UJI
Uji (宇治市,
Uji-shi) is a city on the southern outskirts of the city of
Kyoto, in Kyoto Prefecture,
Japan. In reality Uji is just a suburb of
the greater city of
Kyoto. Uji is famous for it tea making. The city
sits on the Uji River, which has its source in Lake Biwa.
Uji History
In the 4th
century the son of Emperor Ōjin established a palace in Uji.
Three Battles of Uji-gawa took place here in 1180, 1184, and 1221.
Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (1358–1408) promoted cultivation of green tea in
the Uji area. Since that time Uji has been an important production and
distribution center of superior quality green tea. Tsuen tea has been served
since 1160 and is still sold in what is the oldest tea shop in Japan, and
possibly the world--the Tsuen tea shop.
The final chapters of the Tale of Genji are set in Uji, attracting visiting
literature buffs from all over the world.
Uji Attractions
 Most visitors
are attracted to Uji for its centuries old historic sites which include many
Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Among the most famous are the Ujigami
Shrine (built in 1060) and the Byodoin
Temple (pictured right) which are listed as part of the
UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto." The Byōdō-in,
with its Amida (Phoenix) Hall built in 1053, is featured on the reverse side
of the 10 yen coin.
Other religious sites include the Mampuku-ji, the head temple of the Ōbaku
Zen sect, built in Chinese Ming style in 1661 and the Zen temple Kōshō-ji,
with its famous Kotozaka entrance (framed with dense thickets of cherry,
kerria, azalea, and maple trees, each of which dramatically changes color
with the seasons) constructed in 1648. Also noteworthy is the Mimurodo-ji,
which is famous for its abundance of purple hydrangeas. The city also
features numerous other small Shinto shrines. With a few exceptions, most of
the important historical sites are located within walking distance of one
another and all are easily accessed by rail.
Due to its striking natural setting, Uji also boasts many natural
attractions, including the scenic Uji riverside, several large parks, and a
botanical garden. Slightly upriver from Uji bridge, the Amagase dam spans
the river and day trippers can walk to its base in about an hour. The route,
which begins directly across from Keihan Uji Station, is a wonderful walk
alongside the river on a paved road and offers access to several grassy open
spaces where people can rest and picnic.
Uji Festivals
The city hosts two major festivals each year. The Agata Festival, held on
June 5, begins in the early morning and runs until late at night. The
festival is famous throughout western Japan for the activities that are
rumoured to take place when the lights are suddenly doused at midnight. Also,
like many cities in Japan, Uji hosts an hours long fireworks festival on
August 10. Both events draw huge crowds and require that the town's main
thoroughfare to be shut down.
Uji Transport
Uji Rail
Uji is served by three rail companies: JR West, Keihan, and Kintetsu.
The Keihan line which runs primarily between Kyoto City and downtown Osaka
serves the city via a branch line Uji Line running from Chushojima station
and ending along the river at Keihan Uji Station beside the Uji Bridge. The
station is conveniently located close to Uji's Tale of Genji Town, Uji
Bridge, and the Byodoin. All trains on this line are local and stop at every
station.
The JR Nara Line runs between Kyoto and Nara. JR Uji station was, until a
few years ago, a fairly rural station but was recently rebuilt as a more
modern station to better serve the city. Architecturally it mimics the Byodo-in
and is on the opposite side of the Uji river, about 10 minutes' walk from
Keihan Uji Station. The clock that stands in front of the station is of
special interest and, every hour on the hour, opens to reveal an automated
show that celebrates the town's heritage as a center of tea production. Like
Keihan Uji Station, JR Uji also has easy access to all the same sites. The
station is served by both local and express trains.
Kintetsu serves West Uji with a line between Kyoto and Nara and does not
have a station named for the town. The line is primarily used by commuters.
No stations are close to the main tourist sites.
Uji Buses
Local buses have numerous routes within the city and public
transportation is good. Charter buses to and from the Kansai International (KIX)
and Itami airports can also be caught at most of the train stations.
Uji Roads
Uji is located south of the main Meishin Expressway and is served
directly by the Keiji Bypass, a toll road that was completed only a few
years ago. The Keiji Bypass serves to circumvent both Kyoto and Otsu which
can be subject to traffic jams during certain seasons. The road is notable
for its high trestles and series of long tunnels — including one that is
approximately six miles long. The Keiji Bypass also links to Dai Ni Keihan
Road (Number Two Kyoto Osaka Road) which is under construction but currently
usable for at least part of its length.
Non-toll roads include Route 1 which runs between Kyoto and Osaka and Route
24 which runs between Kyoto and Nara Both of these roads are usually filled
with traffic and have many stoplights. Close by is Route 307, which runs
east/west along the southern edge of the city between Osaka and Shiga
prefecture. This is a fairly rural road that leads through the mountains
and, once away from the urban centers, makes a nice day trip.
Of special interest to motorsports enthusiasts is the Ujigawa Line (Uji
River Line). This twisty road parallels the Uji River between Uji and Otsu
and is a favorite for racers. The road is dangerous and often claims the
lives of those who do not respect it. Due to numerous accidents, the route
is closed to motorcycles for most of August, when Japanese schools are
typically out of session.
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UJI PHOTOGRAPHS
Below are a selection of pictures for around Uji. Click on the image to enlarge it and see more information about the picture.
(Article
based on
Wikipedia article and used under the
GNU Free Documentation License) |
