投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Tsuen-chaya Teahouse

Uji-bashi Bridge has been a vital point in Uji throughout its long history. This long-established teahouse, located on the east bank of the river, was built in 1160. It has served as not only a teahouse, but also a guardian of the bridge, wishing for the safety of travelers passing by. It is the oldest existing teahouse in Japan.
The current building was constructed in 1672, showcasing the architectural style of machiya (traditional townhouses) in the Edo Period (around 1603-1868). It is registered as a part of the Japan Heritage (Japanese Tea: Eight Centuries of Tradition).
Inside the teahouse, you can find chatsubo (traditional tea jars) made centuries ago, the wooden statue of the first-generation Tsuen created and presented by Ikkyu Sojun enshrined within, and a wooden bucket that is said to have been made by Sen no Rikyu and used by Toyotomi Hideyoshi to draw the clear water of the Uji River. Renowned historical figures, including Ashikaga Yoshimasa, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu, have visited this teahouse.
At the storefront, you can purchase matcha (powdered green tea), sencha (one of the most common Japanese teas), hojicha (roasted tea), and more. Inside, you can enjoy matcha sweets like parfaits and zenzai (dessert soup made with red beans) made with plenty of freshly ground matcha, a combo of matcha and cha-dango (skewered rice dumplings made with matcha), cha-soba (buckwheat noodles made with matcha) and so on, while gazing out at the Uji-bashi Bridge and Uji River.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Keihanna Commemorative Park

Keihanna Commemorative Park is 24.1 hectares in size, and commemorates the establishment of Keihanna Science City (Kansai Culture and Science Research City) in 1995. The park includes both freely accessible and paid areas. The free areas include the 'Hiroba' a wide open plaza, which has cascading grounds shaped like rice-paddy terraces with large lawns for playing freely, and a childrens' playground. Also free of charge is the 'Tani-ai' valley, made to look like a typical Japanese landscape with a small stream, bamboo grove, and plum garden. The paid area includes the Suikei-en, a Japanese-style garden with a path that brings you around scenery including a magnificent rock cluster, cascading water ponds, colourful seasonal flora and an area to feed carp, making it enjoyable for children and adults alike. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view of the garden from Kangetsukyo Bridge, which is 123m long and 4m wide, and 10m above the water. Particularly spectacular is the view of autumn foliage from the Japanese maple tree valley. There, amongst the moss, approximately 80 trees line a small, delicate stream. Inside Suikei-en Garden you can also find Mebuki Forest and Nagatani Pond, which are likewise styled like traditional Japanese landscapes, perfect for a stroll to enjoy nature in all four seasons. Additionally, the park hosts a range of events, from firefly-viewing to star-gazing.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Amagase Dam

This multipurpose dam was constructed in 1964 to prevent floods, generate electricity, and supply drinking water. The majestic Amagaze Dam, standing at a height of 73 meters and a length of 254 meters, is a dome-shaped arch dam. If you're lucky, you might see the spectacular sight of the dam releasing water.
One of the dam’s charms is its location. It’s close to the city center of Uji, making it a relatively convenient stop for those sightseeing or going on a cycling trip. Downstream from the dam, there are World Heritage sites, Byodoin Temple and Ujikami Shrine.
From the dam, you can see the reservoir called Lake Houou (Lake Phoenix). Its shape resembles a bird spreading its wings, and the name represents people's hope to create a paradise on earth. You can enjoy the amazing view of the lake with the seasonal beauty of nature around it.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Joruri-ji Temple

Joruri-ji Temple, located in the "Kyoto Tea Country" region, is a temple of the Shingon Ritsu Buddhism (Nara sect) that holds 4 national treasures and 9 important cultural properties.
According to the records of the temple, the temple was opened in 1047 by Gimei Shonin and enshrines the “Yakushinyourai,” the Buddha who can cure all illness. The name of the temple is said to come from "Joruri," the realm where the Buddha lives.
The main hall of Joruri-ji is particularly long with nine Amida Buddhas enshrined inside. During the Heian period about 30 such nine-body Amida temples were built around Kyoto, but Joruri-ji is the only temple that still exists. Both the main hall and nine-body Amida Buddha are designated as national treasures.

To the east of the main hall is a garden containing a three-storied pagoda and Yakushinyourai Buddha statue arranged around a pond. The layout of the grounds is said to be in the shape of the Sandskrit letter "A," expressing paradise.

Surrounded by abundant nature, the temple has also has been designated as a special national scenic spot. You can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the year, and the road connecting Gansen-ji and Joruri-ji is called the "Stone Buddha Road," and there are many stone Buddha statues make it the perfect place for hiking.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Joyo-Shuzo

Joyo-Shuzo, located in Joyo City, is the southernmost sake brewery in Kyoto, and the only sake brewery in the Kyoto Tea Country area. It was founded in 1895. The brewery takes advantage of the region’s nature and land features, including using the pure groundwater, to create its sake.
In the International Wine Challenge 2024 (SAKE division), its Junmai-Daiginjo 40 (Yamadanishiki) “Joyo” was a gold winner, and Junmai Ginjo 55 (Yamadanishiki) “Joyo” was a silver winner.
In addition to sake, the brewery is also known for its umeshu (Japanese plum wine) made with one of Joyo’s specialties, a premium plum variety called Joshuhaku. Their umeshu are aged for over three years, and made without any additives.
Besides, the brewery buildings, which have been there since the founding of Joyo-Shuzo, exude a historical charm.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Kosho-ji Temple

This temple of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism was a training hall opened in Fukakusa (Fushimi) by the Buddhist monk Dogen in the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). It was later reconstructed in 1648 by Lord Nagai Naomasa of Yodo Castle, using the remains of Fushimi Castle. Highlights amongst the seven structures in the temple grouds include the Kotozaka, the approach to the temple that forms a tunnel of fall foliage in autumn; the temple gate made in the Ryugu-zukuri architectural style; “nightingale” hallway floors that squeak to alert those within of intruders; the Tenarai Kannon bodhisattva as mentioned in the classic "The Tale of Genji"; and chitenjo ceilings.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine

One of the three main shrines bearing the name Hachimangu, Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine was dedicated to a god for the protection of the nation in 860. After the main shrine was restored by Oda Nobunaga and its cloister rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Iemitsu built an additional ten shrine buildings in 1634, all of which are a part of this National Treasure.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Marukyu Koyama-en

Kujiro Koyama began cultivating tea here in the Genroku era (1688-1704). After four generations, the family expanded into sales, and after eight generations they expanded their market to reach across Japan. Even now, continuing 300 years after its establishment, they continue to make tea with a focus on flavor and safety, with "quality-oriented tea production" as their guiding principle. Everything from cultivation to production is done in-house, and in order to continually improve the quality of their teas, they also frequently enter their products into tea competitions. As a result, they have made the prestigious achievement of receiving the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' Award.
Marukyu Koyama-en's wide lineup includes matcha tea, high-grade gyokuro tea, and sencha tea, as well as matcha-flavored sweets and beverages.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Kasagi Camping Ground

Kasagi Campground is located in southern Kyoto prefecture along the Kizu River. The campground has over 30,000 sq. meters of camping space and is easily accessible from Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. Same day reservations are allowed and the affordable price make it an excellent spot to get way from the city and relax.
The campground offers: Kitchen facilities, western style toilets (please bring your own toilet paper) and garbage sites. Showers can be found at several nearby locations including Kasagi BBQ Company M5 (300 yen per 15 mins) near the campground entrance and Shimagahara Onsen “Yabuccha” around a 20 minute (15.7km) drive from the campsite.
The campground has lots to do besides camping. You can swim in the river, go canoeing, rocking climbing, or fishing. The most popular activity, however, is having a barbeque next to the river. Barbeque sets can be rented but open fires are also allowed. In spring, the campground’s Sakura trees bloom and you can camp under the Sakura blossoms. In summer, the clear night sky is perfect for star gazing.
Kasagiyama National Park is also located nearby. The park includes hiking trails, interesting rock formations, and historic sites and temples of national importance. It is the perfect place to spend the day before camping overnight.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Eshin-in Temple

Eshin-in Temple is also known as the "Temple of Flowers," and in spring and autumn, the garden becomes home to vast swathes of flowers that soothe the heart and calm the mind. Tradition has it that the temple began as the ancient temple of Ryusen-ji. Some time later, it was restored by the monk Genshin (Eshin Sozu), renowned as the author of the text "Ojo Yoshu" ("The Essentials of Rebirth in the Pure Land").

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Aodani Plum Grove

Commanding a distant view of the holy mountain Jubo, the Aodani Plum Grove spreads out over the gently sloping hills bordering the crystalline Aodani River. The 20-hectare plum grove has been reknowned as a scenic spot since olden times. Its 10,000 plum trees are mainly of white-blossomed varieties, such as the large and fragrant Joshuhaku, Joyo City's plum species. The Plum Festival is held every year from late February to late March.

投稿タイプ：sightseeing

Uji River Islands Tonoshima & Tachibanajima

Tonoshima and Tachibanajima Islands are collectively called Nakanoshima (islands in the middle of the river). There is a beautiful 13-story pagoda around 15 meters tall on Tonoshima. It was built in the Late Kamakura period (1192-1333) by the monk Eison, of Nara's Saidai-ji Temple, to pray for the souls of fish. The pagoda, which was buried by the river in a flood in 1756, was rediscovered and rebuilt towards the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The flood levees are famous for the cherry trees that flower there. In early April, the Ujigawa Cherry Blossom Festival is held on the island, which has now become a park.