Half day in Uji: suggested itinerary

Half day in Uji: Byodo-In
Uji, Byodo-In

 

Uji is a small town located between Kyoto and Nara. Occupying a very prominent role in classical literature and the traditional Japanese culture of tea, Uji is home to some historic temples and shrines and a few museums.

Uji can easily be visited with an excursion from Kyoto or Nara. The city can be reached by train from all major centres of Kansai region.

 

Uji half-day itinerary

Uji is a pleasant small town that preserves beautiful architecture and a few places of worship of outstanding cultural and spiritual significance.

 

Itinerary: city centre

The typical itinerary in Uji follows a rectangular path, the longest stretches being along the quiet river that bisects the city centre.

 

Uji 0,5-day itinerary

City centre

Morning arrival

Where to stay

Kyoto, Nara or Osaka

Day 1

Destinations:

  • Omotesando: a narrow lane, serving as approach to Byodo-In Temple, the Omotesando is lined with tea houses, restaurants and souvenir shops;

  • Byodo-In: a magnificent buddhist temple. The exceptionally elegant architecture is set at the centre of a large garden that creates the image of an idyllic reality. The Phoenix Hall, a masterpiece of religious architecture, survived repeated destructions and calamities. The treasure house boasts a collection of ancient artefacts, many of which are classified as important cultural properties;

  • Ujigami-Jinja: an ancient shinto shrine, regarded as one of the most ancient places of worship of Japan still standing in their original form. The shrine, as well as the nearby Uji-Jinja, which was part of the same complex until the Meiji Period, exhibit an elegant nagare-zukuri architecture. They attract large crowds of pilgrims.

 

How to get around:

  • On foot

 

One day in Uji: visit to Agata-Jinja
Uji, Agata-Jinja

 

Full day itinerary

If you want to spend a full day in Uji you can easily find satisfaction by visiting the Agata-Jinja, a beautiful shinto shrine, the Museum of the Tale of Genji, devoted to the renowned novel, and a few tea houses, where you can taste the precious tea or participate in a tea ceremony.

If you enjoy walking you can venture outside the city centre. You can wander in the beautiful wood that lies east of the urban centre. Here are a few atmospheric temples and shrines. The scenery is particularly beautiful during the autumn leaf season (late November).

 

Related articles:

Japan 10-day itinerary

 

Nearby destinations:

Kyoto 3,5-day itinerary

Nara 1,5-day itinerary

 

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