Located in a green valley south of Kyoto, Uji is a beautiful city with a number of fascinating historical sites grouped on the banks of the Uji-gawa River.
Ujibashi Bridge
A roadside sign states that it is one of Japan’s oldest bridges, which is partly true because a wooden bridge was first built here in 646. Since then, the Uji-bashi Bridge has been celebrated in art and literature, fought at war, destroyed by fires and disasters and rebuilt on numerous occasions. Today, the best way to enjoy this bridge is to cross until midway and look south along the river to admire the radiant landscape of green hills and tumultuous waters crossed by picturesque red wooden bridges. The city of Uji itself is remarkably well preserved.
At the west entrance is the statue of Murasaki Shikibu, author of the Dit du genji (Genji monogatari).
Commemorating the completion of the bridge construction in 646, the broken stone is the oldest calligraphic inscription on stone in Japan.
Observatory of Daikichiyama
To the east on “Sawarabi-no-michi (street)”, an entrance allows you to climb (about 20 minutes) at the observatory. The hike is accompanied by sakura, maple trees and other trees. The observatory of Mount Daikichiyama is located in the middle of Mount Buttokusan, and people can enjoy the view of the river Ujigawa, Nakanoshima, Byodoin and the city of Uji. It is also a very popular hiking route.
Byodo In
The Byodo-in Temple is one of two World Heritage sites in Uji, famous for its spectacular Phoenix Hall or Hoo-do. To enter the temple, buy a ticket (600 yen) that gives you access to the temple park and museum.
Every 2 minutes, a guided tour of the Phoenix Hall allows you to admire the statue of Buddha Amida and discover its history. The special ticket costs 300 yen and must be purchased in advance at a kiosk north of the park. The guides follow exclusively Japanese, but for visitors who do not speak the language will still be able to appreciate the beauty of this Buddha carved by Jocho Busshi according to a special technique of the Heian era as well as the stunning decor surrounding it.
Ujigami Shrine
The Shrine of Ujigami is considered the oldest still standing sanctuary in Japan. Although there is no official record of its first construction, experts believe that the Ujigami shrine was well established in 1060. He was closely linked to the Byodoin temple as a “custodian sanctuary.”
The Ujigami Sanctuary was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 with other shrines and temples in the Kyoto region. The main hall is built in the Nagar-zukuri architectural style, one of the most common styles of sanctuary architecture: a curved asymmetric roof extends more on the side of the main entrance than on the opposite side to house the faithful.
Genji Dit Museum
Known as a masterpiece of classical Japanese literature, “Le Dit du Genji” tells the story of an extremely beautiful noble and his loves during the Heian period (794-1185), and the last 10 chapters take place in the city of Uji. This museum presents explanations, films and interactive games available in English, allowing everyone to discover the world of genji.
Mimuroto Ji and its garden
For 1200 years, this temple celebrated for its garden delights visitors of Uji. In the main hall, visitors are greeted by Ugajin, the local Shinto divinity represented as a snake with a benevolent old face. It is said that rubbing his head ensures a long and healthy life, while rubbing his tip of the tail brings fortune. Asking for both is considered greedy, so you will have to make a choice if you want to participate in this custom. This hillside temple is always beautifully flowered, whatever the season, thanks to cherry trees, lotus, azaleas, hortensias…
It is very nice to stroll here after visiting the lobby, the bell tower and the pagoda, wait in the garden or a gazebo will offer you a beautiful view of the entire garden. Finish the tour with a break in the picturesque café of the park.
Tea from Uji and its festival
It is said that the Buddhist monk Myoe introduced tea during the Kamakura era. The tea of Uji gained first-class status under the patronage of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi. It is cultivated using a centuries-old method called Ooishita, consisting of protecting shrubs from light.
Held on the first Sunday of October each year, the Ujicha matsuri festival is organized around Ujibashi at the beginning of October each year, it celebrates the virtues of the three ancestors of tea, Eisai Zenshi, Myoe Shonin and Sen no Rikyu.
In connection with the fact that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had been drinking tea water from Ujibashi Sanma, the “Meishui ceremony” takes place at the Kosho-ji temple.
Getting to Uji
At 20 minutes by train from Kyoto, Uji has two main stations, JR Uji and Keihan Uji, Keihan being convenient for a walking tour of the various tourist sites.
One day may be enough to visit most sites/ The main places are well indicated, so it is very easy to go around the city.
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