One-Day Uji Tour to Enjoy Uji Tea and World Heritage Sites

Byodo-in Temple, which shows the historical glory of the Fujiwara clan, was once a villa on the west bank of the Uji-gawa River. It belonged to Minamoto no Toru but was given to Fujiwara no Michinaga. His son, Yorimichi, converted it into a temple. The Houou-do (Phoenix Hall, a National Treasure), which is surrounded by the Aji-ike pond, demonstrates elements of the gardens of the Heian period (794-1185). The influence of the Heian aristocracy, who dreamt of entering the Pure Land of Amida Buddha, can be seen in the building. Byodo-in Temple is depicted on the 10-yen coin and is a familiar sight in Japan. Meanwhile, the Byodo-in Museum Hoshokan exhibits precious items owned by the temple, such as the National Treasures of a Gilt Bronze Phoenix, "Unchu Kuyo Bosatsu" (Buddhist saints holding a mass in the clouds), and Bonshou (temple bells). Reproductions that made with computer graphics utilizing state-of-the-art digital technology can also be enjoyed in the museum.

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.

Fukujuen Uji Kobo offers comprehensive tea experiences on both banks of Uji River, with Ujicha Kobo on the right and Ujicha Tei on the left. At Ujicha Kobo, there are various hands-on activities, such as making tea through a process including rolling, loosening, and kneading tea leaves. You can dry tea leaves on a ceramic plate, try making matcha green tea by grinding the tea leaves with a traditional stone mill, creating Asahiyaki pottery or painting it. Moreover, you can learn the etiquette of the tea ceremony of matcha and sencha (Japanese green tea that you brew, not whisk like matcha) in a tranquil tea-ceremony room. At the Museum and the Tea Garden area, you can visually experience the beauty of the culture of Uji tea, too. When you get hungry, visit their cafeteria. They have various sweets and dishes made with Uji tea. You can brew and enjoy your own tea, too. After exploring the world of Uji tea through multi-sensory experiences, visit the shop to find gifts for yourself and your loved ones, like high-quality tea, sweets made with tea, teaware including Asahiyaki pottery, and more. (At the Ujicha Tei, you can enjoy eating, drinking and shopping, too.)

Uji-Shrine was established in 313 on the right bank of the Uji River. The current main hall (an Important Cultural Property) was built in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). Built in the architectural style called Sangensha Nagare-zukuri, it has a large roof and a facade with four pillars (creating three spaces). The shrine also preserves other various cultural properties, such as the oldest existing wooden komainu (a pair of guardian creatures called lion-dogs in colloquial English) and a valuable mask used in nō (a classical Japanese performing art). The enshrined deity is Uji no Wakiiratsuko, believed to be a deity of academic achievement and success in entrance exams. This area was once home to Kirihara-Higeta-no-Miya, the detached palace of Emperor Ojin and the residence of his son, Uji no Wakiiratsuko. Legend has it that when Uji no Wakiiratsuko lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him, looking back repeatedly to ensure he was following. According to one theory, this is the origin of the place name Uji (rabbit path). At Uji-Shrine, Mikaeri Usagi (looking-back rabbit), a messenger of a deity, guiding people to the right direction, is worshipped. There is a temizuya (place to purify hands with water) with a rabbit motif, cute rabbit omikuji (small items containing fortune-telling slips) and ema (small plaques to write wishes), and so on.

Ujikami Shrine is one of the World Heritage sites. It was once a single shrine together with Uji-Shrine, as a guardian shrine for Byodoin Temple. The main hall (a National Treasure), built in the late Heian Period (794-1185), is the oldest existing shrine building in Japan. Built in the Nagare-zukuri style characterized by its long, flowing roof, it houses three structures to enshrine deities, which are two larger shrines flanking a smaller one in the center. The worship hall (a National Treasure) is part of a building constructed in the Shinden-zukuri, the representative architectural style of aristocratic residences in the Heian Period. The enshrined deities are Emperor Ojin, Uji no Wakiiratsuko, and Emperor Nintoku. Legend has it that when Uji no Wakiiratsuko lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him, looking back repeatedly to ensure he was following. According to one theory, this is the origin of the place name Uji (rabbit path). Ujikami Shrine offers charming rabbit omamori (Japanese amulets), omikuji (small items containing fortune-telling slips), and so on.

If you want to learn about Uji tea and the history and culture of Uji, this is the perfect place to start. With the rich history of Uji, the park is located among several historical sites, including the Uji-bashi Bridge and the Ujinowakiiratsuko Gobo tomb, housing the historic site Ujigawataikotsutsumiato (remains of the dike of Uji River that were constructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi). At the Communication Center of Tea and Uji Land called Chazuna, you can enjoy the museum and various experience programs related to Uji and Uji tea. Chazuna also has a museum shop, restaurant, observation terrace, and so on. The modernized Uji Meishozue (a compilation of the Edo-period pictures depicting the sights of Uji) on a large 4K HD screen is a must-see. The experience programs include matcha making from leaf-grinding, tea caddy making, tea leaf picking, and more. Through these activities, you can connect with the local people, history, and culture of Uji. Chazuna offers various sightseeing information, too. This information and your own experiences will make your exploration of Uji even more interesting.