Top 10 Tourist Attractions & Best Things to Do in Uji, Kyoto

People would usually think of Gion and Arashiyama when it comes to sightseeing spots in Kyoto, but there are actually many other great sightseeing spots that are worth to visit in Kyoto. Uji is an area in Kyoto that is famous for its high quality green tea, and it also accommodates many sightseeing spots that are worth to try!

1. Byodoin Temple

Located within 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station, Byodoin Temple is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto.

Built in 11th Century, Byodoin Temple is registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1994. There were a large number of buildings on its expansive site in the beginning, but most of them were destroyed by the flames of war in the past.

The Phoenix Hall, Kannondo Hall, and the bell tower are the only remains left these days. The Phoenix Hall is depicted on the 10-yen coin, and the Kannondo Hall is registered as a National Important Cultural Property by the government.

Accommodating many historical and important artefacts, Byodoin is a great spot to visit in Kyoto!

2. Byodoin Museum Hoshokan

Hoshokan is a new museum built to replace Homotsukan (treasure museum), which played an important role in preserving and disclosing Natural Treasures like door paintings, Phoenix Hall, the bell tower, and Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu Statue.

Designed by Mr. Akira Kuryu, Hoshokan shows a perfect balance of harmony between the building and the garden. Built with natural materials, Hoshokan exhibits many treasures togethers using its wonderful glass wall cases.

3. Uji Bashi Bridge

Uji Bashi Bridge is located nearby the Keihan Uji Station, that stretches above the Uji River.

Famous as one of the three oldest bridges in Japan, Uji Bashi Bridge was built by Douto, a monk from Gagouji, Nara, in 646.

Made from cypress woods, Uji Bashi Bridge is famous as one of the three oldest and the holiest bridges in the country, as it connects the profane world (forest horizon) to the sacred world (large torii, shrine gate). Therefore, you will see a lot of people bowing before crossing the bridge to show their respects.

Uji Bashi Bridge was rebuilt in 1996, so it is relatively new compared to other bridges in Japan.

4. Genji Monogatari Museum

Genji Monogatari Museum is located within 8-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station, and it exhibits many artefacts and documents related to Genji Monogatari.

You can find more than 3,000 books and many documentaries of Genji Monogatari, and you can learn about the history and the culture of ancient Japan in details at this museum.

The admission fee to this museum is not that expensive as well, so why don’t you stop by this wonderful museum when you are in Uji?

5. Manpukuji Temple

Manpukuji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Uji, which was built in 1661 by a Chinese Zen Master Yinyuan during the early Edo period (1603-1868).

Manpukuji is the highest temple of the Obaku School, one of the three Zen sects of Japan, and the temple was built to introduce the architectures of Ming Dynasty of China to Japan. Originally designed and made by Chinese Buddhist sculptors, you can find many beautiful Chinese pattern and ornaments on the temple.

You can also try the Zen style vegetarian cooking, but you have to make a reservation for this at least 3 days before with 2 persons as minimum participants. You can also participate the zen meditation “Zazen” and transcribing the Heart of Great Perfect Wisdom Sutra as well!

 
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6. Uji Shrine

If you want to make a wish, then you should definitely visit Uji Shrine, a local shrine located within 5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station.

Uji Shrine is believed to be the oldest standing shrine in Japan, and the shrine is famous for bringing good luck.

Boasting beautiful building structures and architectures, Uji Shrine is definitely worth to visit!

7. Ujigami Shrine

Located in the same area with Uji Shrine, Ujigami Shrine is famous as one of the oldest shrines in Japan.

Built in 1067, the main shrine building (Hon-den) of Ujigami Shrine is registered as a National Treasure. The main place for worship (Hai-den) of Ujigami Shrine is registered as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage also in 1994.

Great to visit in Spring, why don’t you visit Ujigami Shrine for its wonderful atmosphere and sceneries!

8. Byodoin Omotesando

Byodoin Omotesando is a street in Uji that accommodates many high quality local tea houses and tea shops.

Located nearby the Uji Bashi Bridge and Byodoin Temple, you can find many local tea houses and tea shops selling high quality Japanese green tea, Japanese sweets Wagashi, Japanese green tea soba, and Kyoto cuisines as well.

Byodoin Omotesando is a great spot to visit, as you can find many great local souvenirs to buy for your family back home!

9. Kisen Chaya

Kisen Chaya is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Uji, and the place is famous for offering many great Kyoto cuisines and souvenirs. Located within 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station, Kisen Chaya accommodates restaurant on the 2nd floor and a cafe space on the 3rd floor.

You can also enjoy eating Kyoto Cuisine and Kyoto’s Japanese sweets Wagashi while cruising along the Uji River with a sightseeing boat. In addition to this wonderful plan, you can also try wearing a Kimono at Kisen Chaya!

10. Thirteen-storied Stone Pagoda

Located within 15-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station, Thirteen-storied Stone Pagoda is a 15 m high historical stone statue.

Uji’s Thirteen-storied Stone Pagoda is located in the middle of Uji Park, which is not so far away from Uji Bashi Bridge. The pagoda has been destroyed and buried by the flood of Uji River for several times, but the pagoda was reconstructed by the government in 1907.

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Let’s Enjoy Best Tourist Attractions in Uji!

Kyoto has many different sightseeing spots spreaded in many different area. Gion and Arashiyama can be considered as the most famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, but Uji actually also accommodates many interesting sightseeing spots as well! We have picked up 10 best sightseeing spots in Uji, which are definitely worth to stop by when you’re visiting Uji!