It’s the land where the world’s most beloved matcha green tea flavors come from, and what better way to see Uji than atop Mt. Daikichi?
Uji is Japan’s capital for green tea produce, offering beautiful natural scenery and ideal farming conditions in the heart of Kyoto prefecture.
Mt. Daikichi is a small mountain that is part of the much larger Mt. Buttokusan, providing a family-friendly hike that takes you to an incredible observatory point of Uji city.
Gradual Ascent
The entire walk up Mt. Daikichi is quite easy, totaling about 15–30 minutes based on your speed. Throughout it is just a gradual incline that ascends surprisingly fast and leads to some amazing views along the way.
Amazing Forests
The views aren’t the only amazing aspects of the Mt. Daikichi hike, but also the beautiful natural forests that have been well-kept over the years.
Here, you’ll find magnificent tree trunks that form a stunning pattern along the hiking path, a sight that almost resembles Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove.
Awesome Lookout!
It won’t be long until you’re out of the forests and have the entire city of Uji reveal itself to you. This observatory provides an incredible view of Uji and the greater Kyoto prefecture, a popular spot for viewing sunsets and sunrises.
All-in-all, Mt. Daikichi is a relatively underappreciated observatory point as most visitors spend the day exploring Byodoin Omotesando and the Uji River.
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!