Uji is the matcha capital of Japan. It is the perfect place to spend a day munching on matcha treats, visiting historic teahouses, admiring Byodoin Temple, and strolling by the river. Just under an hour away from Osaka, Uji blends centuries-old traditions with serene landscapes and even a touch of modern gaming culture. I have visited twice during autumn in November when fall foliage was at its peak and consider it the best time of year to visit Uji.
How to Get to Uji from Osaka
The Route: Board a Limited Express train at Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi Station heading toward Sanjo/Demachiyanagi. You will transfer at Chusojima Station to the local Keihan Uji Line, which takes you right into the heart of Uji.
The Premium Car: For just an extra 500 yen (on top of your base fare of about 430 yen), you can book a seat in the Premium Car (Car 6).
- Why it’s worth it: You get a guaranteed, spacious seat, a personal power outlet and a tray table. It makes the 40-minute leg between Yodoyabashi and Chusojima feel relaxing and luxurious.
- How to book: You can purchase tickets at the “Premium Car” machines on the platform.
Things to Do in Uji
Walk Across Uji Bridge
Originally built in 646 AD, Uji Bridge is considered one of Japan’s oldest bridges. Its construction was ordered during a time when crossing rivers was both dangerous and spiritually significant. In ancient Japan, bridges weren’t just functional but were also seen as connections between worlds – both physical and spiritual.
Over the centuries, the bridge has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times due to floods and wars, but its presence has remained constant.
Standing on the bridge, looking out over the gentle flow of the Uji River, it’s easy to understand why this area became a setting for literature, poetry and reflection.
Take a Riverside Walk
Cross the famous Uji Bridge (Ujibashi) and wander along the peaceful Uji River.
Visit the Tale of Genji Museum
Uji is the setting for the final chapters of The Tale of Genji. The “Uji Chapters” are known for being introspective and tinged with melancholy. They follow characters navigating love, loss, and impermanence. Even if you haven’t read this classic (I haven’t!), the museum is beautifully designed and provides great context for the town’s aristocratic history. You’ll find model sets, projections, and an audio guide in English.
Visit Byodoin Temple
Built in 1052, Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is even featured on the 10-yen coin. The Phoenix Hall seems to float above a reflective pond, creating a perfectly symmetrical, almost dreamlike scene. It is one of the few original structures from the Heian era still standing.
The admission fee to see the temple grounds/gardens and the Byodoin Temple Museum (Hoshokan) is 700 yen. If you want to visit the interior of Phoenix Hall, you must pay an additional 300 yen. Only 50 people are allowed in the hall every 20 minutes so you will have to wait. I didn’t want to wait a long time so I didn’t visit the hall.
Explore Quieter Shrines
If you’ve visited Uji’s main attractions and would like to visit quieter shrines, consider Uji Shrine, Ujigami Jinja (considered Japan’s oldest shrine), and Koshoji Temple. These sites offer peaceful gardens and fewer crowds.
Visit the Nintendo Museum (Advance Reservation Required)
Adding an unexpected contrast to Uji’s historical atmosphere is the Nintendo Museum. Located in Uji, this museum celebrates the history of Nintendo from its origins as a playing card company in the 19th century to its global influence in gaming today. The museum opened in October 2024 and I have not visited it yet.
Pairing a visit to the museum with Uji’s historical sites creates a uniquely balanced day: past and present, side by side.
Where to Eat in Uji
Tsuen Tea House
Located near the foot of Uji Bridge, Tsuen Tea House is a must-visit. Established in 1160, it is widely considered the oldest tea house in Japan.
There were a lot of people sitting outside Tsuen eating ice cream when I arrived, but I managed to get seated in the restaurant without having to wait. It took a long time for my order to be taken and for the food to come out, but it was worth the wait.
I tried the Matcha Soba. The noodles are infused with high-grade Uji matcha.
Byodoin Omotesando Shopping Street
A bustling promenade leading up to the temple. Here you can sample tea-infused sweets (ice cream, dango and wagashi skewers). I tried the popular autumn-themed wagashi skewers from Karyo Itoken Uji.
What to Buy in Uji: Souvenirs for the Journey Home
Ceremonial Grade Matcha: Visit shops like Nakamura Tokichi or Itoh Kyuemon for high-quality powder you can’t easily find abroad.
Matcha-infused Sweets: Look for Matcha koibito or tea-flavoured cha-mango (rice dumplings)
Tea Ceramics: Uji is home to beautiful Asahi-yaki pottery. A handcrafted tea bowl (chawan) or a small plate would be a useful souvenir!
Nintendo Exclusives: If you have extra time, the newly opened Nintendo Museum is nearby (though it requires booking far in advance), offering unique merchandise you won’t find at the Osaka Nintendo Store.
What Exactly is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. This makes matcha more concentrated in flavour, caffeine and antioxidants.
The tea plants are shaded before harvest, which boosts chlorophyll levels and gives matcha its vibrant green colour and rich taste. After harvesting, the leaves are dried, de-veined, and stone-ground into powder.
The Matcha Boom: Shortage & “Matcha Influencers”
In recent years, matcha has exploded in popularity worldwide, with social media playing a huge role. From lattes and desserts to skincare and supplements, it’s everywhere!
“Matcha influencers” on platforms like Instagram and TikTok have turned the drink into a lifestyle aesthetic with minimalist kitchens, bamboo whisks, slow pours and perfectly frothy green tea.
But this surge in demand and interest has led to an unexpected consequence: a matcha shortage. In Uji, some stores limit the number of bags of tea or boxes of snacks you can buy.
High-quality matcha, especially from regions like Uji, requires time, skill and limited production capacity. Tea farmers can’t simply increase production overnight. As global demand rises, premium matcha has become more expensive and sometimes harder to find.
Final Thoughts
A day trip to Uji is a sensory immersion: from the scent of freshly whisked matcha, to the reflective surfaces of a quiet river, and the splendour of centuries-old temples. It’s a perfect blend of history, scenery, culinary delight and teaware treasures. Whether you’re a matcha lover or a culture seeker, Uji is a memorable experience, and an excellent choice for a day trip from Osaka!
