production area known for producing some of the best teas in the country. In fact, UJI tea has been considered the gold standard since the first half of the 14th century. With its close connection to tea, the city cannot be truly considered without absorbing a certain version of the drink.

Municipal Tea House Taiwan is one of the countless places where UJI enjoys the city’s most famous products. Here you can try authentic UJI tea with seasonal Vagasi candy. Teahouse also offers tea ritual experiences that can be booked within a few days.

Nakamura Tokichi Byodo-In Store

Visit Nakamura Tokichi’s tea shop

Tea lovers will surely find something they like after dessert or a more hearty meal nakamura tokichi hontenalmost every menu item enters the tea, including emerald soba noodles. Nakamura Tokichi was founded in 1854 in 1854 and is from Japan. Most beloved tea brandsalthough it has shops in other cities, Fermin (Main Store) is a must-have for its exclusive and seasonal products.

The second Uji Branchesnear Byodoin Temple, offers another location to enjoy refreshment jelly, matcha ice cream, Hojicha and milk, and the savvy, excellent tea green parfaits of the shop. Of course, both stores are selling tea brought home.

Try gamete-themed foods and local cuisine

In addition to the large amount of mouthwatering matcha candies (paragus, roll cake, tiramisu, etc.), UJI also offers interesting savory matcha dishes. Some examples are matcha Octopus Palacematcha and matcha croquettes.

These mixtures seem to be fancy to visitors, but some (such as matcha croquettes, which combine the bittersweet flavors of matcha and the subtle sweetness of potatoes) are indeed popular among UJI residents. Go Hariyoshia traditional butcher shop, try to use matcha fried potato dish for yourself.

Matcha is a great choice for those who don’t want to take risks, as the taste is not far from the standard rag. Delicious noodles can be found in many stores around UJI, but one place to try them is runlocated a 5-minute walk from JR UJI Station.

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