Uji Day Trip from Kyoto: Matcha, Byodoin & How to Go

Fast Facts

Why Uji

Uji is a small city on the Ujigawa River between Kyoto and Nara, 15 km south of Kyoto. It’s famous for three things: Byodoin Temple (on the ¥10 coin), the world’s best matcha tea, and the final chapters of The Tale of Genji — the 11th-century novel considered the world’s first psychological novel, written by Kyoto court lady Murasaki Shikibu.

As a day trip, Uji offers something qualitatively different from Kyoto’s temple-and-shrine circuit: a small riverside town with excellent tea culture, one extraordinary building, and fewer tourists than any equivalent Kyoto sight.

Getting There

JR Nara Line is the simplest option: Kyoto Station directly to Uji Station, 17 minutes, ¥240. The JR Pass covers this route. Uji Station exits toward the river and Byodoin approach.

Keihan Uji Line: From the Gion-Shijo or Fushimi area, take the Keihan Main Line south to Chushojima, transfer to the Keihan Uji Line, and continue to Keihan-Uji Station. This takes about 35 minutes total and costs ¥430. Keihan-Uji Station is slightly better positioned for Ujigami Shrine on the east bank.

Both stations are within 10 minutes walk of Byodoin.

Byodoin Temple

The Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do)

Built in 1053 by Fujiwara no Yorimichi as an Amida Buddha hall meant to represent the western paradise of Buddha Amida, the Phoenix Hall is one of the finest surviving examples of Heian-period architecture in Japan. The main hall appears to float on its central pond — reflected perfectly in calm weather. Two bronze phoenix figures crown the roof.

The structure on the ¥10 coin since 1959. Entry ¥1,000 (outer garden + Hoshokan museum). The inner hall requires a separate timed entry ticket (¥300 more) for a 3-minute guided viewing of the central Amida Buddha statue by sculptor Jocho — itself a National Treasure.

Book the inner hall ticket at the site on arrival. Only 50 people per slot; buy immediately on entry.

Hoshokan Museum

A modern museum building on the grounds holds the original bronze phoenixes (replaced by replicas on the roof) and Heian-period Buddhist bells and devotional objects from the temple. Included in ¥1,000 entry. Excellent for understanding the historical context of the building.

Matcha in Uji

Uji has been the primary matcha-producing region in Japan since the 13th century, when monks returning from China introduced powdered tea cultivation here. The climate, soil, and ancient tea-growing traditions make Uji matcha the reference standard.

Best Tea Shops

Nakamura Tokichi Honten — The most famous tea house in Uji, operating since 1854. A beautiful old machiya building near the river. Matcha and sweets available. Also has a modern annex with matcha parfaits and soft serve. Queue expected on weekends.

Tsuen Tea Shop — Claimed to be Japan’s oldest teahouse, established around 1160. On the island between the two river channels near Uji Bridge. Simple and atmospheric. Matcha sets and seasonal sweets.

Marukyu Koyamaen — Premium matcha retailer with exceptional quality and clear provenance labeling. Buying a small tin of their ceremonial grade matcha is one of the best Uji souvenirs.

Ujigami Shrine

A 10-minute walk from Byodoin across the river (use the small Asagiri Bridge). The oldest Shinto shrine in Japan — parts of the main hall date to the late Heian period (11th century). UNESCO World Heritage Site. Free, always open. Peaceful, heavily forested, almost no tourists even in peak season.

Suggested Half-Day Route

1. 9:30am — Arrive JR Uji Station
2. 10:00am — Byodoin (90 min including museum)
3. 11:30am — Walk riverside, Nakamura Tokichi for matcha and sweets
4. 12:30pm — Cross river to Ujigami Shrine (30 min)
5. 1:30pm — Browse matcha shops, buy tea to take home
6. 2:00pm — JR back to Kyoto (17 min)

More day trips: Nara from Kyoto and Osaka from Kyoto. For Kyoto planning: 3-Day Itinerary.

Try the tea tradition deeper: See our Kyoto Tea Ceremony guide for experiences in the city. Our Gion Sake Walk takes a different evening angle on Japanese drink culture.