Super-green Uji CityTea, azaleas, and endless cultural splendor
The ancient, green city of Uji is famous place for its temples, shrines, river-side scenery and quaint countryside homes and estates. The city has two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also the tea capital of Japan; the first leaves of the year are picked in May. Late spring is one of the best times to visit Uji—to stroll along the river and take in the magnificence of the azaleas in full bloom, to see the wonders of its temples, and to simply relax in a town that has been a tourist mecca for centuries. English volunteer area guides are available between 9:00-17:00 (reserve 7 days in advance; Tel: (0774) 22-5083). For the locations of the places call Uji tourist information @ (0774) 23-3334.
Byodo-in Temple
The Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in (completed in 1052), gracing one side of the Japanese 10-yen coin, is regarded by many as the most beautiful structure in Japan. With its two wooden wings built to perfect proportions, the central hall attempts to re-create the Pure Land Paradise of the Amida Buddha on earth. Inside this highly esoteric structure, perfectly reflected in a large pond, stands a giant Amida Buddha that acted as a bright ray of hope during the decadence and wide spread pessimism of the later Fujiwara Period (894-1185). The temple’s exquisite treasure musuem, the Hosho-kan, has a wide range of exhibits, including an exceptional collection of Fujiwara-period Buddhist Art. In May, the temple has two additional attractions: its hanging wisteria vine arbors (early May) and its colorful azaleas (late May onwards). Open: 8:30-17:30 (December,January,February open:9:00-16:30).
Tea & Pottery
The Taiho-an tea arbor next door to Byodo-in serves green tea and seasonal Japanese sweets (served by tea ceremony teachers; 10:00-16:00). Nearby Kanbayashi Memorial Museum contains tea artifacts that once belonged to the official tea purveyor of the Imperial family and Tokugawa shoguns during Edo period (10:00-16:00; closed Fridays). Asahi Pottery Museum: The Asahi pottery tradition dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333); visitors can create their own things here (10:00-17:00; closed Mondays). Sankyu-an Uji Tea Museum: this museum, located on Uji’s main shopping street, on the top two floors of a famous tea wholesaler, has an excellent collection of tea tools, etc. (9:00-17:00).
Other Places of Interest
Local Mampuku-ji Temple was built in 1661 by Chinese Zen monks fleeing persecution in China; the entire temple has a distinctly exotic, very Chinese feeling (9:00-16:30; the temple also serves Chinese vegetarian fucha cuisine ; reservations required; 0774-32-3900). Genji Monogatari Museum: this museum is devoted to the dashing story (still popular today!) about Prince Genji (set largely in Uji) penned by Murasaki Shikibu almost 1000 years ago (9:00-17:00; closed Mondays). The Uji Jyujo Koseki (ten ruins connected with the Tale of Genji) are spread out on both sides of the river (visit or call tourist information for exact locations). In May Mimuroto-ji Temple is said to have nearly 20,000 brightly blooming azalea bushes (8:30-16:30). Located about 2 km southeast of Byodo-in, Amagase Dam is 73 m high, and 254 m long (built in 1964); Amagase Forest Park, next to the dam, is recommended for hiking and bird watching.
May Festival Highlights
Sonobe Renge Lotus Flower Festival: Set up in a huge lotus park, this festival will feature special events, a kids’garden and a small zoo. About one hour from Kyoto on the JR Sagano line. Tel: (0771) 62-0550. Migouchi Hikiyama Festival: Known as the Gion Festival of the Tango Peninsula, this colorful, local event is well worth seeing. About 2.5 hours from Kyoto on the JR Sanin line and KTR lines. Tel: (0772) 44-2086. Matsuno Temple Buddha Dance: This traditional dance, in which people cover their faces with all kinds of masks, is held near the northwest seaside town of Obama. Tel: (0773) 62-2900. Japan Green Tea Competition: This competition, near Uji’s Obaku Stn, is attended by more than 2,500 people each year. Tel: (0774) 32-3900. Maizuru International Durathon Competition: Ten-km run, a 60-km bicycle race, followed by another 10-km run; the biggest event of its kind in Japan. Tel: (0773) 66-1093.