About 15 kms southwest of Kyoto, and easily accessed by both the Keihan Line and the JR Line, Uji is famous for the lovely Byodo-in Temple (the temple on the back of the ¥10 coin). It’s also famous as a tea growing area.
Byodoin Temple Buddhist temple
Uji Area Description
Uji is a suburb of Kyoto about 20 minutes south of Kyoto by train. The town is located on the banks of the Uji-gawa River, tucked against picturesque mountains, which are covered with tea plantations (you’ll need a car to properly explore these). While Uji isn’t one of Kyoto’s main attractions, it makes a decent half-day trip out of Kyoto for those who’ve got at least five days in the city.
Top Activities In Kyoto
Uji Highlights
Sights And Activities In Uji
- Byodo-in Temple
A superb Hiean-era temple in the southeast suburb of Uji, Byodo-in a brilliant place to visit for those who want to step off the beaten track. - Ujigami-jinja Shrine
Not much too look at, we include this small shrine because UNESCO has decided, in all its wisdom, to designate it a World Heritage Site. - Uji-bashi Bridge
The unique design of the Uji-bashi Bridge has figured in so many poems, novels and paintings of Japanese culture that it would be churlish not to include it here.
Getting To Uji
- By JR Line train: Take the JR Nara line from Kyoto Station and get off at Uji Station (20 minutes, ¥230).
- By Keihan Line train: Take the Keihan Main Line south toward Osaka, get off at Chushojima and switch to the Uji Line and get off at Uji Station (total journey about 30 minutes, ¥320).
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
