The Uji River is a massive body of water that stretches from Kyoto all the way through to Osaka, offering breathtaking scenery along the way!
I often talk about how much I love the Kamo River in Kyoto, but after seeing the Uji River for the first time, it’s safe to say I have a new favorite river in Japan!
Unlike the Kamo River which draws in a lot of tourists as it runs through Kyoto’s central shopping district, the Uji River is peacefully flowing in the background away from all the noise.
Uji – The Town Of Matcha Green Tea
Matcha (otherwise known as green tea powder) is the pride and joy of Japanese tea culture and is the central focal point of traditional tea ceremony events.
When in Japan, you may come across a breed of green tea products called “Uji matcha,” and well, this is where it comes from.
Uji matcha is considered a premium delicacy because of the soil conditions of the region that are ideal for the production of green tea leaves.
I’ve brought this up for no reason other than to mention you can stop and enjoy a refreshing Uji matcha ice cream or beverage during your cycle along the river!
Mukaijima To Uji Cycle
I started my cycle along the Uji River from my hometown Mukaijima, just a few kilometers away from Uji’s main city center.
From Mukaijima, the river is known as Yodo River or Yodogawa in Japanese, before it transitions into the Uji River as we approach Uji city.
The cycle is mostly on flat grounds with the exception of one incline that reveals stunning views of the Uji River surrounded by farmlands and houses.
Beautiful Farmlands
Indeed, before you actually get to ride alongside the Uji River, you must pass through the Keiji Bypass, a large highway bridge that crosses over acres of farmlands with unreal scenery.
I could only assume that these farmlands are used to grow the famous Uji green tea leaves, I mean, they certainly have the rich dark green color that is so prominent with the product.
Breathtaking Views!
The Uji River truly is a sight to behold, offering amazing views of crystal clear waters diverging and converging along rocky islands and lush green terrain.
In particular, the view from the Keiji Bypass is absolutely unforgettable, giving you a bird’s eye view of the Uji River flowing from Mukaijima down toward the city of Uji itself.
A Village By The Mountains
As you ride along the Keiji Bypass, you’ll see some spectacular sights beyond just the river itself.
An incredible display of houses can be seen spread along rich green hilltops, and the more you cycle toward it, the better the view gets!
When I first decided to cycle along the Uji River, I most certainly was not expecting the surrounding lands to be so aesthetically pleasing too.
See The Famous Uji Bridge
When you finally reach Uji city, you’ll see a particularly unique-looking bridge that crosses over the Uji River.
This is a famous landmark of Kyoto known as the Uji Bridge, denoted by its iconic onion-shaped pillars along the side gates.
As one of the oldest bridges in Japan, the Uji Bridge was built in the year 646 and has survived many wars and natural disasters.
It’s a great testimony to the importance of the bridge, as the citizens of Uji felt the need to constantly reconstruct it in order to cross the river.
Awesome Place To Chill
The area around Uji Bridge and Uji railway station is one of the most beautiful places to hang out and chill.
Whether you’re with friends, or loved ones, or vibing on your own, the river bank around Uji Bridge is a visually stunning area with a cheerful vibrant atmosphere.
Just around the corner are a few restaurants and cafes including Saizeriya, Starbucks, and a whole village dedicated to matcha green tea stores!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!