Located a short and pleasant train ride away from Hirakata, Uji makes for a wonderful day trip from Osaka English House. Uji is a great outing for matcha, culture, and nature enthusiasts alike, with far fewer crowds than the nearby hotspots of Nara and Kyoto.
Travel Time & Transportation Options
The best way to reach Uji from Hirakata is by train. From Hirakatashi Station, take the Keihan Main Line on a Limited Express train (direction Demachiyanagi) until you reach Chushojima Station.
From there, switch to the Keihan Uji Line until you reach Keihan Uji Station. This journey will take about 35 minutes and cost approximately ¥370, making it a quick and affordable day trip.
Matcha, matcha, and more matcha!
Uji is famous for its production of matcha tea, which dates all the way back to the 1100s. The local climate, rich soil, and geographic features create ideal conditions for cultivating matcha. As a result, Uji has gained a reputation for producing some of the best matcha in the world. If you are a matcha lover, Uji is a must-visit destination.
Tea Shops
There are lots of tea shops to explore in Uji, many of which are concentrated around a few main shopping streets. After leaving Keihan Uji Station, walk across the bridge and then down Byodo-in Omotesando, which is lined with many tea shops.
Here you can browse for tea and tea accessories. Other fun walking streets include nearby Agata-dori or Kyoto Prefectural Rte 15. Simply wander around this area and pop into the many different shops and cafes.
Matcha has surged in global popularity in the last few years, with supply struggling to keep up with the demand. Be aware that shops may sell out of matcha powder early in the day or impose limits on how much can be purchased per customer.
Tea ceremonies
A popular activity is to attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. These ceremonies involve ritual gestures for making, serving, and receiving tea, and typically take place in a traditional room with tatami floors.
There are several places in Uji where you can partake in a traditional tea ceremony. For an affordable option (costing just ¥1,000), check out Taihoan.
Tickets can be bought next door at the Uji City Tourist Information Centre, where you can also get tourist information in English. Several ceremonies are offered throughout the day. The ceremony will take place mainly in Japanese, but the basic parts of the ceremony will be explained in English and you will be provided with an information sheet.
You will first be offered a sweet, followed by matcha, served in a traditional and ceremonial manner. The process takes about 15 minutes. You will not be instructed on how to make matcha yourself, this is strictly a tea ceremony experience.
There are also opportunities to learn how to prepare matcha. If you are looking for a more educational and hands-on experience, check out Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop or Chazuna.
Temples and Other Attractions in Uji
Byodo-in Temple
One of the most famous and popular temples in Uji is the Byodo-in Temple. Dating back to the 11th century, this Buddhist temple offers beautiful architecture and gardens. One of the highlights is Phoenix Hall, which is pictured on the 10 yen coin as well as the 10,000 yen bill. It was built in 1053 and is designed to look like a phoenix in flight. The Hall is also home to an Amida Buddha statue.
Check out their official website for the most up-to-date information, such as seasonal opening hours and admission prices.
Mimuroto-ji Temple
Located about a 25 minute walk from the centre of Uji is Mimuroto-ji, a Buddhist temple that dates back to the 8th century.
While the admission cost is a bit higher than other temples (¥1,000 as of May 2025), the grounds feature a large garden on the hill, covered with thousands of flowers during the spring. Different flowers are in bloom during different months such as azaleas in May, hydrangeas in June and lotus in July. In addition to the gardens, there are several buildings to explore on the temple grounds.
Kosho-ji Temple
Located a bit out of the centre in a forested area is the beautiful and serene Kosho-ji Temple.
If you are looking to visit a less crowded temple with calming nature, this is a great option. The path leading up to the temple is particularly beautiful during spring cherry blossom or fall foliage seasons.
This temple also offers zazen meditation experiences. Check out their website for more information, as reservations are generally required.
Ujigami Shrine
Located amidst lush greenery, it is worthwhile to make a stop at the Ujigami Shrine, a Shinto shrine that is believed to be the oldest in Japan.
Daikichiyama Observation Deck
Located close to Ujigami Shrine is a well-maintained path up to the Daikichiyama Observation Deck. The walk is slightly steep but still pleasant and will take around 15 – 20 minutes to reach the top, where you will be rewarded with a nice view of Uji and the surrounding area.
Uji River and To-no-shima Island
The Uji River is set in a beautiful valley and surrounded by lush green hills. Strolling along the river and crossing over to To-no-shima island makes for a lovely afternoon walk.
Statue of Murasaki Shikibu
Next to the Uji River you will find a statue of Murasaki Shikibu, who was the author of what is considered to be the first-ever novel, The Tale of Genji. The novel is also considered to be a masterpiece of Japanese literature. Several chapters of the book take place in Uji. You can find her statue at the west end of the Uji Bridge. If you are more interested in learning about the first novel or about Murasaki Shikibu, there is a small museum dedicated to this, the Tale of Genji Museum. Most of the exhibits are in Japanese, but English audio guides are available.
Where to Eat
Many eateries throughout Uji offer matcha-infused food, such as ramen or udon, so if you are feeling a bit adventurous, there are many places to try out these unique dishes.
For Matcha Lovers
For matcha lattes and matcha-flavoured desserts (we personally recommend the matcha cheesecake), make a stop at Matcha Roastery. This spot is a bit outside of the main tourist shopping streets, so it is often less crowded than some other popular places.
To try matcha noodles and other matcha-infused foods, consider eating at the popular Nakamura Tokichi Honten. Keep in mind that it is often very busy here, so be prepared to wait. They utilize a system where you take a number from the vending machine and then wait to be called when your table is ready.
For matcha soft serve ice cream or a matcha latte (takeaway only), check out Tsuen Tea Shop. It is Japan’s oldest tea shop, having been founded in 1160. You can also buy tea powder here.
Mengokoro
Located right across the street from Keihan Mimurodo Station, or about a 10-minute walk from the centre of town, is a hidden gem ramen spot, Mengokoro. It is popular with locals, and there is limited seating, but the line moves fast. The owner is kind, the ramen is absolutely delicious, and the prices are very reasonable. You can choose from soy sauce or miso broth and make other customizations to your bowl at the vending machine – make sure to add a seasoned egg! Be aware that this restaurant is cash only.
Heading Back to Hirakata
After your day out in Uji, it will be time to head back to Hirakata. Hop on the train at either Keihan Uji Station or Mimurodo Station and get on the Keihan Uji Line (direction Chushojima), and then switch at Chushojima Station for the Keihan Main Line (direction Yodoyabashi) until you reach Hirakatashi Station.
When you are leaving Uji, make sure not to go to the JR Uji Station as it is operated by a different railway company. Looking for somewhere to eat now that you’ve arrived back in Hirakata? Check out our article on [Izakayas in Hirakata].