10 Things to Do in Uji City

10 Things to Do in Uji City
10 Things to Do in Uji City

Uji (宇治市) is the second largest city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. Uji City was founded in 1951. The city is known for being the setting of the final chapters of The Tale of Genji by the 11th-century author Murasaki Shikubi. The kanji used for its name u (宇) means “space or universe” and ji (治) means “to govern or to manage”. 

For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Uji City:


Uji City manhole cover
Uji City manhole cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Uji City. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is common around the city. 


Uji Bridge (宇治橋)
Uji Bridge

2. Take a picture and cross the historic Uji Bridge (宇治橋). It is one of the three oldest bridges in all of Japan. The bridge was also featured in many Japanese works of art and literature, the most popular of which was “The Tale of Genji”.


Byodoin Omotesando (平等院表参道)
Byodoin Omotesando

3. Shop for matcha and souvenirs at numerous stores located at the Byodoin Omotesando (平等院表参道). The term "Omotesando" translates to "main approach" or "main avenue," and it refers to the road or path that visitors take to reach the temple.


Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園)
Uji City Botanical Park

4. Stroll around and enjoy the scenery at Uji City Botanical Park (宇治市植物公園). This vast park is one of the best places to go if you want a relaxing atmosphere. There is a plethora of flowering plants to see here so plan your visit well if you intend to view them in full bloom. 


Itoh Kyuemon (伊藤久右衛門)
Itoh Kyuemon

5. Dine at Itoh Kyuemon (伊藤久右衛門). The parfait here is amazing. Aside from that, the soba is also a must-try. The head shop is across Uji River from Byodoin Omotesando. There is also a branch near Byodoin Temple and JR Uji Station.


Amagase Bridge (天ヶ瀬橋)
Amagase Bridge

6.  Cross the Amagase Bridge (天ヶ瀬橋) and enjoy the view. The best time to visit is in fall as the autumn foliage adds more beauty to the surrounding area.


Mimurotoji (三室戸寺)
Mimurotoji

7. Visit Mimurotoji (三室戸寺). This Buddhist temple is said to be 1,200 years old. It’s popular for its lucky bull statue and hydrangea and lotus gardens. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the temple’s goshuin if you collect them.


Asahiyama (朝日山)
Asahiyama

8. Hike up and admire the panoramic view from the peak of Asahiyama (朝日山). You can also check out the Asahiyama Castle Ruins (朝日山城跡) there.


Tale of Genji Museum (宇治市源氏物語ミュージアム)
Tale of Genji Museum

9. Explore the Tale of Genji Museum (宇治市源氏物語ミュージアム), where you can enjoy informative dioramas, interactive exhibits, and films about the classic Japanese novel “The Tale of Genji”.


Byodoin (平等院)
Byodoin

10. Visit Byodoin (平等院), designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 as part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" listing. The temple is renowned for its Phoenix Hall (Hōō-dō), a stunning example of Heian-period architecture and Buddhist art. It is celebrated for its cultural and historical significance in Japanese history. This iconic temple is featured on the 10 yen coin. You can pay your respects and offer prayers at any time of the day. Be sure to collect a goshuin if you're gathering them.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Uji City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful historic city in Kyoto Prefecture.

#Uji
#UjiCity
#UjiKyoto

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Uji, Kyoto, Japan

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