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.
- Tel
- 0774-21-2243
- Address
- 1 Uji Higashiuchi, Uji City, Kyoto
- Access
- Right in front of Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line)
About 10 min. on foot east from Uji Station (JR Nara Line)
- Parking
- There are several coin-operated parking lots in this area. (Fee required.)
