Uji Shrine
A serene Shinto shrine in Uji, famous for its charming rabbit motifs and peaceful ambiance, offering a tranquil escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Uji Shrine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Shinto shrine in Uji, famous for its charming rabbit motifs and peaceful ambiance, offering a tranquil escape.
"This shrine is what stood out to me the most, a hidden gem offering peace away from the crowds."
🎯 Embrace the Rabbit Theme
Uji Shrine is known for its rabbit motifs. Look for rabbit lanterns and statues – a delightful detail! :rabbit2:
🍵 Matcha Tasting is a Must
Don't leave Uji without trying its famous matcha! Explore various shops for unique flavors and treats. :tea:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Uji Shrine's Rabbit Charm
Near Ujigami Shrine
Discover a tranquil Shinto shrine dedicated to Prince Uji no Wakiroko, adorned with charming rabbit motifs and lanterns.
Matcha Delights Galore
Throughout Uji town
Indulge in Uji's world-famous matcha! From traditional tea ceremonies to ice cream and soba, it's a matcha lover's paradise.
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Byodo-in Temple's Phoenix Hall
Uji City
Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage site, a stunning example of Heian period architecture, featured on the 10 yen coin.
+2Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Matcha Magic
+3Tranquility Beyond the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Rabbit Theme
Uji Shrine is known for its rabbit motifs. Look for rabbit lanterns and statues – a delightful detail! +2 :rabbit2:
🍵 Matcha Tasting is a Must
Don't leave Uji without trying its famous matcha! Explore various shops for unique flavors and treats.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Uji is very walkable. Most attractions, including Uji Shrine and tea shops, are easily accessible on foot. +1 :walking:
⏰ Shops Close Early
Many tea shops and some attractions close around 5 PM. Plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid missing out.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Rabbit Theme
Uji Shrine is known for its rabbit motifs. Look for rabbit lanterns and statues – a delightful detail! +2 :rabbit2:
🍵 Matcha Tasting is a Must
Don't leave Uji without trying its famous matcha! Explore various shops for unique flavors and treats.
🚶♀️ Walkable Town
Uji is very walkable. Most attractions, including Uji Shrine and tea shops, are easily accessible on foot. +1 :walking:
⏰ Shops Close Early
Many tea shops and some attractions close around 5 PM. Plan your itinerary accordingly to avoid missing out.
💰 Cash for Souvenirs
Some smaller shops, especially for souvenirs, may be cash-only. Be prepared with some Japanese Yen. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Uji Shrine for its tranquil atmosphere and unique rabbit motifs, offering a peaceful escape from the busier parts of town. Many highlight the charm of the rabbit details and the serene environment. While some find it a brief visit, its peacefulness and distinctiveness make it a memorable stop.
"Even though I visited many places, for some reason, this shrine is what stood out to me the most. Also the only place where I bought a souvenir (500 yen, cash only)
I don't know how or why it called out to me, but it was nice to get away from the bustling and overly loud crowded streets of Uji, especially in that heat."
Nausicaa Trebucchi
"This is my hidden gems that I am surprised to meet here by chance. I was born in Rabbit year so it is kind of feeling connect with the rabbit.
I love that all the things are rabbit. Love all the details and everything in here.
It is located another side of the river in main part
Of the Uji town. Highly recommedned for a short visit."
AS SAWA
"Tranquil and peaceful historical shrine. The surroundings area are very calm and full of breeze"
H W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Uji is easily accessible from Kyoto. Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji Station (approx. 22 minutes) or the Keihan Line to Keihan Uji Station. Uji Shrine is a short walk from both stations.
Yes, Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine are located very close to each other, often visited together. They are situated on opposite sides of the Uji River. +1
Absolutely! Uji is a convenient day trip from Osaka, typically taking about an hour by train. It's a perfect addition to a Kyoto or Osaka itinerary.
Uji is a compact and very walkable town. Most of the main attractions, including Uji Shrine, Byodo-in Temple, and numerous tea shops, are within easy walking distance of each other. +1
While there are parking lots in Uji, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to the town's walkability and potential parking limitations, especially during peak seasons.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Uji Shrine is a place of worship and generally free to enter. However, specific areas or events within the shrine grounds might have associated fees.
Shrines in Japan typically do not have strict closing hours for their grounds, allowing visitors to enter during daylight. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
Yes, Byodo-in Temple has an entrance fee to access the temple grounds and the Phoenix Hall. The fee is typically around 600 yen for adults.
Yes, many visitors report getting their Goshuin book stamped at Uji Shrine, often featuring the shrine's distinctive bunny motif. Be prepared with cash.
While not always advertised widely online, local festivals or events may occur. Checking local event listings closer to your visit might reveal special occasions.
🍽️ 🍵 Matcha & Dining
Uji is packed with incredible matcha spots! Highly recommended are Nakamura Tokichi, Itoh Kyuemon, Horii Shichimeien, Marukyu Koyamaen, and Tsujiri. Each offers unique matcha experiences. +6
Beyond traditional matcha tea, try matcha ice cream, parfaits, matcha soba noodles, and matcha-flavored sweets. Many cafes offer delicious matcha lattes too. +2
Yes, several restaurants in Uji offer matcha soba noodles, a unique local specialty. Look for restaurants like Renge Chaya or Wa-Mu-Cha. +1
Definitely! Uji is the place to buy high-quality matcha powder. Shops like Horii Shichimeien, Marukyu Koyamaen, and Kanbayashi Shunsho are excellent choices. +2
Prices vary, but expect to pay around 500-1000 yen for a matcha parfait or ice cream, and 1000-2000 yen for a matcha latte or a simple tea set. Matcha powder prices range widely based on quality. +1
📸 📸 Photography & Sights
Capture the beauty of Byodo-in Temple's Phoenix Hall, the serene Uji River, the charming streets lined with tea shops, and the unique rabbit motifs at Uji Shrine.
Yes, Uji Shrine offers a peaceful and aesthetically pleasing environment for photography, especially with its distinctive rabbit lanterns and tranquil atmosphere. +2
The Uji Bridge is historically significant and offers picturesque views of the river. It's a popular spot for photos, especially during autumn with the changing leaves.
While Uji is relatively flat, some spots offer elevated views, such as the area behind the museum mentioned in one reel, which provides a view after a climb.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and capturing a softer glow on the temples and scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a leisurely walk along the Uji River, which is generally safe and offers pleasant scenery. While Byodo-in Temple is historically significant, younger children might find the matcha shops and the whimsical elements of Uji Shrine more engaging. Pack comfortable shoes as Uji is best explored on foot.
🍵 Matcha Enthusiasts
Consider participating in a matcha grinding workshop or a traditional tea ceremony for a deeper understanding of matcha culture. Many shops offer these experiences, allowing you to connect with the art of tea preparation.
+1 Remember that many shops close by 5 PM, so plan your matcha tasting adventures accordingly. 🚶♀️ Day-Trippers from Kyoto
+3 You can combine a visit to Uji with other attractions on the same train line, such as Fushimi Inari Shrine. Focus your visit on the main highlights: Uji Shrine, Byodo-in Temple, and indulging in the local matcha specialties. +1Since Uji is compact and walkable, you can comfortably see the main sights in half a day to a full day. Prioritize visiting the tea shops before they close around 5 PM.
This makes it a perfect, manageable excursion from the bustling city of Kyoto.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Matcha: Uji's Tea Culture
+9Key to Uji's matcha legacy are the renowned tea producers like Nakamura Tokichi, Itoh Kyuemon, Horii Shichimeien, and Marukyu Koyamaen. These establishments have perfected their craft, offering everything from ceremonial grade matcha to unique matcha-infused sweets and beverages. Many offer tasting sessions or even workshops where you can learn about the art of matcha preparation.
Beyond the shops, the Uji River plays a vital role in the region's tea production, with its clean water and favorable climate contributing to the superior quality of Uji's tea leaves. The picturesque riverbanks offer a serene backdrop for enjoying your matcha, making the entire experience a sensory delight.
+1Uji Shrine: A Peaceful Sanctuary
The most distinctive feature of Uji Shrine is its charming rabbit motif. Visitors often delight in spotting the rabbit lanterns and statues scattered throughout the grounds, a symbol believed to guide people to the right path. This unique detail makes the shrine particularly memorable and photogenic, especially for those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Located on the other side of the river from the main part of Uji town, Uji Shrine is easily accessible and perfect for a short, peaceful visit. It's a place where you can connect with history and find a moment of calm amidst your travels.
Exploring Uji's Historical and Cultural Landmarks
+2Adjacent to Byodo-in is the Uji Bridge, one of Japan's oldest bridges, offering scenic views of the Uji River. The river itself is a focal point, with its banks providing a peaceful setting for a stroll. The area is also known for its connection to The Tale of Genji, with various sites and museums dedicated to this classic work of Japanese literature.
For those interested in Shinto history, Ujigami Shrine is the oldest extant Shinto shrine in Japan, predating Byodo-in. While Uji Shrine is known for its rabbits, Ujigami Shrine offers a different, yet equally profound, historical perspective. Together, these sites paint a rich tapestry of Uji's cultural heritage.
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Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit