Uji Day Trip from Kyoto

Uji, just 18 km from Kyoto, is famous for its matcha and Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Compared to Kyoto or Nara, Uji attracts fewer tourists, offering a peaceful, laid-back vibe—ideal for those seeking a traditional Japanese town experience. by Jason Leung | Zion C

Getting from Kyoto to Uji

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Uji Station (¥240, 16–22 min).

Notes:

• You can stop at Inari Station en route to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha.
• It’s possible to combine Uji and Nara in one day, but this may lessen Uji’s charm. Uji lacks major “must-see” attractions, and rushing through feels dull. Slow down to savor tea, enjoy desserts, or stroll along the Uji River for the best experience. This also shortens time in Nara, where a half-day feels rushed, but a full day might feel too long.
• If traveling from Kyoto to Osaka via Uji, store luggage at JR Uji Station (¥700 per item, limited lockers) or use a same-day luggage delivery service.
• Across from JR Uji Station, you’ll find historic matcha shops Nakamura Tokichi Honten(Main Store) and Itoh Kyuemon, offering matcha parfaits, matcha soba, and more. Expect queues of 1+ hour. For shorter waits, try their branches on Byodoin Omotesando instead.

One-Day Uji Itinerary

Uji’s attractions are mostly near JR Uji Station, easily explored on foot.
Plan for 3–4 hours:

• Arrive at JR Uji Station and walk 9 minutes to 1.Byodoin Omotesando. Enjoy matcha desserts here (budget 1 hour for queuing and dining).
• Walk 5 minutes to 2.Byodoin Temple (plan 30 min–1 hr for visiting).
• Walk 5 minutes to 3.Uji Park (spend 10–20 min enjoying riverside views).
• Walk 5 minutes to 4.Koshoji Temple (allow 30 min for exploring).
• Walk 5 minutes to 5.Uji Shrine (spend 10 min visiting).
• Walk 3 minutes to 6.Ujigami Shrine (allow 10 min for a quick stop).
• Walk 1 minute to the trailhead for 7. Daikichiyama Observatory. Hike to the summit (15–20 min one way).
• Walk 3 minutes to 8.Tale of Genji Museum. Best for those familiar with the story (plan 30 min).
• Walk 16 minutes back to JR Uji Station.

Optional Add-Ons:

• If you secured tickets for 9.Nintendo Museum, take a 2-minute train to JR Ogura Station, then walk 5 minutes to the museum (allow 3–4 hr for the visit).
• If you didn’t get tickets, take a 17-minute train to JR Inari Station to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha (plan 1–2 hr for exploring). Return to Kyoto.

Uji Attractions

1. Byodoin Omotesando

This lively shopping street features over 30 stores, most specializing in matcha-related products.

Two standout shops are:

Nakamura Tokichi Byodoin Branch
Founded in 1854, this shop is renowned for its matcha and desserts. It’s less crowded than the main branch near JR Uji Station, and the second floor offers scenic views of the Uji River.
Hours: 10 AM–5 PM
Watch: 中村藤吉本店 平等院店｜平等院参道

Starbucks
Serves the same drinks as other locations but with fewer crowds. Enjoy a Japanese garden view through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Hours: 8 AM–8 PM
Watch: 京都宇治のスターバックスに行ってきました

2. Byodoin Temple

Dating back to 1052, this temple is dedicated to Amitabha Buddha. Its iconic Phoenix Hall (Hoodo) is modeled after the Pure Land palace in Buddhist scriptures.

• Phoenix Hall Note: Entry costs an extra ¥300 for a 15-minute guided tour (Japanese only, no photos). Most visitors enjoy it from the outside.
• Hoshokan Museum: Don’t miss this small museum nearby, showcasing Bodhisattva statues, temple bells, and Heian-period artifacts (free entry).

Hours: 8:45 AM–5:30 PM
Admission: Adults ¥700 | Teens ¥400 | Kids ¥300
Time Needed: 30 min–1 hr
Website: byodoin.or.jp

Photo Highlights:
by note thanun | Alex

Watch: 【紅葉】平等院　京都府宇治市

3. Uji Park

A scenic riverside park on islands in the Uji River (Tachibana Island and Tower Island). Great for leisurely walks and cherry blossom viewing in spring.

Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free
Time Needed: 10 - 20 minutes
Website: uji-jinja.com

Watch: 宇治市内を歩く

4. Uji Shrine

Built during the Heian period (794–1185), this small shrine is dedicated to Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, a crown prince who retreated to Uji. Rabbits are its sacred messengers—check out the rabbit-shaped water basin!

Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Website: uji-jinja.com
Watch: ネコのおさんぽ　京都 宇治神社

5. Ujigami Shrine

One of Japan’s oldest shrines, dedicated to Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko and Emperors Ojin and Nintoku. It’s similar to Uji Shrine but holds higher status as the “upper shrine.”

Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free
Time Needed: 10 minutes
Website: ujikamijinja.jp

Watch: Ujigami-jinja Shrine" Walking Tour

6. Koshoji Temple

A Zen Buddhist temple dedicated to monastic training and education, Koshoji features simple architecture and decor. Zen Buddhism emphasizes zazen (seated meditation) to achieve enlightenment through self-realization. In contrast, Pure Land Buddhism, the most widespread Buddhist sect globally, focuses on chanting sutras to reach the Pure Land paradise.

Koshoji is quiet on weekdays, making it ideal for visiting from late November to early December to enjoy stunning autumn maple foliage.

Hours: 10 AM–4 PM
Admission: ¥500
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Website: uji-koushouji.jp
Watch: 琴坂で有名な禅寺「興聖寺」

Watch: Kosho-Ji temple in Uji, Kyoto

7. Daikichiyama Observation Deck

At 100m above the Uji River (mountain height: 131.6m), this lookout offers views of the river and Byodoin Temple. Fans of Sound! Euphonium may recognize it from Season 1, Episode 8’s night climb scene.

Hours: Open 24/7
Admission: Free
Hiking Time: 15–20 min to the top

Watch: Uji “Daikichiyama Observatory” Walking Tour

8. Tale of Genji Museum

The Tale of Genji (11th century, considered the world’s first novel) explores aristocratic romance and decline.

Note: Exhibits and films are in Japanese only, so it’s best for fans already familiar with the story.
Hours: 9 AM–5 PM
Admission: Adults ¥600 | Kids ¥300 | Duration: 30 min
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Website: uji-jinja.com
Watch: 源氏物語ミュージアム

9. Nintendo Museum

Perfect for Nintendo fans, but tickets are tough to snag.

Hours: 10 AM–9 PM (closed Tuesdays)
Admission: Adults ¥3,300 | Teens ¥2,200 | Kids ¥1,100
How to Get Tickets:

• Lottery System: Apply three months in advance (e.g., April for a July visit). You’ll get results by email the next month. If selected, pay within one week.
• Direct Purchase (Limited): Tickets may pop up hourly due to cancellations, but they sell out in 1–3 minutes. Check the website often for last-minute availability.
• For more details, please see here

Time Needed: 3–4 hours
What to Do:

• Exhibits: Dive into Nintendo’s history (no photos allowed).
• Interactive Games: Use 10 included “coins” to play (no extra coins available, so choose wisely). Game list here
• Themed Restaurant: Grab custom burgers. Menu here

Notes:

• Bring ID (e.g., passport) for entry.
• No outside food or drinks allowed.

Getting There: 8-minute walk from JR Nara Line, Ogura Station (North Exit).
Official site: museum.nintendo.com
Watch: The New NINTENDO MUSEUM in Kyoto

Hope you enjoy your Uji adventure!