Uji Bridge (Uji-bashi)
Uji, Kyoto, 611-0021
Spanning the tranquil Uji River, Uji-bashi Bridge occupies a legendary site. Few Japanese landmarks have played such a starring role in Japanese literature and art as the Heian-period version of this structure, which was featured in The Tale of Genji—a masterpiece of Japanese prose that’s considered by many historians to be the world’s first novel. It was originally built in 646, and was most recently rebuilt in 1996.
The basics
You can admire the bridge from both land and water. In the center, there’s a lookout point from which you can stand and soak up the lush greenery of the banks, or you can embark on a boat cruise of the river. These cruises typically take you past the grand 13-story pagoda (Jusanju Sekito). Uji is also a popular spot for fishing, by both humans and birds—after dark, you can see cormorants diving for fish, which are then removed from their mouths by the “bird masters.”
Things to know before you go
The banks of the Uji River are a perfect place to enjoy a picnic in the shade of the trees, so bring a blanket and some snacks.
There are teahouses and cafés lining the banks on either side of the Uji Bridge.
Uji is famous for its matcha green tea, so be sure to sample the vivid-green superfood in the form of tea or ice cream.
How to get there
The bridge is just a few minutes’ walk from the Uji train station, on the JR Nara line. From Kyoto, the bullet train (shinkansen) takes 15 minutes, while the slower (and more cost effective) local trains take around 30 minutes.
When to get there
The best time to visit Uji-bashi Bridge is either during the spring months of March and April, when the cherry-blossom trees lining the banks burst into bloom, or in October for the famous Uji Tea Festival, when you can witness traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
Discover the Byodoin Temple
Just 10 minutes’ walk from the bridge, you’ll find the Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its architecture and the peaceful gardens that surround it. Its most impressive feature is undoubtedly Phoenix Hall, which you might recognise from the Japanese 10 yen note. Beneath the hall, you’ll find a collection of precious artifacts and an exhibition about the temple’s construction.
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