| Take-no-michi | Komyo-ji Temple |
Muko City features a superb path where supple and delicate bamboo trees line both sides of the road for nearly 2 kilometers. Superior quality bamboo shoots are grown in this area.
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Built in 1198, 'Komyo-ji temple' is the focal temple of 'Seizan Jodo', a distinctive branch of Buddhism and renowned for viewing autumn leaves. Visitors can stroll about the temple grounds in peaceful harmony while admiring trees adorned in a blaze of red hued leaves on either sides of ancient stone steps.
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| Shokado Garden | Joruri-ji Temple and a fascinating tour of stone statues of 'Buddha' |
Discover splendid gardens and museums in Yawata City, closely identified with Shokado Shojo (1582-1639) a grand master of calligraphy, tea ceremony, painting, flower arrangement and poetry. The vast park features tea rooms set amidst elegant bamboo and fragrant camellia trees. Feast your eyes while sipping green tea and a tasty 'Shokado bento' lunchbox.
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Joruri-ji Temple is also called 'Kutaiji' for the nine images of the Buddha (designated national treasure assets) arranged in front of and inside the main hall. The fine 'Jodo-style' garden is laid out with the pond as its main focal point. The two kilometers from 'Gansenji' to 'Joruri-ji' is a popular hiking course where strollers can gaze at and admire 'Waraibotoke' and 'Fudomyoo' stone statues of Buddha.
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World Cultural Heritage Sites of Uji
- Designated as World Heritage Sites, 'Byodoin' Temple and Japan's oldest shrine structure 'Ujigami-jinjya shrine' were built about 1,000 years ago - |
 Uji Map
 Click available sight spot names.
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 Byodoin Temple
'Byodoin' Temple built in the Heian Period (1052) was converted by Fujiwarano Yorimichi, a stalwart of the aristocracy from a villa to a splendid temple representing Pure Land Buddhism. Amida Buddha Hall, featured on Japan's ten yen coin, yet exists as originally built; also called 'Ho-o-do' (Phoenix Hall) it is shaped as a mythic Phoenix rising with spreading wings with two rooftop statues. The museum in the temple displays cultural treasures.
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 Ujigami-jinja Shrine
Built in the late Heian Period (circa 11th century), the main hall is Japan's oldest existent Shinto shrine structure as well as hall of worship.
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Uji, the town featured in "Tale of Genji"
- Considered as the world's first ever novel, "Tale of Genji" is a highly prized masterpiece of classic Japanese literature and much admired world-wide - |
About 1,000 years ago during the 'Heian Period', 'Genji Monogatari' (Tale of Genji) was penned by Murasaki Shikibu, a woman of noble birth. The last 10 chapters are called 'Uji-Jujo' with the plot set in Uji, and thus, many locations are recognized and events associated with this novel. The tale is celebrating its Millennium Anniversary in 2008.
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 The tale of Genji Museum
The museum is dedicated to "Tale of Genji" novel. Exquisite costumes and vehicles used during the 'Heian Period' aristocracy are on display and visitors can take a close-up look at 'Tale of Genji' through a fine film. Imagine and relive moments in the ancient capital as existed during the Heian Period.
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| How to Enjoy Uji City |
Tea ceremony at Taihoan Tea House
An authentic tea-house situated near 'Byodoin Temple', on the banks of the Uji River. Patrons can savor a fine brand of Uji tea while observing the meticulous tea-serving manners.
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Ukai (Cormorant fishing) at Uji River
'Ukai' is a one of a kind fishing method using trained diving cormorants. Usually held summer nights from June to September, enjoying the heat of flaming torches, appreciative visitors can view this ancient craft while admiring the skillful techniques of 'Ukai' fisherwomen on the Uji River.
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Known as 'Uji-cha', tea from Uji, it is believed to represent the finest of Japanese tea. Uji tea was greatly appreciated by successive shoguns through history and
was developed as Japan's representative tea-growing district since the beginning of the 13th century when tea was first introduced to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Teas such as 'Macha', 'Gyokuro', 'Sencha', 'Hojicha' and 'Genmaicha' are all fragrant and delicious and must be tasted. Don't neglect 'Macha'
sweets and 'Cha-soba' (tea noodle) that are also very popular.
Originally created in Yawata's 'Shokado Garden', 'Shokado Bento' is a square-shape box divided into four compartments each filled with an assortment of 'Kaiseki Ryori' (tea-ceremony dishes). This tasty snack is widely appreciated throughout Japan.