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 Y10 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.
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, Y230).
- 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, Y320).
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
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- 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
