Located between the cities of Kyoto and Nara, Uji is one of Japan’s oldest towns. Uji’s prize attraction is the Phoenix Hall at Byodoin Temple, a renown World Heritage Site which happens to be featured on the back side of the ¥10 coin. Walk across one of Japan’s oldest bridges to view the Ujigami Shrine, considered Japan’s oldest Shinto shrine. And, a trip to Uji is not complete without tasting and purchasing Green Tea!
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Attractions and Sites in Uji Worth Seeing
Originally, the plan was to go directly to Nara from Kyoto but Jill made the decision to stop in Uji to see the Byodoin Temple and try Green Tea. It turned out to be a great decision because Uji had several historic attractions, we would have otherwise missed. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, as it poured rain the entire time. For being a small town, Uji had a lot to offer. A trip to Uji deserves at least a day but we could have spent an extra day here. Listed are the sites we stopped at and some of the fun Green Tea infused treats we ate.
Uji Bridge and River
After getting off at Uji train station, headed toward the Byodoin Temple, the first attraction was Uji Bridge, crossing the Uji River. It is one of the oldest bridges in Japan. Apparently, the bridge was constructed by a monk in the year 646. In 1996 it did get a makeover, so it’s not as is from 646. But during the reconstruction of the bridge, builders kept the original shape and even left a few original pieces from the original.
Byodoin Temple
Originally, the Byodoin Temple was a villa but converted into a Buddhist Temple in 1052. The Phoenix Hall (pictured above) is an original building and the most famous building at the Byodoin Temple complex. Inside the Phoenix Hall is an Amida Buddha statue surrounded by smaller Bodhisattva statues. Bodhisattva is a person that is practicing Buddhism, ultimately wanting to become a Buddha.
After viewing the Phoenix Hall, there is a museum behind the temple showcasing National Treasures from the Byodoin Temple. Photos were not allowed in the museum. It’s worth looking at the Museums Website to see photos of the exhibits that include the Temple Bell, a Phoenix from the roof, and the Bodhisattva’s that were found inside.
Access to the Byodoin Temple cost ¥600
Kosho-ji Temple
Kosho-ji Temple is located on the opposite side of the Uji River from Byodoin Temple. Kosho-ji is an active Zen Temple and is open to the public. There is an admission fee of ¥500.
Green Tea
A trip to Uji is not complete without trying Green Tea. It is said that Uji produces the finest green tea throughout Japan. Because of this, Uji green tea is very popular which also means it is the most expensive.
Green tea arrived in Uji around the year 700 from China. Green tea was not very popular at first. 400 years later, it gained popularity with the nobility. Since then, drinking green tea has become popular for the masses and enjoyed to this day.
Finding good tea in Uji is not difficult. Almost every shop sells local tea and a wide variety of it from matcha (powered green tea) to cold and hot tea. We stopped in a store and the clerk offered us tea right away. We sat down and enjoyed a small cup of tea and purchased a variety of teas afterwards.
Green Tea Infused Food
The main street leading to Byodoin Temple is full of cute souvenir shops, tea shops, and restaurants. One restaurant we found called, 京都宇治 蛸Q (according to Google) had traditional Japanese cuisine infused with green tea. Included on the menu were ramen, takoyaki, gyoza, soba, and even ice cream, all with green tea as an ingredient.
We weren’t overly hungry but really wanted to try something. We ordered a round of Takoyaki (Octopus balls) and Gyoza (dumplings), these sides are explained in detail in my Dining in Japan post. Honestly, both dishes were excellent! The green tea flavors were there yet not overpowering. The matcha was mixed in the dough for the takoyaki with a green tea drizzle on top. The gyoza wrapper was made with matcha, included was a dash of green tea salt which was surprisingly good!
A Trip to Uji - We will be Back
One day in Uji provides enough time to see the Byodoin Temple, grab lunch, and maybe see another temple or two, but there is so much in the area that was missed. Near the Kosho-ji Shrine is the Ujigami Shrine, considered the oldest Shinto Shrine in Japan. Because of the poor weather conditions and our cravings for green tea, we missed this shrine. I also would like to visit Uji again in hopes of nicer weather conditions in order to photograph the Byodoin Temple with a nice blue sky and reflection in the water.
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Activities and Tours 🏖️🚁
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Train Travel 🚂🚊
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