Uji Day Trip Guide: Best Things to Do in One Day

Is Uji worth visiting?

Visiting Uji in one day is a great idea to escape the big crowd of Kyoto and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. The picturesque town of Uji is one of Kyoto’s most popular day trips. 

The town is crossed by the Uji River where you can take a romantic boat ride, or walk along the bank. The Uji Bridge is historically important in traditional Japanese literature and it is considered one of the most romantic spots in Japan. 

The best things to do in Uji for one day will include seeing the famous Byodoin Temple, which is part of the UNESCO Heritage, and visiting a tea house. 

How to get to Uji?

You can take the JR Nara Line or the Keihan Uji Line from Kyoto Station or Osaka. If you are coming from Tokyo or other major cities in Japan, you can take a Shinkansen to Kyoto Station and transfer to the local train to Uji.

There are also bus services that run from Kyoto Station to Uji. The journey takes around 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

How to get around Uji?

Once you arrive in Uji, you can easily explore the city on foot or by bicycle. This way you can get the best out of your one-day Uji itinerary.

In fact, one of the best things to do in Uji for one day is to walk the town’s narrow streets and enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture. For any people with particular needs or in a rush, taxis can be found outside the train station.

Best things to do in Uji in one day

Byodo-In Temple

A day trip to Uji starts with the most iconic landmark in the town and one of the most famous temples in all of Japan. What makes Byodo-In Temple so famous is the fact the temple is depicted on the 10 yen coin. 

This stunning temple is approximately 1000 years old, although it has been severely damaged and rebuilt during these centuries.

The architecture is the finest example of the Buddhist Pure Land and with its garden, Byodo-In Temple represents the Pure Land Paradise. The biggest treasure in the temple is the famous Phoenix Hall, home to an Amida Buddha statue.

You will have to follow a path around the gardens to see the temple and you will need approximately 30 minutes.

Curious fact! There is a replica of Byodo-In in Hawaii.

Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu 

Would you like to try the same tea that the Japanese Shogun and imperial family have drunk for centuries? Sounds appealing right? This is possible and it is part of your ultimate Uji in a one-day itinerary.

The history of Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu started during the Tensho Era and it has been successful since then. Here you will not only have the chance to learn the history of the place but also take the chance to experience an authentic tea ceremony.

The owner of the store will proudly explain the history of his family while another host will hold the ceremony for you.

You will start by grinding your matcha and will be guided step by step in the preparation of the matcha. The store will also provide you with some local sweets for your ceremony.

The entrance to the store and museum is free of charge. The tea ceremony costs 1100 yen if you book in advance and 1320 yen if you want to make the walk-in appointment.

I recommend you book it not only to save some money but also to find the best availability and English-speaking guides.

This is one of the best things to do in Uji for one day and probably one of the highlights of my trip to Japan. The store is open all year long from 9 am to 5 pm. Find the contacts here.

Uji River cruise And Bridge

One of the best ways to explore Uji is through its river. A river cruise is a fantastic idea to see the town from a different perspective and have a unique experience. 

And this will give you the chance to take a close look at the legendary Uji Bridge. The bridge plays a key role in the development of the city and is linked to great stories of the Japanese past, historical and fictional. This bridge is also one of the oldest in Japan, as it was built in 646.

If you visit Uji during the summer, the boats that take these romantic tours are used for cormorant fishing around dusk. This event usually takes place from June to late September.

Tsuen Tea House 

Your one-day in Uji itinerary has to include a visit to the oldest tea house in the world. It dates back to 1160 and it was founded by a Samurai. Nowadays, the house is run by the 24th head of the same family.

The tea house is built in a typical Japanese style and it overlooks the Uji River, making it a lovely location to sit down and take a break.

This is another perfect location to purchase high-quality teas and local specialties and to try a fabulous Matcha parfait! You will feel how the bitterness of matcha will blend perfectly with the sweet cream.

Koshoji Temple

Byodo-In temple is not the only holy site to visit in the town. Koshoji Temple is one of the best things to see in Uji in one day. Originally built in 1233 at a different location in Kyoto, the temple was moved to Uji in 1648.

This peaceful place embodies perfectly the Japanese architecture and spirit, blending the buildings with nature. It is surrounded by gardens and you can enjoy a peaceful walk around the temple.

Torikiku

Torikiku serves local traditional specialties that you probably don’t know exist, like matcha soba. This consists of pasta made with buckwheat and matcha.

This dish can be served cold or warm depending on the pairing. The restaurant is quintessential of the Japanese spirit and hospitality, with an open kitchen so you can enjoy seeing your food getting ready.

In case you are done with matcha you can also find other Japanese specialties like tempura. Itadakimasu!

Bonus spot! Manpuku-ji

Manpuku-ji is one of my favorite hidden gems and a great add-on to your ultimate Uji in a one-day itinerary. It is located further away from other attractions on this itinerary and requires a longer walk or quick train ride to Keihan Obaku Station.

This picturesque temple is the head temple of the Zen Obaku sect, which originally comes from China. The influence of China is visible in the architecture and details of the temple.

The fish board (Gyoban), the Lecture Hall, and the Zen gardens can’t be missed, they will be one of the highlights of your travel to Uji.

It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and the admission fee is 500 yen.