Uji, Japan is a famous city near Kyoto renowned for its beautiful scenery, the Uji River, and Uji Tea. It also has ties to The Tale of Genji, a classic in Japanese literature. Especially for green tea lovers, Uji is definitely worth visiting. Conveniently, Uji is just a 20-minute train ride away from JR Kyoto Station.

Here, we will introduce World Cultural Heritage sites, Uji tea shops, and temples where you can experience zazen and sutra copying.

At the top of our list of things to do in Uji is Byodoin Temple, a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station. Byodoin Temple was the center of Uji in the latter half of the Heian Period. It flourished as an aristocratic villa around 1000 AD.

Originally, it was the private villa of Minamoto no Toru, said to be the inspiration for Hikaru Genji, the protagonist of The Tale of Genji. However, in 1052, Fujiwara no Michinaga, an influential advisor to the emperor, and his son Yorimichi transformed it into a temple, giving rise to Byodoin.

The following year, in 1053, the stunning Phoenix Hall—a designated national treasure—was completed. Inside, you’ll find a magnificent statue of Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai), masterfully sculpted by Jocho, one of the Heian period’s most renowned Buddhist artisans. Byodoin’s architecture was designed to represent the Buddhist Pure Land of Sukhavati, and remarkably, its beauty remains as breathtaking today as it was centuries ago.

Visitors can enter the Phoenix Hall from 9:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis, with a capacity of 20 people at a time. We recommend purchasing your 300-yen admission ticket in advance before exploring other areas.

A staff member will guide you through the hall, where you’ll find stunning historical artifacts, including the 2.8-meter-high Amida Buddha (Amida Nyorai), the Pure Land mural behind the statue, and the Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, a breathtaking set of celestial figures.

Byodoin Museum Hoshokan is home to many remarkable treasures. Here, you can get a close-up view of the Phoenix Statue, a designated national treasure, as well as the 26 Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, displayed behind glass. Each bodhisattva is uniquely crafted, holding different musical instruments and showcasing distinct expressions and poses.

The museum also features a vibrant CG exhibit that reconstructs the Phoenix Hall as it appeared at the time of its construction, offering a fascinating glimpse into its original splendor.

Byodoin Temple museum Shop offers a variety of exclusive souvenirs inspired by Phoenix Hall, the Phoenix Statue, and the Bodhisattvas on Clouds. You’ll find a wide selection of unique items, including origami sets and handkerchiefs featuring patterns from the hall’s pillars and beams, as well as towels adorned with elegant depictions of Phoenix Hall. With so many beautifully designed keepsakes, it’s the perfect place to find a special memento of your visit.

Byodoin 平等院

• Address: 116,Ujirenge, Uji-shi, Kyoto, 611-0021, View Map

• Nearest StationUji Station (JR Nara Line), 10 minutes on foot

• Phone Number: 0774-21-2861

Koshoji Temple was the first Soto Zen temple founded by Dogen Zenji in Fukakusa in 1233. Located just a 13-minute walk from Byodoin Temple, across the Uji River, it offers a serene escape for those interested in Zen practice.

Experiencing zazen meditation should be on your list of things to do in Japan, and Koshoji provides the perfect opportunity. In addition to regular Sunday meditation sessions, visitors can join a monk-led zazen experience to learn more about Zen teachings. If you’re new to zazen, don’t worry—there are beginner-friendly lectures designed for all, including foreign visitors. These lectures typically last 60 to 90 minutes, but if you’re short on time, you can try a 10 to 20-minute self-guided session.

Another unique experience is sutra copying, where you can achieve a sense of peace and mindfulness by carefully tracing the brush strokes, one character at a time.

Oshoin is a large, welcoming tatami room with tables and chairs on the veranda. Here, you can enjoy matcha green tea and sweets in silence. Look out over the beautiful garden as you listen to the murmuring of water and the chirping of birds.

The path leading to Koshoji Temple from the road along the Uji River is known as Kotozaka. The name comes from the gentle sound of the flowing water, said to resemble the music of a Japanese koto.

This scenic approach is especially stunning in spring, when cherry blossoms line the path, and in autumn, when vibrant foliage transforms the landscape. Many visitors come to admire these seasonal views, making it a picturesque spot year-round.

Koshoji Temple 興聖寺

• Address: 27-1 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0021

• Nearest Station: 20 minutes walk from JR Uji Station, 13 minutes walk from Keihan Uji Station

• Phone Number: 0774-21-2040

• Hours: Open from dawn to sunset (around 5 a.m.-5 p.m.)

• Admission: 500 yen; 1,000 yen for zazen experience (reservation required); 1,000 yen for sutra-copying experience

• Open daily

No visit to Uji is complete without experiencing its world-famous matcha culture! After leaving Koshoji Temple, follow Kotozaka down to the Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory, a historic tea shop established in 1790. Here, you can immerse yourself in the art of Uji tea, learning about its rich traditions while savoring its delicate flavors.

The Uji Tea Factory offers a variety of experiences, from tea tastings to hands-on workshops where you can explore different types of Uji tea. You can also visit the Fukuju Saryo, where tea-infused dishes and sweets take center stage, or step into Gyokuro-Tei, a charming thatched-roof tea house specializing in Uji Gyokuro tea.

Start your tea experience at Fukuju Saryo, located on the second floor of the Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory. Here, you can savor seasonal dishes and sweets infused with the rich flavors of Uji tea.

One of the highlights is the Asahi Gozen set meal, with tea soba as the main dish. This special menu features a delightful selection of Uji tea-infused delicacies, including warm tea soba, manju buns, matcha ankake, seasonal vegetables, gyokuro rice balls, and pickles—all crafted to showcase the depth and complexity of Uji tea flavors.

You can also try the popular stone mill matcha-making experience for 1,200 yen (tax not included). This hands-on activity lets you grind tencha, the raw ingredient used to make matcha, using a traditional stone mill.

For the best results, turn the mill counterclockwise at a steady pace of one rotation every three seconds for about 15 minutes. Be sure to grind slowly and evenly, applying just the right amount of pressure. Once you’ve finished, brew a cup of freshly ground matcha and enjoy it alongside traditional sweets.

There are about 25 different experiences, including hojicha making, tea hand-rolling, teacup making, cafe experience, and a course on matcha etiquette.

Fukujuen Uji Tea Factory 福寿園宇治茶工房

• Address: 10 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0021

• Nearest Station: Access: 15 min walk from JR Uji Station, 8 min walk from Keihan Uji Station

• Hours: 10 a.m. -5 p.m. (Fukuju Saryo L.O. 4 p.m.)

• Fee: Stone-mill Matcha Making Experience: 1,650 yen (includes material costs; tax not included)

• Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)

After your meal, make your way to Ujigami Shrine, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji. While the exact date of its construction remains unknown, it is believed to be one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

During the Heian Period, Ujigami Shrine and its counterpart, Uji Shrine, were also known by several other names, including Uji Chinjugami, Rikyu Myojin, and Rikyu Shrine.

The main shrine, built in the Heian Period, is the oldest existing shrine in Japan. It’s characterized by three inner shrine structures housed inside the shrine. The worship hall is a residential building featuring Shinden-zukuri architecture and is also the oldest shrine building and a national treasure.

The colorful Goshuin, or temple seal books, are the most popular gifts from Ujigami Shrine. There are 25 different patterns, including limited-edition seasonal designs such as flowers and autumn leaves, and a two-page spread with Japanese poems.

Because the shrine is a power spot for academics, there are many colorful amulets for academic achievement. There are also pastel-colored rabbit omikuji (fortunes), and kimono-patterned wish dolls based on The Tale of Genji. There are so many charms to choose from!

Ujigami-jinja Shrine 宇治上神社

• Address: 59, Ujiyamada, Uji-shi, Kyoto, 611-0021, View Map

• Nearest Station: Uji Station (JR Nara Line), 8 minutes on foot

• Phone Number:0774-21-4634

A 15-minute walk from Ujigami Shrine, Nakamura Tokichi Honten sits in a charming traditional Japanese building along Uji Station Shopping Street. You’ll recognize it by the striking black-and-white curtain adorned with the Maruto symbol at the entrance.

Founded in 1854, this historic tea shop carries the legacy of its founder, Tokichi Nakamura, and embodies the essence of Kyoto’s Uji no Sato tea. In the past, the original tea house was lined with shelves of premium teas and souvenirs, with tea leaves sold by measure.

Today, the shop has been beautifully renovated into a café offering a variety of matcha sweets, while still preserving its rich tea heritage.

Nama-cha Matcha Jelly is a must-try treat, only available at Uji Honten. It is served in a bamboo bowl. Packed with plump matcha jelly, chewy dango, sweet azuki beans, and mellow matcha ice cream, this is a dessert you won’t want to miss out on!

The Maruto Parfait is a must-try treat that highlights the vibrant green hue and refreshing aroma of high-quality matcha, beautifully served in a bamboo bowl. Inside, you’ll find a delightful blend of textures and flavors, starting with matcha castella cake and a lightly sweet parfait cream that complement each other perfectly. The parfait is layered with crispy brown rice puffs, berries, lemon jam, shiratama (chewy rice flour dumplings), and Dainagon azuki beans. At the bottom, matcha jelly and soft-serve ice cream add a rich and creamy finish. With its carefully crafted layers and premium Uji matcha, this parfait is one of the most popular and indulgent treats at Nakamura Tokichi Honten!

There are many varieties of Uji tea, but Nakamura teas are exclusive to Nakamura Tokichi Honten. This original brand was created in 1994 to commemorate the 1,200th anniversary of Emperor Kanmu’s relocation of the capital to Heiankyo (Kyoto) in 794.

What makes Nakamura tea unique is its deep, refined flavor, achieved through a special blend of seven carefully selected tea leaves. These exceptional teas not only offer a rich taste experience but also make for wonderful souvenirs to bring home.

Experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony in a historic tea room that is rarely open to the public. This exclusive opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in the artistry of Japanese tea culture while learning firsthand about its deep traditions.

As part of the experience, you’ll grind tencha—the raw tea leaves used to make matcha—using a millstone, gaining insight into the meticulous process behind this revered tea. To complete the experience, guests can enjoy two of Nakamura Tokichi’s signature specialties: chasoba (tea-infused buckwheat noodles) and namacha jelly (fresh tea jelly), both offering a delightful taste of Uji’s tea heritage.

Nakamura Tokichi 中村藤吉本店 宇治本店

• Address: 10 Uji Ichiban, Uji City, Kyoto 611-0021

• Nearest Station: 1 minute walk from JR Uji Station; 10 minute walk from Keihan Uji Station

• Phone Number: 0774-22-7800

• Hours: Weekdays: Weekdays Tea Shop & Cafe 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (Cafe Last order 4:30 p.m.); Weekends & Holidays Tea Shop & Cafe 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (Cafe Last order 4:30 p.m.)

• *Varies by season

• Open daily

As you can see, there are plenty of unique things to do in Uji, Japan, including two world heritage sites!

Experience the deliciousness of Japan’s famous Uji tea. Some experiences may require advanced reservations, so please check in advance and be mindful of the time as you plan your visit to each spot.

Via Live Japan