Kyoto Prefecture · Japan
Uji travel guide
Uji is a city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, home to about 180,000 people.
- Nearest airport
- ITM35 km · Osaka Itami International Airport
- Currency
- JPYyen
- Time zone
- Asia/Tokyo
- Language
- Japanese
About
About Uji
Uji is one of the oldest cities in Japan. Located between the two ancient capitals of Nara and Kyoto, its roots reach almost as deep into Japanese history as those of its two famous neighbors. Uji was the scene of many famous ancient stories, including the final chapters of The Tale of Genji. Author Alex Kerr extols its virtues in his book Lost Japan, contrasting Uji favorably with Kyoto as a (rare) example of a historic Japanese city whose modern development has not disrupted its classical beauty.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Things to do
What to see and do in Uji
See
Since Uji is a place full of tradition, there are many small temples to be found on both sides of the river. There are excellent explanatory displays in both English and Japanese in front of most of the major and minor sights.
- Byōdō-in Temple
- Ujigami Shrine
- Uji Shrine
- The Tale of Genji Museum
- Kōshō-ji Temple
- Mimuroto-ji Temple
- Mampuku-ji Temple
- Nintendo Museum
- Amagase Dam
Do
- Municipal Tea House Taihō-an
- Tearoom Zuishō-an at Nakamura Tokichi Honten
- Mt. Buttoko
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
When to go
The best time to visit Uji
Uji has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. August is the warmest month, with average highs of 33 °C; July is the wettest, with about 217 mm of rain.
Comfortable means average daytime high between 18 °C and 29 °C and under 80 mm of rain in the month. Averages for 1991–2020 over the surrounding area, a grid square about 50 km across, so a coast or a nearby mountain can make the town itself warmer or cooler. Data: CRU TS v4.10, Climatic Research Unit, University of East Anglia (Open Database License).
Getting there
Getting to Uji: airports and arrival
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM), about 35 km from the city centre in a straight line; Kobe Airport (UKB, 60 km) and Kansai International Airport (KIX, 72 km) are also within reach.
Getting in
The JR station is probably the most convenient way to Uji for most people. It is on the Nara line, and has trains from Kyoto (20 min, ¥240) and Nara (35 min, ¥500). The main sights along the river are a short walk from the station. The Keihan station is on the other side of the river, but is slightly closer to most of the sights. This line can be a good alternative if you are planning a day trip from Osaka and don't have a JR pass. Trains from Osaka take around 55 minutes for ¥410 with one change in Chushojima.
Getting around
Most of the sights are along the river and a short walk from either of the stations. The place is quite compact, and it is possible to cover everything in one day by just strolling along the river. You will probably not need a map, but if you want one, they are available at either of the tourist offices.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
ITM · Osaka Itami International Airport
UKB · Kobe Airport
KIX · Kansai International Airport
Local knowledge
Eating, drinking and staying safe in Uji
Eat
A map of restaurants and shops can be obtained from the tourism information centre near Byodo-in.
Drink
Green tea! Uji produces the most famous (and the most expensive) tea in Japan. Otherwise, it's not long on nightlife.
Wikivoyage contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0; excerpted.
Questions
Uji: questions travellers ask
When is the best time to visit Uji?
Uji has no month that is both mild and dry by the measure used here. August is the warmest month, with average highs of 33 °C; July is the wettest, with about 217 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Uji?
The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Osaka Itami International Airport (ITM), about 35 km from the city centre in a straight line; Kobe Airport (UKB, 60 km) and Kansai International Airport (KIX, 72 km) are also within reach.
What currency is used in Uji?
yen (JPY).
Nearby
Destinations near Uji
Sources: city facts from Wikidata and Wikipedia; airports from OurAirports; climate from CRU TS v4.10 (University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit), 1991–2020 monthly means, 0.5° grid; places to stay, guest scores and amenities from each operator's own public pages. How this guide is made.