Known as the matcha green tea capital of the world, Uji is a naturally beautiful city with ideal farming conditions and plenty to do!
One of the most scenic areas around the Kyoto and Nara regions is Uji, a beautiful little town that rests in between the two prefectures.
Known for its abundance of green tea resources, the area is full of natural beauty from stunning mountain ranges, flowing rivers, and rich green farmlands where Japan’s iconic matcha is mass-produced.
1. Stroll Along Uji Bridge
An iconic landmark of the Uji region, the Uji Bridge extends over the Uji River, connecting Uji station to the main urban area of Uji city (yes, I said Uji 5 times!).
This bridge has plenty of cultural history and has been reconstructed several times and maintained for many centuries, establishing itself as an important link route for the residents of the area.
History lessons aside, it’s just a really cool bridge with amazing scenic views when you cross it, so it’s not surprising to see a fair bit of tourists around here. The iconic “onion-shaped posts” along the bridge are a signature feature of this bridge, and they look awesome too!
2. Indulge In Matcha Delights
Most people who visit Uji come for one reason, to see the matcha green tea street Byodoin Omotesando. Here, you can enjoy an abundance of green tea delights from beverages to sweets and even matcha-themed restaurants!
If you’ve ever fancied green tea-flavored ramen or gyoza, Byodoin Omotesando is the place to get it! Personally, I prefer to keep things simple with a nice matcha green tea ice cream, a delight that is available at select stores and even vending machines!
3. Hang Out By The Uji River
One of the best things to do at Uji is to simply find a spot along the Uji River and kick back. There are plenty of spots around the Uji Bridge where you can sit down near the beautiful crystal-clear waters and unwind.
While Japan is abundant with rivers and mountains, something about the architecture of the bridges and homes of Uji really gives it a village-like vibe. Hanging around the Uji River takes me back in time and makes me feel like I’m in a Rurouni Kenshin film.
4. Hike Up Mt. Daikichi
For something a little different, you can try hiking up Mt. Daikichi just around the corner from Byodoin Omotesando. It’s a quick walk to the main observation deck taking no more than 30 minutes to get to the viewing point.
Here, you can enjoy stunning views of Uji city from the concrete jungles to the overlooking mountains and brilliant rays of sunlight seeping through the clouds. The hike itself is quite scenic too with fantastic views along the way and close intimacy with the thick trees of Kyoto’s natural forests.
5. Cycle Along The Uji River
My personal favorite thing to do is to cycle along the Uji River stretching from my hometown in Mukaijima all the way through to the remote parts of Kyoto. The scenery along the way is absolutely breathtaking as you pass through farmlands and villages, many of which harvest the matcha green tea we all know and love.
Cycling through these fields reminded me of scenes from The Karate Kid II, which was supposedly set in the villages of Okinawa albeit filmed in Hawaii. All-in-all, there is plenty to see, taste, and touch here at the matcha green tea capital of the world, so make it a must-visit for your next Japan itinerary!
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