Top reasons to visit Uji
- Exquisite Uji Tea: Renowned for its high-quality tea, Uji offers visitors the chance to explore tea tours and engage in tastings, deepening their appreciation for this cultural staple.
- Historic Temples and Shrines: Discover the beauty of Ujigami Shrine and Uji Shrine, which showcase the region's rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.
- Scenic Outdoor Spaces: Enjoy the picturesque Uji Park and the serene Ujibashi Bridge, perfect for leisurely strolls along the Uji River.
- Uji Tea Festival: Experience the vibrant Uji Tea Festival, celebrating local traditions and the significance of tea in Japanese culture.
- Diverse Accommodations: Uji offers a range of inviting lodging options, catering to families and inclusive for LGBTQIA travellers, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Find great hotels near Uji
Immerse yourself in the charm of Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, with a selection of inviting accommodations tailored to your needs. Whether you seek family-friendly hotels or guesthouses that warmly embrace LGBTQIA travellers, Uji offers a delightful range of options. Enjoy the serene beauty of the Ujibashi Bridge and explore city-themed experiences while staying in comfort. Discover the perfect hotel picks that make your visit to this historic area truly memorable.
- RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto: This 4-star hotel is an ideal choice for eco-conscious travellers and families seeking a blend of comfort and sustainability. Located 11km from Uji, it features eco-certified amenities that cater to environmentally aware guests. Families will appreciate the thoughtful services for children, including cribs and bed guards. With spacious accommodations and a focus on providing a relaxing atmosphere, RIHGA Royal Hotel Kyoto ensures a pleasant stay for both business and leisure visitors.
- Sakura Terrace The Gallery: A 3-star hotel boasting a remarkable guest rating of 9.2 out of 10, Sakura Terrace The Gallery offers a vibrant and welcoming experience just 11km from Uji. Guests can delight in a variety of dining options, including a buffet breakfast and a bar area. The hotel’s entertainment features, such as flat-screen televisions with cable channels, ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Its proximity to the city centre and nearby metro station makes it a convenient base for exploring the area.
- Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs: For those seeking a hot spring retreat, Onyado Nono Kyotoshichijo Natural Hot Springs presents a unique 3-star experience just 11km from Uji. Renowned for its soothing natural hot spring facilities, this ryokan-style hotel offers an indoor public onsen for guests to unwind after a day of sightseeing. With a high guest rating of 9.4 out of 10, the property combines traditional Japanese hospitality with modern comforts, making it a distinguished choice for a rejuvenating getaway.
Where to stay in Uji
Uji, a charming city in Kyoto Prefecture, offers an enriching blend of culture and history. Renowned for its exquisite Uji tea, visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquil vibe of this friendly city. Explore historical sites that reflect Japan's rich heritage, while enjoying picturesque scenery perfect for family outings or romantic strolls. Nearby Kyoto enhances your travel experience with its cultural treasures, making Uji an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.
- Kyoto: As a vibrant metropolis, Kyoto is the cultural heart of Japan, renowned for its rich history and stunning temples. Situated close to Uji, this city draws travellers year-round, with peak visits occurring in April and from October to November. Visitors can indulge in a variety of experiences, from family outings to business meetings. Kyoto's bustling shopping districts, lively public markets, and an array of traditional onsen provide a unique travel experience. Notable landmarks include iconic historic sites and enchanting theme parks that offer a glimpse into Japan's past.
- Joyo: Just 6km from Uji, Joyo is a charming city that blends modernity with tradition. It attracts visitors throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn. Families and culture enthusiasts will find plenty to engage with, including vibrant shopping areas and educational centres. The local attractions, such as onsen and hot springs, offer relaxation and rejuvenation. Joyo’s proximity to theme parks adds to its appeal, making it a delightful spot for both cultural exploration and leisure.
- Fushimi Ward: Located 8km from Uji, Fushimi Ward is a neighbourhood that embodies the essence of Kyoto's city life. With a steady flow of visitors, particularly during the spring and autumn months, it offers a mix of family-friendly activities and business opportunities. Shoppers will appreciate the variety of markets and shopping centres available. Fushimi Ward is also home to stunning shrines and historic places, alongside lively theme parks, making it an inviting destination for those seeking both cultural immersion and entertainment.
Things to do near Uji
Shopping
In Uji, visit the Uji River Shopping Street, where you can find local crafts, tea products, and delightful sweets. If you're up for a drive, the Aeon Mall Kuse is around 16km away, featuring a range of shops and dining options for souvenirs and gifts.
Recreation
In Uji, the Uji Onsen offers a serene escape with its natural hot springs, providing soothing baths amid tranquil surroundings. The Taihoan Tea House invites visitors to partake in traditional tea ceremonies, enhancing mindfulness and relaxation while enjoying the rich flavours of Uji matcha.
Adventure
The Mt. Otokoyama Cable Car offers a scenic ride with stunning views from the gondola, perfect for families and adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the Mt. Hachiman Castle Ruins Lift provides access to historical ruins and panoramic vistas, enhancing your outdoor exploration in Uji.
Nightlife
In Uji, the charming atmosphere comes alive at local izakayas, where you can savour delicious cuisine alongside drinks. Traditional tea houses offer a unique experience, while quaint bars provide a relaxed setting to enjoy conversation and local sake, creating an enchanting evening in this historic city.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Uji
To save money during your visit to Uji, consider travelling in January, February, or September when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay about a month in advance for the best rates, and use Expedia's last-minute deals for potential discounts. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Utilise Expedia's search and filtering tools to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings. Exploring Uji's temples and gardens can also be enjoyed for free, making it easy to experience the culture without spending much.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Uji are January to February and September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Uji is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Uji is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Uji is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your choices, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can make savings by combining your hotel reservation in Uji with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions near Uji
Uji, a charming destination in Kyoto Prefecture, is ideal for family and culture-themed vacations. Visitors can explore notable attractions such as the Ujigami Shrine, Uji Shrine, and Uji Park, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Uji River. Whether you seek cultural experiences or outdoor enjoyment, Uji offers a delightful blend of temples, shrines, and urban parks to cater to every traveller's interests.
- Fushimi Inari Shrine: Nestled 8km from Uji, Fushimi Inari Shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. This spiritual haven offers a serene atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and Shinto traditions as they explore its picturesque trails.
- Kiyomizu Temple: Located 11km from Uji, Kiyomizu Temple boasts stunning wooden structures and panoramic views of Kyoto. Famous for its wooden stage that juts out over the hillside, this historic temple is a UNESCO World Heritage site, exuding a rich cultural heritage and tranquil beauty.
- Kyoto Tower: Also 11km from Uji, Kyoto Tower stands as a modern symbol of the city. This observation tower offers a striking contrast to traditional architecture and provides breathtaking views of the urban landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate Kyoto from a different perspective.
Best time to go to Uji
The best time to visit Uji can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Uji falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Uji falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Uji
Visiting Uji is convenient via several major airports. Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) is situated 74km away, with nearby hotels such as Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, a 4-star establishment just 161m from KIX, and Star Gate Hotel Kansai Airport, 6km away. Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO) is 90km from Uji, featuring options like Kamenoi Hotel Chitamihama, a 4-star ryokan 10km away. Closer still, Osaka Itami Airport (ITM) is 37km away, with luxurious hotels like Swissotel Nankai Osaka, 14km from the airport. All these hotels offer various transportation services for easy airport access.