Explore the home of Matcha Tea and the World Heritage city with a local guide!
Uji (宇治) is located between Kyoto and Nara, and its proximity to these two former capitals resulted in Uji’s development as a cultural center in its own right.
Beautiful streets, grand Uji river and mountains, UNESCO world heritage shrine and temple, notable tea houses are in the Uji city. Uji’s tea became better known for its superior quality in the 1100s.
At the height of political power of the Fujiwara clan during the Heian Period (794 to 1192), Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine, the oldest extant shrine in Japan, were constructed in Uji.
Most visitors are attracted to Uji for its centuries-old historic sites. Among the most famous are the Ujigami Shrine (built in 1060) and the Byōdō-in that are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto”. The Byōdō-in, with its Amida (Phoenix) Hall built in 1053, is featured on the the 10 yen coin, and the Hōō (Phoenix figures on top of the phoenix hall) is featured on 10,000 yen bill.
Tour Highlights:
– Walk from Uji Station
– View the gorgeous Uji river and walk a charming street to the Byodoin
– Cross the Uji river and greet to cormorant birds
– Pay a visit to World Heritage Ujigami Shrine
– Rest at the famous tea house along the Uji river
– Talk about a history of Uji city development and notable cultural features
– Q & A
