Uji is a small city south of Kyoto. It is famous for its green tea, especially matcha, the powdered tea used in tea ceremonies. It also has an old temple with a beautiful hall by the water. The trip is short and calm. It suits a slow day.
Getting there
Trains run from central Kyoto to Uji on two lines. One is a private line, and the other is a JR line. Both stop near the old town and the river. The ride is short, so you can add Uji to a day that also includes another sight.
Check first: Train routes and fares from your Kyoto station. Use the operator's timetable on the day. Do not use a fare from a blog.
Byodoin and the Phoenix Hall
Byodoin is a temple on the river. Its main building is the Phoenix Hall. It has a central hall and two wings that spread out like a bird. It is one of the most loved buildings in Japan. Look at it from the front lawn, then walk around the pond.
The temple has a museum hall with old statues. Check whether it is open on your day, and whether you need a separate ticket.
Walk the old town
The streets near the temple have tea shops and small stores. Some sell tea leaves to take home. Many shops offer a tasting, where you try a few kinds of green tea. Ask the staff which tea they recommend for a first try.
Walk along the river. The path is flat and quiet, and the views of the water are calm. The old bridge is a good place for a photo.
Choose a matcha stop
Matcha is served in two common ways. Usukicha is thin and light. Koicha is thick and strong, and it is often served in a small set with sweets. Both are good, but they taste very different. Try the lighter one first if you are new to tea.
- Use Tabelog: search for tea houses in Uji, then read the most recent reviews.
- Book ahead: a formal tea ceremony may need a reservation.
- Ask about sweets: many places serve a small sweet with the tea.
A tea ceremony
Some places offer a tea ceremony for visitors. It is a short, guided session. You kneel or sit on a mat, and you watch how the tea is made. Dress simply, and turn your cup a little before you drink, as the host shows you.
Season
Spring brings the tea fields in fresh green. Autumn is clear and mild. Summer is hot and humid, and some tea shops are busy at midday. Winter is cold, but the tea is especially fresh.
Mistakes to avoid
The first mistake is choosing a tea shop by the first sign you see. Many shops sell tea, but the tasting menus differ. Look at a few places, and pick the one with a clear menu in your language or with photos.
The second mistake is arriving at closing time. Tea shops and the temple grounds both close in the late afternoon. Plan to arrive with a good margin, and check the closing time for each place.
The third mistake is skipping the river. The walk along the water is one of the calmest parts of the day. Build it in before lunch, not after a long meal.
The last mistake is buying too much tea at once. Ask for a small pack first, and try it at home. Some teas are best in a particular season, so ask the shop for advice.
Quick checklist
- Check the opening days of the temple and the tea houses.
- Book a tea ceremony ahead, if you want one.
- Bring a small bag for tea packs, and room in your suitcase for the trip home.
- Keep a map of the old town on your phone, because the side streets are narrow.
What to do next
Uji works as a half day from Kyoto, or as one stop with Nara. For a plan that starts in Kyoto, read the planner. For the city base, see the Kyoto page and the Arashiyama area, if you want a second quiet area on the same trip.
Check first: Opening days for Byodoin and the tea houses you plan to visit. Use each place's official site, or ask the shop. Tea houses often close on a set day each week.
