Traveling around Uji - JAPANESE GREEN TEA

Subcategories

1. TAIHO-AN -Tea Ceremony House: Strongly Recomended!-

Taiho-an is a tea ceremony house located on the bank of the Uji River. It is set against the backdrop of Byodoin temple, which has been designated as a national treasure and World Heritage Site.
Enter the world of the tea ceremony, and experience traditional Japanese culture first-hand.
The tea ceremony is a comprehensive cultural activity that integrates religion, philosophy, sociability, and art. To serve a cup of tea while being mindful of one's guest is the essence of the tea ceremony.

admission:500yen
tel:+81-774-23-3334

2. ASAHIYAKI HALL -Strongly Recomended!-

Asahiyaki is a type of pottery that was made in Uji for over 400 years. Asahiyaki Hall, built on the opposite bank of Byodoin Temple, has a large collection of Asahiyaki pottery and other items, including an old Enshu kiln.

admission:adults-315yen/children-210yen
tel:+81-774-23-2511

3. BYODOIN TEMPLE -World Heritage Site-

After Kyoto became the capitol of Japan in 794, Uji, blessed with nature and being close to the capital, became a favorite spot of Japanese nobility. Byodoin temple, also known as Phoenix Hall, was the heart of the city. It was originally a villa of Minamoto-No-Tohru, a man presumed to be the model for the hero Hikaru Genji of "The Tale of Genji." Later, the chief advisor to the Emperor Michinaga Fujiwara took possession of the villa, and his son Yorimichi converted it into a temple in 1052, naming it Byodoin. Byodoin symbolizes "Gokurakujodo " which is the Buddhist "Pure Land." The Byodoin Museum opened in March 2001, displaying the famous "Worshiping Bodhisattva on Cloud" and many other beautiful ancient sculptures and national treasures.

admission:adults-600yen/high/junior high students-500yen/primary schoolers-300yen
tel:+81-774-21-2861

4. UJIGAMI SHRINE -World Heritage Site-

Ujigami Shrine is dedicated to Prince Uji-No-Waki-Iratsuko, and Emperors Ojin and Nintoku (5th century A.D.). After Emperor Ojin died, Uji-No-Waki-Iratsuko committed suicide due to the conflict with his brother Nintoku over succession to the Imperial Throne. The main shrine, a national treasure, is valued as the oldest shrine in Japan, built in the Heian Period.

admission:300yen
tel:+81-774-21-2040

5. UJI CITY THE TALE OF GENJI MUSEUM

Discover the world of Hikaru Genji from the famous Heian-period novel "The Tale of Genji." View literature, historic materials and more. You can also research facts about "The Tale of Genji" by computer.

admission:adults-500yen/children-250yen
tel:+81-774-39-9300

6. THE UJI RIVER AND UJI BRIDGE

The Uji River is the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It has been an important waterway between Ohmi and Osaka since ancient times. Following the construction of the Uji Bridge by Buddhist Priest Doto in 646, it became the primary junction for land and water traffic in the Kinki District. The Uji Bridge is said to be one of the Three Famous Old Bridges of Japan. The bridge, re-constructed in March 1996, is in harmony with the historic image of the bridge and surrounding views.

For more information, please visit the Uji City Tourist Information Center