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- Byodoin (Phoenix Hall) — The lakeside Amida Hall on the 10-yen coin; a UNESCO treasure with one of Japan’s most elegant Heian-period wooden buildings and a tranquil garden that really shows why Uji became famous.
- Ujigami Shrine — Often paired with Byodoin, this is considered Japan’s oldest surviving Shinto shrine building; the compact, mossy precincts feel genuinely ancient and photogenic without the crowds.
- The Tale of Genji Museum — A focused, atmospheric museum dedicated to the Genji story and Uji’s role in its later chapters; clever exhibits, dioramas and reproductions make the classic accessible even if you haven’t read it.
- Byodoin Hoshokan (Byodoin Museum) — Small but worthwhile: it houses artifacts, model reconstructions and detailed explainers that deepen a visit to the Phoenix
- Byodoin (Phoenix Hall) — The lakeside Amida Hall on the 10-yen coin; a UNESCO treasure with one of Japan’s most elegant Heian-period wooden buildings and a tranquil garden that really shows why Uji became famous.
- Ujigami Shrine — Often paired with Byodoin, this is considered Japan’s oldest surviving Shinto shrine building; the compact, mossy precincts feel genuinely ancient and photogenic without the crowds.
- The Tale of Genji Museum — A focused, atmospheric museum dedicated to the Genji story and Uji’s role in its later chapters; clever exhibits, dioramas and reproductions make the classic accessible even if you haven’t read it.
- Byodoin Hoshokan (Byodoin Museum) — Small but worthwhile: it houses artifacts, model reconstructions and detailed explainers that deepen a visit to the Phoenix Hall itself—great if you want the context behind the architecture and art.
- Manpuku-ji Temple — The head temple of the Obaku school, with distinct Chinese-influenced architecture, peaceful halls and a low-key temple atmosphere that’s very different from typical Japanese Zen temples.
- Mimuroto-ji — Famous for its seasonal gardens (especially hydrangeas in June) and a quiet mossy tea garden; climb the small hill behind the temple for a tidy view over Uji.
- Uji Bridge & Uji River — The historic bridge crossing and the riverbanks are the city’s gathering place: walkable paths, riverside teahouses, and seasonal scenes (cherry blossoms, autumn color, winter stillness) plus small boat rides in good weather.
- Tsuen-no-Cha-ya (Tsuen Tea Shop) — One of Japan’s oldest tea shops, operating on the bridge approach for centuries; grab a cup of straight Uji tea and watch how such a simple thing can taste like local history.
- Byodoin Omotesando (tea & sweets street) — The little commercial strip leading to Byodoin is perfect for sampling matcha soft serve, buying Uji tea tins, and trying local confections—useful and tasty for understanding Uji’s tea culture.
- Uji Park — Riverside green space that links several sights (temples, shrines, museums) and is ideal for a slow walk, a picnic, or launching point for short boat trips; it’s where the city’s relaxed tempo is most obvious.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.