Uji Travel Guide: How to Plan a Day Trip to Uji

Uji is a small city just about 30 minutes from Kyoto. It is best known for a UNESCO World Heritage Temple and the birthplace of matcha. This guide helps you decide and shows you how to plan either a full-day or a half-day combined trip, focusing on history, culture, and food.

Is Uji Worth a Day Trip from Kyoto?

Yes. Uji is worth visiting as either a half-day or full-day trip from Kyoto, especially if you are interested in matcha culture.

The town has a relaxed, small-town atmosphere. Visitors can explore World Heritage temples, enjoy hands-on matcha experiences, and stroll through tea gardens.

If your main interest is matcha, a half day is enough to visit the matcha street and join a tea experience. If you also want to see Uji’s UNESCO World Heritage temples, plan to spend a full day.

Top 5 Things to Do in Uji

Uji is a place where you can experience Japan’s culture in a hands-on way. You can walk through centuries of Buddhist and Shinto heritage, take part in authentic matcha experiences that go beyond drinking tea, and even dive into interactive gaming at the Nintendo Museum. It is suitable for relaxed exploration and for families traveling with children.

1. Explore Uji's UNESCO Sites

• Byodo-in Temple: 8:30 am–5:30 pm
• Ujigami Shrine: 9:00 am–4:30 pm

These two UNESCO World Heritage sites are only a 5–10 minute walk apart, making it easy to experience both Buddhist and Shinto architecture in one calm, scenic stroll.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds, or visit around 4:00 pm to enjoy the soft light at sunset.

If you are interested in Buddhist culture, do not miss the Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in. Entry requires an additional ticket. Inside, you will see a large Amida Buddha statue and finely detailed wooden carvings that are nearly 1,000 years old. The temple is especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when it is surrounded by cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn leaves. Plan to spend 1 to 1.5 hours at Byodo-in.

Afterward, walk to Ujigami Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines and also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for its rabbit motifs and its simple, elegant design.

Ujigami Shrine closes earlier, at 4:30 pm, while Byodo-in stays open later. If you are visiting in the afternoon, start at Ujigami Shrine and finish at Byodo-in.

2. Try Macha Hand-on Experience

Uji is the birthplace of Japanese matcha, and this hands-on activity is an excellent way to connect with its heritage. At traditional tea shops such as Mitsuboshien Kanbayashi Sannyu Main Shop, you will learn directly from a tea master how matcha is made, then grind with a traditional stone mill. The entire experience takes about one hour.

The tea master is patient and explains each step clearly in English, so no Japanese language skills are required. You will gain a clear understanding of the craft behind every cup of matcha.

3. Handmake Matcha-Scented Incense

For a more unique cultural experience in Uji, join a matcha incense-making workshop at Fukujuen. This one-hour activity offers a meditative atmosphere and a hands-on way to experience Uji’s tea culture beyond drinking matcha.

In a quiet, intimate space, a kimono-clad instructor guides you step by step. You can enjoy the experience as the room fills with a soft, floral matcha aroma and learn directly from a local artisan.

You will blend matcha-scented powders, shape the incense by hand, and take your finished piece home as a souvenir.

4. Pick Tea Leaves in Wazuka

This experience offers a deeper look into match and is ideal for tea lovers who want to go beyond the basics and see the full journey from leaf to cup.

Visit Wazuka Town, about 30 minutes from Uji, for a four-hour English-guided tea picking and tasting experience. You will enter the tea fields, pick fresh leaves by hand, tour a processing facility to see how the leaves become tea, and taste six different types to learn the differences in flavor.

5. Discover Nintendo Museum

• Open time: 10 AM - 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays

About 20 minutes from central Uji, the Nintendo Museum is a must visit for gaming fans. Unlike Nintendo stores in Kyoto and Tokyo that focus on merchandise, this is the only place where you can play interactive games and explore Nintendo’s gaming history.

Inside, hands on exhibits let you play giant versions of classic games like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda, try simple game design activities, and see every Nintendo game console ever released.

I recommend visiting in the afternoon. It is less crowded, and afternoon tickets are easier to book. After 4:00 pm, the gaming areas are less busy, so you can expect shorter waiting times.

Tips:

• The museum requires advance booking through its official website. You can book up to three months ahead. Tickets will be assigned by lottery.
• The museum also has a café offering themed snacks and drinks, as well as a rest area for short breaks.

How to Plan Your Uji Day Trip Itinerary

Uji can be explored in different ways depending on your interests. You can focus on classical history and matcha culture, spend a full day centered on tea experiences, or combine matcha food tastings with a visit to the Nintendo Museum if you are a gamer or traveling with children.
Below are suggested ways to spend a full day in Uji, each with a clear sightseeing order and time plan to help you make the most of your visit.

Classic Day Trip: History and Matcha

This is the most classic way to explore Uji in one day and works well for first-time visitors.

Morning: Visit Byodo-in Temple and its museum (about 2 hours)， just a few minutes walk to Ujigami Shrine and explore the main halls (about 1 hour)

Lunch: Matcha-based dishes or sweets at a local tea house

Afternoon: Matcha-making or making matcha incense experience (about 1 hour), then relaxing walk along the Uji River and across Uji Bridge (45–60 minutes)

How to Combine Uji with Nearby Areas

If your schedule is tight, Uji does not need to be a full-day destination. It works well as a half-day stop when combined with nearby highlights. The key is choosing places that match your pace, interests, and travel time.

1. Uji & Nara: Deer Encounters and Matcha Treats

Nara is just 27 minutes from Uji on the JR Nara Line. This option is ideal for first-time visitors to the Kyoto area and families with children.

Suggested plan:
Start in Nara early in the morning (7–8 am), when the deer are most active and crowds are lighter. Spend about 3–4 hours in Nara Park and nearby temples. In the afternoon, head to Uji to enjoy matcha-flavored food and take a relaxing walk along the river.

2. Uji & Fushimi Inari: Visit the Iconic Shrine with Fewer Crowds

Fushimi Inari is an easy stop between Kyoto and Uji, making it convenient to visit on the way to or from Uji. It is a good choice for travelers who want to see Kyoto’s most famous shrine without spending a full day.

Suggested plan:
Visit early in the morning from 7 to 9 am, or go to Uji first and visit Fushimi Inari after 4 pm to avoid crowds. Allow about 2 to 3 hours to walk through the iconic torii gates.

3. Uji & Nintendo Museum: Fun for Families and Nintendo Fans

About 20 minutes from central Uji, the Nintendo Museum is perfect for Nintendo fans and families with children. It combines interactive games with themed food, making the visit fun and easy for all ages.

I recommend spending the morning walking along the Uji River and enjoying matcha experiences, then visiting the museum in the afternoon. 

Plan to spend 3-4 hours to fully enjoy Nintendo Museum. An entry after 2 PM is often a good choice, as many visitors say weekday afternoon slots have better lottery odds.

4. Uji & Wazuka: A Matcha-themed Experience

About 30 minutes from Uji, this option is best for travelers with a deep interest in matcha and is not recommended for first-time visitors trying to see major highlights.

Suggested itinerary:
Spend the morning in Wazuka (about 4 hours) joining a tea-picking and tasting experience, often including a simple lunch. In the late afternoon, travel to Uji for a matcha incense–making experience and a walk along the Uji River. If you are interested, we can arrange a full day, in depth matcha themed private experience for you.

After exploring Uji's serene beauty, check out 11-Day Japan Autumn Splendor Tour.

How to get to Uji from Osaka or Kyoto

Uji is conveniently located between Kyoto and Osaka and can be reached easily by train or private car.

By Private Car

From Kyoto: About 30 minutes, depending on traffic

From Osaka: About 60 minutes

By Train

From Kyoto: about 40 minutes

JR Nara Line
Kyoto Station → JR Uji Station, Covered by the Japan Rail Pass

Keihan Line
Gion/Shijo area → Keihan Uji Station

From Osaka: about 1 hour

Keihan Line
Yodoyabashi or Kyobashi → Keihan Uji Station

FAQ

1. What is the Best time to visit Uji?

Uji is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are especially beautiful, with cherry blossoms or fall colors along the river and around temples and shrines. Starting in the morning is recommended for a quieter experience.

2. What are the opening hours of the shops on Uji's Matcha Street?

Most shops and cafés open around 10:00 am and close between 5:00 and 6:00 pm.

3. Is it possible to visit uji with Kibune or Kurama on a same day?

It is not recommended. Kibune and Kurama are located in northern Kyoto and take about two hours to reach from Uji. The long travel time would make the itinerary rushed. It is better to plan Kibune or Kurama as a separate day trip.

Let's Help You Arrange Your Tour in Japan

If you have any questions about planning your tour or need assistance, feel free to contact us. We'll help you create your Japan itinerary based on your preferences.