Day 9-Part 2: Discovering Beautiful Uji

The rest of our morning and early afternoon took us to Uji, a place I had somehow always overlooked—but now I can say it’s one of Kyoto’s most charming towns. Famous for its green tea and its role in The Tale of Genji, Uji combines riverside scenery, rich history, and peaceful streets in a way that feels both elegant and relaxed.

The highlight was undoubtedly Byōdō-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built in 1052 during the Heian period. Its Phoenix Hall, reflected perfectly in the surrounding pond, is so iconic that it appears on the back of the Japanese ¥10 coin. With autumn colours at their absolute peak and the sun shining, the entire scene looked almost unreal—golden leaves, deep red maples, and perfectly calm water offering mirror-like reflections.

We then wandered through Byōdō-in Omotesandō, a small street lined with traditional shops selling tea, sweets, and local crafts. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with the fragrance of roasted matcha drifting from tea houses.

A short walk brought us to Tō-no-shima Island, a quiet little riverside spot connected by bridges. It offered beautiful views of the Uji River flowing past bright autumn foliage—one of those places you instantly fall in love with, even without knowing its name beforehand.

Before catching our train to Kanazawa, we made a final stop at Tōji Temple back in Kyoto, famous for its five-story pagoda—the tallest wooden tower in Japan. And of course, as Uji practically demands, we finished our visit with a matcha ice cream, the perfect farewell to one of the most delightful surprises of the trip.Read more