Uji Kyoto Japan 🍵
Uji has two stations: one on the JR Nara Line and the other on the Keihan Uji Line.
We boarded the train at Kyoto Station and alighted at the JR Nara Line station, which required a bit of a walk to reach Itoh Kyuemon - Uji Head Shop. Following Google Maps, we walked along the river to get there.
Itoh Kyuemon - Uji Head Shop consists of the main store and a separate section for souvenirs. Upon arrival, we self-registered at the kiosk and waited for our number to be called. It was quite busy with tourists, and there was a queue when we visited on a Saturday.
The matcha curry udon was an interesting dish, but it didn’t quite live up to expectations in terms of taste. However, the matcha desserts were flavorful and refreshing.
Next, we visited Ujigami Jinja before hiking up to the Daikichiyama Observation Deck. The hike took about 20 to 30 minutes, and it was relatively easy. At the top, we were rewarded with a panoramic view of the city. The trail wasn’t very crowded, with a few elderly visitors, children, and young couples.
After the hike, we took a tea break at Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory), enjoying a cafe with a lovely view overlooking the river. I had a bowl of Hojicha tea, which came with a small snack. The bittersweet taste of the Hojicha paired wonderfully with the sweet snack, though the snack on its own was a bit too sweet due to the paste/cream.
Fukujuen also offers matcha-making workshops, exhibitions, and a shop on the first floor, where they sell various tea-related items. The items were on the pricier side, so we didn’t make any purchases.
We walked past Byodoin Temple but didn’t have time to enter since it was near closing time, and I was eager to shop for matcha tools in Uji.
We then returned to Kyoto station for dinner.
During my visit to Uji, I quickly realized how deeply rooted matcha culture is in the area. Besides enjoying the well-known Itoh Kyuemon Head Shop, I explored other notable tea spots such as Tsuen Main Branch and Nakamura Tokichi, both offering beautiful traditional exteriors and a peaceful ambiance that enrich the Uji experience. If you’re planning your trip, I recommend arriving early to avoid the busy queues, especially on weekends when places like Itoh Kyuemon can get quite crowded. The walk along Uji River is not only scenic but also a lovely way to absorb the town’s atmosphere before indulging in tea treats. For those interested in cultural activities, Fukujuen Uji offers engaging matcha-making workshops where you can learn the art of preparing authentic Uji tea. This hands-on experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every cup. The exhibition and tea shop there also display exquisite tea tools and premium matcha selections, though they tend to be on the pricier side. When exploring the area, don’t miss the peaceful Ujigami Jinja, a serene shrine that enriches your spiritual connection with the region. The hike to the Daikichiyama Observation Deck was refreshingly easy and rewarded me with panoramic views of Uji city that were absolutely worth the effort. For an authentic taste, trying local specialties like matcha curry udon might be a curious culinary adventure, even if opinions on taste vary, but definitely don’t miss the matcha-flavored desserts – they were refreshingly delightful. Lastly, if you enjoy shopping for tea tools and souvenirs, budget extra time for browsing the charming shops near Byodoin Temple and the tea houses along the way. It’s a perfect way to bring a piece of Uji’s tea culture home with you.
