A 30-minute train ride from Kyoto will take you to the Matcha capital of the world, Uji! Not only is it one of the first places in Japan to cultivate green tea, but it is also known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Savour authentic matcha beverages, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, visit sacred shrines, and immerse yourself in nature here. From matcha-infused delights to serene landscapes, here’s a guide to the top things to do in Uji!
How to reach Uji
By train: Since there’s no direct bullet train to Uji, you can take the JR Nara line from Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara, which takes about 30-45 minutes.
By road: Driving to Uji from Kyoto or Nara takes around 30 minutes, while from Osaka, it’s about 45 minutes.
Commute like a local with our ultimate guide to Japan’s transportation system.
The best time to visit Uji
The best time to visit Uji depends on the seasons and activities you wish to experience. Spring and autumn are popular for enjoying seasonal matcha-flavoured treats and fall foliage, including cherry blossoms along the riverbanks. Summer offers lush greenery and fresh tea fields; during winter, expect fewer tourists and occasional snowfall.
Also read | Of Snowflakes, Onsens And Skis: Unlock A Dreamy Winter In Japan
Things to do in Uji
Uji is a small city, and you can explore its key attractions in two days. With most tourist spots close to each other, getting around is easy, whether by walking or cycling. Here are some exciting things to do in Uji!
Visit Byodoin Temple
Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic landmark that appears on the 10-yen coin. You can enjoy strolling through the Japanese garden and exploring the temple’s museum and history.
Go shopping at Byodoin Omotesando
If you’re wondering what to do in Uji, shop for tea souvenirs at Byodoin Omotesando. It’s right next to the Byodoin Temple. A bustling area to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, tea leaves, matcha powder, and matcha-flavoured foods.
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Make matcha incense
Incense Kitchen is the only place in Uji where you can make matcha incense. They turn food waste matcha into Wagashi-sized incense pods. This workshop is a paid activity and requires online reservations. It’s worth the money because it’s one of those rare things to do in Uji!
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Pray at the Uji Shrine
To reach this shrine, cross the Uji River via the Asagiri Bridge. Built in the early Kamakura Period (1185-1333), it is one of the oldest in Japan. The area has a strong connection to rabbits, so do not miss the opportunity to buy a rabbit charm that contains a fortune slip.
Learn about Uji’s tea at Chazuna
Chazuna is a cultural centre where tourists can learn about what to do in Uji and its tea origins, attend tea-related workshops, and admire the vast tea plantations. Visitors can also participate in informative and creative workshops, such as making matcha powder from scratch, decorating tea cans, making pottery items and traditional candy, and indulging in other fun activities.
Enjoy matcha delicacies
One of the main things to do in Uji is indulge in matcha delicacies. We are not referring to only matcha tea, but matcha-flavoured sweets, ramen, cold green tea, soba noodles, matcha parfaits, and ice creams!
T+L tip: Sample matcha treats at restaurants and cafes in the area, and don’t limit yourself to one place.
Must-try delicacies in Uji
One of the best things to do in Uji is to feast on matcha-flavoured delicacies. Here’s what you should try while you’re there.
Matcha castella cake
A matcha-flavoured sponge cake made with eggs, flour, butter, matcha powder, and sugar. A box of them is the perfect souvenir for friends and family.
Matcha parfaits
Sample this layered Japanese dessert made with matcha ice cream, whipped cream, mochi, and red bean paste.
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Cha soba
A Japanese soba noodle infused with green tea. It’s the perfect meal to slurp on a hot summer day.
Matcha ramen
Pork and soy broth ramen is typical in Japan, but you can try matcha ramen in Uji! The broth has a mild green tea flavour and a thicker consistency.
Best cafes to try matcha
Matcha lovers will enjoy Uji because there are a variety of cosy cafes to explore. Here, you can sample matcha drinks, matcha-flavoured snacks and desserts! Since most cafes and restaurants close by 6 pm, we recommend starting your day early to explore Uji comfortably.
Matcha Republic
This stylish cafe in Uji serves delicious matcha in ink bottles! They serve three flavours: the standard matcha latte, matcha zenzai (red beans and matcha latte), and pure matcha (subtly bitter with a refreshing aftertaste). The best part is that you can keep the bottle as a souvenir after you finish your drink!
Address: Myoraku-26-2 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact: +81 774-39-8996
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Nakamura Tokichi Honten
This is one of the oldest and most popular teahouses in Uji. Tourists start lining up at 9:30 am to try matcha sweets and shop for matcha powder and tea tools. They have two cafes in Uji, which are equally busy throughout the day. Visiting them early in your trip is best, as they tend to get crowded.
Address: Ichiban-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact: +81 774-20-3200
Matcha Roastery
Get your dose of delicious matcha by visiting this aesthetic matcha tea cafe. The matcha drinks and sweets are made from premium tencha leaves. We recommend treating your tastebuds to their basque cheesecakes, roasted matcha latte, and roasted matcha azuki bean pound cake.
Address: Myoraku-146 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact: +81 774-22-7800
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Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory)
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Apart from indulging in matcha ice cream and parfaits, visitors can enrol in a workshop where they can use a stone mortar to make matcha powder. If making matcha powder is not your cup of tea, you can try your hand at Asahiyaki pottery or participate in a tea ceremony.
Address: Yamada-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact: +81 50-3152-2930
Uji-biyori
Located 5 minutes from Uji station, the cafe is run by a sweet elderly couple. It has a warm ambience, homey service, and delicious food. The cafe’s best feature is its panoramic view of the Uji River.
Address: Mataburi-59-3 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Contact: 0774-23-6631
Itoh Kyuemon
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The best place to dine and shop for all things matcha in Uji! For lunch, try their matcha ramen and soba noodles. After your meal, browse their matcha sweets, drinks, and local souvenirs.
Address: Japan, 611-0013 Kyoto, Uji, Todo, Aramaki−19-3
Contact: +81 774-23-3955
shop the best travel experiences here
(Feature image credit: Jun Seita/Flickr)
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A day or two is enough to explore Uji.
Uji Shrine, Byodoin Temple, The Tale of Genji Museum, Uji Bridge, and Agata Shrine are some of the oldest and historical places to visit in Uji.
Catch the JR Nara line from Osaka or Kyoto station to reach Uji station.
Byodoin Temple, Uji Shrine, The Tale of Genji Museum, Uji River, and Uji Bridge are must-see attractions in Uji.
Sampling Uji tea, indulging in matcha-flavoured sweets, making matcha incense, attending a tea ceremony, and decorating tea cans are some of the best things to do in Uji.
You can experience a traditional tea ceremony at a tea house called Taihoan in Uji.
Yes, Byodo-in Temple is open to the public. The entrance fee for adults is 700 JPY (SGD 6) and for junior high and high school students it is 400 JPY (SGD 3).
It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a shrine dedicated to the Imperial Prince, Uji no Wakiiratsuko.
Yes, the Uji River Riverside Walk. The Byodoin Temple, Ujigami Shrine, and Uji Shrine are all within easy walking distance from it.
Matcha powder, matcha sweets, and tea tools are some of the best souvenirs to buy from Uji. Uji isn’t just the matcha capital of Japan, it’s a destination where visitors can learn about tea, bond with nature, and participate in tea-related workshops.
Written By
Sharon Alphonso
Sharon is from Mumbai and currently lives in Tokyo with her Japanese husband. Before moving to Japan, ..Read More
