Experience the best of Uji

Uji stands on the Uji River in southern Kyoto Prefecture, a town of tea merchants and old temples between Kyoto and Nara. Byodoin, a temple whose Phoenix Hall dates from 1053, mirrors its graceful wings in a pond and is part of the UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Across the river, Ujigami Shrine has one of the oldest surviving shrine buildings in Japan.

The Tale of Genji Museum recalls the final chapters of the novel, which are set in Uji. Mimurotoji temple is covered in hydrangeas in early summer, Manpukuji temple follows Chinese models, and Uji Bridge crosses the river. In summer, cormorant fishing takes place at night from boats. Kyoto's Fushimi Inari shrine is a short train ride north, Nara lies to the south, and Lake Biwa is to the east.

Tea has been grown here since the Kamakura period, and fields are shaded with screens before harvest to give matcha its deep green and sweet taste. Tea houses along the road to Byodoin serve matcha soba noodles, soft ice cream and parfaits, and shops sell tea by the bag. The first tea of the year is picked in late spring.