Things to do in Uji

Fushimi Inari Taisha was a magical place. So beautiful for pictures. We went early evening before it got dark and it was perfect as not too many people. Highly recommended in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera is one of the most beautiful temples I visited in Kyoto. The historic wooden stage offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Walking through the temple grounds was peaceful, with traditional buildings, beautiful gardens, and a calm atmosphere. I also enjoyed exploring the charming streets leading to the temple, filled with local snacks, souvenirs, and traditional Japanese shops. The temple’s rich history and impressive architecture made the visit even more meaningful. Although it can get crowded, the experience is well worth it. I recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and take beautiful photos. It is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Kyoto.

Go here if you want to explore street food in Kyoto. These two alleys have food stalls and restaurants to fill your cravings for dango, daigaku, kobe beef, wagyu burger, matcha ice cream, etc.It's a good sidetrip when you're going to Yasaka Pagoda and Yasaka Koshindo Temple.

Originally, I was just looking for a place to stay, but I unexpectedly stumbled upon such a charming and elegant place. There were no dazzling gold decorations; the plain walls received the sunlight all day, from the pale gold of dawn to the orange-red of dusk, creating different gentle layers on the walls. The light-colored hand-painted murals in the corners of the walls, like diffused wisps of smoke and sunset, showed no signs of deliberate artifice, yet exuded a natural charm. The room's facilities were all easy to use, the bedding was soft yet supple, and I slept exceptionally well at night. During my stay, returning home each day felt like stepping from a bustling street into a tranquil painting; my entire being felt relaxed, and even the fatigue from my trip vanished completely.

the place is good for a walk, you can just leavr your troubles and then go for a walk along the river for some quick recharge.

We visited this place by night time. It was amazing and very peaceful. I like the architecture and atmosphere there.

When you arrive in Osaka, you'll usually go to Kansai Airport first. Once you arrive at Kansai Airport, you'll generally go to the Kyoto Tower area, which is a major transportation hub, regardless of your mode of transportation. Kyoto Tower is a famous landmark in Kyoto.

Having just recovered from a prolonged illness, I was so weak I could barely walk. The few days I spent at this hotel gradually restored my energy and spirit. It allows you to shed your fatigue and let your soul find poetic peace in its tranquility. All the lighting was soft and warm, not too bright to make you dizzy; the bed's firmness was just right to support your back, preventing soreness after lying down for a while; the meals were warm, easily digestible congee and side dishes; even the air had a mild scent, not irritating my sensitive respiratory tract. Every day I leisurely strolled in the courtyard, watching the wildflowers slowly bloom in the corner, sitting under the eaves basking in the sun, even my steps were light. There was no need to rush my recovery, no need to force myself to get better quickly. I stole a half-day of leisure, finding a long-lost sense of ease and freedom. Those few days I lived entirely at my own pace, without any pressure or urging, and my recovery was much faster than I had expected.

Phoenix Hall, the inspiration for the design on the back of the Japanese 10-yen coin, is a must-see in Uji. Standing before the Phoenix Hall, the first impression isn't "spectacular," but rather one of perfect harmony. The vermilion building spans the pond, and the phoenixes on either side of the roof stand out vividly in the sunlight. The water, garden, trees, and building almost blend into a unified whole. It's the design on the back of the Japanese 10-yen coin, so it's easy to feel a strange sense of familiarity: The building I see every day is actually here. The most worthwhile aspect of Byodoin Temple isn't any single detail, but the entire space. Walking around Aji Pond and viewing Phoenix Hall from different angles offers a different experience. Especially on a clear day, the blue sky, white clouds, vermilion building, and water create a stunning backdrop for photos. I also paid special attention to the phoenixes on the roof. From a distance, they appear as small golden outlines, but upon closer inspection, their beauty becomes apparent, adding a touch of legend to the building. Compared to the crowded touristy temples in Kyoto, Uji and Byodoin Temple offer a much more relaxed pace. There's no need to rush to "check off ten spots" here; it's better to slow down. After visiting Byodo-in Temple, take a stroll along the Uji River and enjoy some matcha. A half-day at this pace will be very relaxing. Personal impression: Byodo-in Temple doesn't impress with its scale, but rather with its proportions, colors, and environment. In photos, it looks like a temple. In person, it's more like a painting preserved for a thousand years.

The Uji Bridge, which spans the Uji River, is a majestic and beautiful pure Japanese-style bridge with a total length of 153 meters. It was built in the second year of Taika (646 AD) and is the oldest bridge in Japan. At the west end of the Uji Bridge stands the "Uji Bridge Princess Shrine". Uji Bridge Princess is the guardian deity of the long bridge. The ancient Japanese believed that the bridge was a connection from one end to the other, implying the path from the present world to the other world, so they always regarded the bridge as the destination of the soul.