How To Explore Uji, Japan’s Matcha Tea Capital

To really bring Uji’s history and culture to life, take part in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the many local teahouses. This gives you the chance to taste some of the town’s best matcha tea, while also learning about the drink’s history and etiquette. The 200-year-old Nakamura Tokichi teahouse offers the chance to grind your own tea leaves for the ceremony, before enjoying both thick koicha and thin usucha matcha tea in an authentic tatami mat tearoom. Reservations are required, but can be made online in English.

Arriving by train, you’ll find yourself close to Uji Bridge, which dates all the way back to around 646. Particularly beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season, when the ethereal pink and white flowers burst into fleeting bloom, the bridge and adjacent riverbanks make a great place to walk and get acquainted with the town. The river flowing beneath it cuts Uji neatly in two, both sides adorned with overhanging teahouse balconies that give way to forested mountains behind.

Over the years, Uji Bridge has been featured in numerous works of Japanese art and literature. The most notable of these is the 11th century novel The Tale of Genji, whose final chapters are set in Uji. A classic and poetic tale of courtly intrigue, there are subtle statues and plaques marking locations that feature in the book scattered throughout the town. Fans of the work can also head to the Tale of Genji Museum, just a short walk east from the bridge, which brings different scenes from the story to life through models and dioramas.

Wander down the narrow, bustling Omotesando to pick up some varieties of tea and other trinkets. As well as the tea itself, you can find elegant teapots and cups, traditional matcha whisks and tea trays, and all the other utensils you’ll need to bring the Japanese tea ceremony home with you.

At the other end of Omotesando, you’ll encounter Uji’s shining star, Byodoin Temple, whose stunning Phoenix Hall was chosen to be featured on one side of Japan’s ¥100 coin. A vision of red and gold with two phoenix statues adorning its dark grey roof, the intricate structure is said to resemble a bird spreading its wings. The temple gardens are a pleasure to stroll around, with the ornate hall reflected in the large pond at its centre and the scent of incense drifting through the air. There’s also a large underground museum to explore, filled with Buddhist artworks and artefacts from the temple, and – of course – a teahouse.

If you only have time for one temple on your trip, Byodoin is definitely the one to go for. However, if you can squeeze in any more, Uji has plenty to offer. Mimurotoji, also known as the Flower Temple, is about a 20-minute walk north from Uji Bridge. Its vast gardens burst with different seasonal flowers, from delicate cherry blossoms in spring to thousands of colourful hydrangea in summer and fiery red and orange leaves in autumn. Keep an eye out for the bull statue within the grounds – inside its mouth is a stone ‘jewel’ that is said to bring good luck to those who reach in and touch it.

As well as Buddhist temples, Uji is also home to some important Shinto shrines. Shinto is Japan’s indigenous religion, and it is believed that gods, known as kami, live within these shrines. Ujigami Shrine, on the east side of Uji River, is thought to be the oldest standing shrine in Japan. The unassuming wooden building dates back to at least 1060, and was originally Byodoin’s guardian shrine. Just 100 metres (328 feet) south of it stands its partner, Uji Shrine, a vivid contrast in bright red and white.