Escaping the Crowds: A Peaceful Day Trip to Uji from Osaka

Lifestyle

Feb 2

Written By Maria

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Thinking of another day trip from Osaka? Uji is an easy and rewarding choice. For matcha lovers like me, this is the place to visit. Known for its famous matcha, Uji also offers historic temples, scenic riverside walks, and of course great food—without the heavy crowds of Kyoto.

Even during the holidays, Uji felt surprisingly lively. We visited on January 2, when some places in Japan are still closed, and were happy to find plenty of shops open. It struck the perfect balance between relaxed and vibrant.

If you’re looking to slow down and experience a quieter side of Kyoto, Uji is a perfect destination—and as a huge matcha fan, I knew this little town was a must for us.

Getting to Uji from Osaka (Easy Transport Tips)

Uji is surprisingly easy to reach from Osaka, making it perfect for a half-day or full-day trip. We took the Tokaido-Sanyo Line Special Rapid Kusatsu from Shin-Osaka Station to Kyoto, then transferred to the JR Nara Line at platforms 8, 9, or 10. Rapid trains reach JR Uji Station in just 19 minutes, while Local trains stop at every station and take about 30 minutes.

Tip: IC cards work seamlessly, and trains run frequently, making travel easy and convenient.

A More Relaxed Pace Than Central Kyoto

Although Uji is part of Kyoto Prefecture, it feels much calmer than central Kyoto. There are fewer crowds and a noticeably slower walking pace. From JR Uji Station, we strolled along Byodo-in Omotesando Street, exploring small shops, cafés, and scenic riverside views. Everything is close together, making Uji easy to explore without overplanning—perfect for families or travelers looking for a peaceful half-day or full day trip away from Kyoto’s busiest areas.

Food, Sights & Riverside Walks

We stumbled upon this restaurant while wandering the streets, and at first glance, you’re greeted by a charming pottery shop at the entrance. The restaurant itself is located on the third floor, and the staff was incredibly friendly, kindly guiding us where to go. Once upstairs, we were welcomed by a calm, relaxing atmosphere and a beautiful river view—such a perfect spot for a quick recharge. My husband bought a pottery bowl as a souvenir, a simple but meaningful reminder of our visit.

Uji has that charming, local neighborhood feel—quiet, walkable, and relaxed. There are plenty of shops to explore, but one that really stood out was Nakamura Tokichi, the famous shop located near the station. We didn’t get a chance to try the cafe since the line was quite long, but it’s clearly popular for a reason.

Although we didn’t visit Byodo-in Temple this time—the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site—it’s definitely on our list for our next trip.

We had lunch at this restaurant

Restaurant is located on the 3F

Lunch with a view :)

Cute pottery shop inside the restaurant

Tachibana Bridge

Shopped at Nakamura Tomochi

Starbucks near the temple

Cute bowl from Uji

Matcha Experiences in Uji

Uji is famous for producing some of the best matcha in Japan, and you’ll find it everywhere—from cafés and restaurants to souvenir shops. Must-try matcha experiences include matcha soft serve, freshly whisked matcha (some shops even offer free tastings), and matcha desserts or soba.

That said, we were so busy wandering the streets and exploring shops that we only managed to try a few—oops! Still, this is absolutely the place to stock up on matcha snacks and souvenirs. Even if you’re not a big matcha fan, tasting matcha in Uji is a cultural experience worth trying at least once.

One of the coolest matcha drinks we found in Uji

Why Uji Is Worth a Day Trip

Uji offers the perfect balance of everything - culture, food, and relaxation. With easy access from Osaka, world-class matcha, and well-known sights like Byodo-in Temple, it’s an ideal escape from busier cities. If you’re planning a Kansai itinerary and want something slower-paced yet still meaningful, Uji definitely deserves a spot. Highly recommended!