Uji(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

Stay at Miyagawa Hotel, a boutique ryokan nestled beside the Uji River, offering traditional tatami rooms and daily matcha tea ceremonies. Another top choice is Uji Cha-ya Ryokan, where guests can participate in hands-on matcha grinding workshops and enjoy kaiseki meals infused with local tea. Both properties emphasize authentic Uji tea culture, blending heritage with modern comfort for an immersive experience.

The Uji City Center and Uji Riverfront districts are perfect for accommodations. These areas offer easy access to world heritage sites like Byōdō-in Phoenix Hall and Ujigami Shrine, while also being steps away from historic tea shops. Staying near the river allows you to enjoy morning mist over the water and evening lantern-lit walks, creating a serene atmosphere deeply rooted in Japan’s tea tradition.

Participate in a matcha-making workshop at Nakamura Tojiro Main Store or Itoh Kyubee, where you’ll learn to hand-grind tea leaves and pair them with traditional sweets. Visit Gion Tea House for a cold-brew matcha tasting, or book a private tea ceremony under cherry blossoms. Some hotels even offer "Tea & Zen Meditation Afternoon" sessions, allowing you to fully embrace the spirit of wa-kei-sei-jaku (harmony, respect, purity, tranquility).

Yes, Uji Shiki Hotel features spacious family rooms, children’s play zones, and kid-oriented matcha craft workshops. Another excellent option is Ryokan Midori-no-San, a renovated townhouse with large tatami spaces and a garden courtyard—ideal for multi-generational stays. Both are within walking distance of Uji City Museum and Cha-no-sato Park, making it easy to explore history and nature together as a family.

Walk the illuminated Uji River Path at night, where soft lights reflect on the flowing water like stars. Enjoy a night tea ceremony at Gion Tea House, accompanied by traditional shamisen music. Some luxury inns offer stargazing tea sessions on open-air verandas, where you can sip cold matcha while gazing at the Milky Way—a rare, poetic moment in this quiet tea capital.

Choose Hangetsu-tei Ryokan, featuring private gardens, outdoor hot springs, and a signature "Matcha Night Dinner" package with tea pairing and a couple’s tea ceremony. Alternatively, stay at Kawase Bikan, a secluded retreat with riverside views and a rooftop terrace—perfect for sharing sunrise moments or starlit evenings. Both locations deliver intimate, unforgettable moments amidst Uji’s timeless beauty.

Start with a morning matcha workshop at Nakamura Tojiro, then visit Byōdō-in Phoenix Hall for spiritual serenity. Stop by Itoh Kyubee for a refined gyokuro tea tasting, followed by a walk through Cha-no-sato Park. End your day with a tea ceremony and kimono experience at Gion Tea House, concluding with a custom matcha dessert at your hotel—each step deepening your connection to Uji’s tea legacy.

Try Uji-Eki-mae Hotel, a clean, affordable option just a 3-minute walk from Uji Station, with basic but comfortable rooms. Another great value is Chakō-Koya, a converted old townhouse with themed rooms, kitchenette, and laundry facilities. Both are centrally located, close to major attractions, and perfect for travelers seeking authenticity without breaking the bank.

Yes, Kawase Kousou is a sustainable guesthouse housed in a restored wooden machiya, featuring organic vegetable gardens and an open-air tea courtyard. Yamagoya Chashitsu, tucked into the hills overlooking the Uji River, offers forest views and hosts morning tea walks and tea-picking excursions. Both prioritize low-impact living and meaningful interaction with nature and local tea traditions.

Many upscale hotels like Miyagawa Hotel and Hangetsu-tei Ryokan offer complimentary shuttle services from Kyoto Station to Uji Station, and some arrange airport pickups upon request. Additionally, the Uji City Tour Bus provides discounted tickets for hotel guests, covering key sights efficiently—ideal for those without a car, especially during peak seasons.