Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 0774-21-4634; Uji-shi, Uji Yamada 59; 9am-4.30pm; 5min walk from Uji Station, Keihan Uji line)
Ujigami-jinja holds the distinction of being Japan's oldest shrine. Despite its historical
significance, the shrine is the least interesting of Kyoto's 17 Unesco World Heritage sites.
According to ancient records, Uji-no-waki-Iratsuko, a 5th-century prince, tragically
sacrificed his own life to conclude the matter of whether he or his brother would succeed
the imperial throne; needless to say his brother, Emperor Nintoku, won the dispute. The
main building was dedicated to the twosome and their father, Emperor Ōjin, and enshrines
the tombs of the trio.
The shrine is across the river from Byōdō-in and a short walk uphill; take the orange
bridge. On the way, you'll pass through
Uji-jinja
(admission free;
dawn-dusk)
, which is actu-
ally better looking than its more famous neighbour.
UJI TEA
The mountains that surround the town of Uji are perfect for growing tea, and the town has always been one of
Japan's main tea-cultivation centres. In fact, tea is usually the first thing most Japanese associate with the name
Uji. You won't see any of the plantations unless you hire a car and drive into the mountains to the south, but you
will see plenty of shops selling tea in Uji town. As you might expect, this is also a great place to try a simple
Japanese tea ceremony.
On the river bank behind Byōdō-in stands the delightful
Taihō-an
( 0774-23-3334; info@kyoto-uji-
kankou.or.jp; Uji-shi Uji Araragi-gawa; admission ¥500; 10am-4pm; 10min walk from Uji Station,
Keihan Uji line) . The friendly staff conduct a 30-minute tea ceremony (ask for the tatami room, unless you
have knee trouble). Casual dress is fine here and no reservations are necessary. Buy your tickets at the Uji-shi
Kanko centre next door.
Another stop for a taste of Uji's famed green tea is
Tsūen-jaya
( 0774-21-2243;
www.tsuentea.com/en-
gindex.htm
;
Uji-shi Uji Higashiuchi; 9.30am-5.30pm; Uji Station, Keihan Uji line) , located just across
from the station. Japan's oldest surviving tea shop, Tsūen-jaya has been in the Tsūen family for more than 830
years. The present building, near Uji-bashi, dates from 1672 and is full of interesting antiques. You can try fresh
matcha
(powered green tea), including a sweet, for ¥630 or ¥840.
