Uji City Review: Japan's Matcha Land 🍵🌿
If Kyoto is the heart of Japanese culture, 💮 the small city of Uji (宇治) is a “green tea lover’s paradise” 🌱, renowned for its finest matcha (matcha) in Japan for over a thousand years.
Uji is located between Kyoto and Nara 🗺️ and is easily accessible by train, taking less than half an hour from Kyoto 🚆. It's not just about tea; it's also rich in history, shrines, ancient temples, and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway and experiencing authentic Japanese life.
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History of Uji Green Tea 🍃
Uji green tea has been famous since the Heian period (794–1185), when tea grown in this area was offered to the emperor and the imperial court. ☀️ The soil and climate along the Uji River are favorable for tea cultivation, resulting in high-quality green tea with a rich flavor and delicate aroma.
To this day, Uji green tea is still considered “Premium matcha” used in traditional tea ceremonies 🍵 and is sought after both in Japan and abroad.
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Matcha Street 🍵🛍️
The first destination not to be missed when visiting Uji is Uji Byodo-in Omotesando Street, or Matcha Street. 🛤️
The streets are lined with numerous matcha shops, dessert shops, and matcha cafes 💚. They offer everything from matcha ice cream 🍦, matcha mochi 🍡, matcha lattes 🥛, to matcha-infused set meals like matcha soba 🍜, and even matcha beer 🍺.
What's special about this is that some shops offer tea tastings before purchasing, allowing tourists to experience the authentic taste of Uji tea, with its distinct bitterness, smoothness, and aroma unlike any other green tea.
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Uji Temples and Landmarks 🏯⛩️
Although Uji is famous for its tea, But it's also a city steeped in history.
• Byodo-in Temple 🏯
An ancient temple dating back to the 11th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🌏 A highlight is the beautiful red Phoenix Hall by the pond, whose image is featured on the Japanese 10 yen coin. 🪙
• Ujigami Shrine ⛩️
Known as one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, its simple yet powerful architecture is also a World Heritage Site.
• Uji River 🌊
The city's symbol is dotted with old bridges, such as Uji Bridge 🌉, famous in ancient Japanese literature. The riverside area is also a beautiful cherry blossom viewing spot in spring. 🌸
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Must-See Matcha Experiences ✨
1. Traditional Tea Ceremony 🍵
Many shops in Uji offer workshops where you can try your hand at making matcha, from scooping the tea to whipping the tea to creating foam. It's served in the traditional style of the traditional tea ceremony.
2. Matcha Ice Cream 濃さ7段階 🍦
This famous shop in Uji offers matcha ice cream in seven levels of intensity, from light and sweet to intensely bitter. It's perfect for those who want to challenge the intensity of their matcha.
3. Buy some tea leaves to take home 🛍️
Uji tea is a popular souvenir, available in matcha powder, green tea leaves, and matcha sweets. The packaging is cute and Japanese-style, making it perfect for taking home and brewing your own tea or as a gift for family and friends. 🎁
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The Seasons and Beauty of Uji 🌸☀️🍁❄️
• Spring (March–April) 🌸
The Uji River is lined with cherry blossoms. Tourists often purchase green tea and enjoy a picnic while enjoying the beautiful view.
• Summer (June–August) ☀️
It's the green tea harvest season. 🌿 The city's atmosphere is full of freshness. And this is the time when Uji tea is at its most intense.
• Autumn (October–November) 🍁
Byodoin Temple and the surrounding mountains turn a beautiful red-orange.
• Winter (December–February) ❄️
Uji is especially peaceful and romantic, especially when snow falls on the bridges and rivers.
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Getting there 🚆🚶♀️
From Kyoto Station, you can take the JR or Keihan Line to Uji Station in just 20–30 minutes. ⏱️ Once you get off the train, the atmosphere immediately changes, from a big city to a quiet and warm small town. 💕
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Personal impression 🥰
What makes Uji so captivating isn't just the delicious green tea 🍵, but the small town atmosphere, which retains its traditional way of life. The people are friendly, the shops are charming, and the aroma of green tea wafts through the air. 🍃
Sipping a cup of hot matcha while watching the Uji River slowly flow by, or strolling along the refreshing green matcha avenues. It was truly a heart-warming experience. 😌
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Conclusion 🌟
Uji is a must-see destination for matcha lovers. 🍵✨ It combines history, culture, nature, and world-class green tea flavors all in one small town.
Whether you're here to sample matcha 🍵, visit a World Heritage temple 🏯, stroll along the river 🌊, or buy souvenirs to take home 🛍️, Uji offers a unique experience unlike any other major Japanese city.
If Kyoto is a journey to the heart of Japan, Uji is a journey to the heart of authentic Japanese green tea. 🌿💚
#UjiCity #VisitUji #Matcha