A Matcha Lover’s Guide from Kyoto to Uji

It’s given that Japan is known for its smooth and creamy, earthy matcha. And if you want to get to the source, you won’t find a better place than Uji, just a short ride from Kyoto. If you’re a matcha lover, this guide is for you. But even if matcha isn’t usually your thing, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy on this trip.

Want to know more? Keep on reading to find out all the good reasons why you should consider going from Kyoto to Uji, and maybe by the end of your trip, you might even call yourself a matcha connoisseur. 🍵

Stumbling upon cafes or browsing through rows of matcha powder, you’ve probably seen brands proudly flexing the phrase “Uji Kyoto matcha.” But what does that actually mean? In short: Uji is where matcha was born, and the city’s whole story is pretty much steeped in green tea. 🫖

About 800 years ago, Zen monks came back from China with tea seeds in their pockets (bless them 🙏🏼). They planted them in Uji, and thanks to the town’s dreamy setting (misty mornings + mineral-rich riverbanks + shaded valleys), it created the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality matcha with a rich, complex flavor that sets it apart from all others. 😋

Today, that same landscape still defines Uji. Walk around and you’ll feel it instantly: calm riversides, rolling tea fields that look like something out of a Studio Ghibli frame, and centuries-old temples surrounded by lush forests. Even if you’re not matcha-obsessed (yet), Uji has a way of winning you over. 💚

If you’re staying the night in Kyoto, we recommend booking your stay at Onyado Nono Kyoto Shichijo. Aside from getting a spacious room, you’ll have access to their hot springs and free flowing matcha! On top of this, you’ll also get unlimited ice cream and ramen, perfect for midnight snacking. 🍦

Plus, this hotel is only around a 10-minute walking distance from Kyoto Station, so you don’t have to rush in the morning.

The best way to get to Uji is by taking the train from Kyoto Station to Uji Station via the JR Nara Line. It only takes about 20-30 minutes, which is roughly 12 miles! We also recommend getting a JR Pass, so you won’t have to worry about transportation wherever you go in Japan.

Once you arrive at Uji Station, getting around is just as easy. Uji is a small, walkable city, so most of its highlights are only 15–20 minutes away on foot. 🚶🏻‍♂️

Since most major attractions in Uji are near each other, a half or full day is good enough to explore the city highlights and get your matcha fix. 🤩

After arriving at Uji Station, head straight to Uji Bridge to cross the Uji River. Here, you’ll find a statue of Murasaki Shikibu, one of Japan’s first female writers, who also happened to write the world’s first-ever novel. 📖

Pause and take in the view of the Uji River to enjoy the quiet morning. 🍃

Crossing the bridge gives you access to two shrines: Uji Shrine and Ujigami Shrine. You can visit both if you please, but we highly recommend checking out Ujigami Shrine since it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site! ⛩️

For lunch, you’ll find a selection of local restaurants and cafes. Take your pick and enjoy the flavors of Uji cuisine. You’ll need this break to fuel up for the rest of the day. 🍜

Head towards Byodo-in Omotesando, where a stretch of local shops lines the street. You’ll find all sorts of souvenirs (ceramics, handcrafted fans, beautiful tea sets) and, of course, matcha in every form imaginable. Think lattes, ice cream, pastries… You name it! 🤤

You’ll also find several tea shops in this area. For a hands-on experience, we recommend joining a tea-making workshop where you can experience grinding and preparing your own matcha drink.

Otherwise, you can join a traditional matcha ceremony just a few minutes from Byodo-in Omotesando. It’s something you should experience at least once! You’ll get a deeper look into the history behind the ritual and learn how matcha has been prepared for centuries. After whisking your own bowl, you’ll enjoy it with a traditional sweet treat. 🍡

Once you’ve had your fill of matcha, head over to Byodo-in Temple. It’s one of Uji’s most iconic sights and a proud UNESCO World Heritage Site. The moment you see its grand Phoenix Hall reflected on the water, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved. And here’s a fun detail: if you look closely at the ¥10 coin, you’ll spot this very temple engraved on it. 🎏

If you’d like to experience a similar tour itinerary to this one without the hassle of navigating your way through or purchasing individual tickets, you can always book an Uji day tour with Klook!

Uji is best explored during the day, but if you’d opt to stay for the night, here are some hotels we recommend you check out.

The tea experience doesn’t end there. Take it up a notch by booking a stay at Uji Tea Inn, a cozy family-run guesthouse that lets you experience what it’s like to spend the night in a traditional tea house.

If you’d prefer something more modern and luxurious, check out Kyoto Uji Hanayashiki Ukifune-en, which is also conveniently located near the city center.

Perhaps you’re coming from Osaka and would like to visit both Kyoto and Uji in one day. It’s totally possible if you book a Kyoto to Uji day trip! In this tour, you’ll get to visit all of Uji’s highlights, as well as Kyoto’s, such as the Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. 🌟

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what Uji has to offer, you pretty much know exactly how to spend your day here. There’s matcha more waiting for you in Uji! 🍵

The easiest way to travel from Kyoto to Uji is by taking the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Uji Station. The ride only takes around 20–30 minutes, and once you arrive, the city is small and very walkable. Use a JR Pass for convenient travel throughout Japan.

Uji is best known as the birthplace of matcha and one of Japan’s most important tea-growing regions. The town is also famous for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami Shrine, as well as its serene riverside scenery and traditional tea houses.

A half day to a full day is enough to experience Uji’s highlights. Most attractions are located close to each other and are within walking distance.

Have your Kyoto Uji green tea fix! Visit temples, shrines, traditional tea houses, and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Yes! Uji offers a variety of matcha-focused experiences, including tea-making workshops, traditional matcha ceremonies, and guided day tours that combine history, culture, and tasting sessions.