UJI CITY Thank you very much for coming to our city

UJI CITY
Thank you very much for coming to our city, Uji, located to the south of Kyoto city. We hope you had an easy time getting here. The city of Uji is centrally around the beautiful Uji River, and is graced with many temples and shrines, which is indicative of Uji City`s long history and rich culture. We are sure you will enjoy visiting them, each with own beauty and atmosphere. You can also find here two UNESCO World Heritage sites: UJIGAMI shrine and BYODOIN temple registered in December, 1994. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, this area was the location of many battles as various SHOGUNs fought for control of Japan.

When you read Japanese classics such as NIHON-SYOKI and MANYOSHU, you can find the Uji name. Which is also the main setting for the “Uji Chapters”in THE TALE OF GENJI, the oldest and one of the most famous love stories in the world. Since that time, Uji has enjoyed many peaceful years and has become a cultural center of Japan, growing in size and beauty each year. Uji city has many historical sights and famous cultural specialties. What is the best and most famous Japanese Tea? Uji Green Tea! Please enjoy it in traditional tea houses and ceremonies. Experiencing the traditional green tea service is the essence of Japanese culture and history. Enjoy this tradition at TAIHOAN, the municipal tea ceremony house which offers a beautiful view of the Uji River.Another cultural experience you should not miss is the OBAKUSAN-MANPUKUJI temple, one of the main locations of the ZEN Buddhist sect in Japan. The MIMUROTOJI temple is the 10th of 33 noted sacred places in Western Japan. If you follow the sightseeing route, outlined on the Rekishi Kaido Main Route Map you can learn some very important Japanese history of Ise, Asuka, Nara, Kyoto, Uji, Osaka and Kobe. These comprise the sightseeing in the Kansai area for Japanese history and culture. Enjoy them!

UJI AND GREENTEA
Tea, introduced into Japan by the priest EISAI at the end of the 12th century, became closely associated with Japanese life, thus forming a unique culture. Afterwards, Uji began to develop as Japan`s representative tea-producing district under the patronage of the shogunate and men of influence. Today, Uji green tea represents both Uji`s culture and industry.The municipal tea house, TAIHOAN consists of a main tea-ceremony room, another a tea-ceremony room using tables and chairs and a tea ceremony hall, It is a wooden house built tastefully in Japan`s traditional“SUKIYA-ZUKURI”style. It is open every day from January 15 to December 20, and you are invited to taste Uji green tea in this comfortable and serene location.

TAIHOAN

The KAMBAYASHI Memorial Hall contains a part of“NAGAYA-MON”, a long house gate built in the style of EDO period. SHUNSHO KAMBAYASHI was an influential tea master of the EDO period. The hall exhibits many materials pertaining to Uji grenn tea and its history. SANKYUAN Uji Tea Laboratory dosplays letters which DAIMYOS (feudal lords) sent to the KAMBAYSHI family famous for providing the DAIMYO`S tea. Also on display are stone mills used to make Uji green tea, and excellent accessories indispensable to Japanese tea culture.“ASAHI-YAKI”pottery developed with Uji green tea, and having a history of more than 400 years, Asahi-yaki”may be viewed one of the seven great Enshu kilns. In the library of ASAHI-YAKI, old pottery and books are displayed. Also,“KYOYAKI”Sumiyama ceramic style, following the tradition of Kyoto, should likewise be seen.

THE TALE OF GENJI AND UJI
HE TALE OF GENJI AND UJI was written by Lady MURASAKI SHIKIBU(973-1014). She served SHOUSHI, the
	daughter of the chief adviser to the Emperor MICHINAGA FUJIWARA. This literary classic contains 54 chapters and is recognized as one of the world`s oldest love stories. The first half of THE TALE OF GENJI deals with the hero HIKARU GENJI. Blessed with beauty and talent, he a prince of the Emperor, experiences many love affairs and gains prosperity, yet still suffers from transient affairs of this life and love. In the latter half, the story takes place during the period after HIKARU`s death. It is a tragedy about his son KAORU, his grandson NIOU-NO-MIYA and three daughters of the ruined nobleman -OKIMI,NAKA-NOI-KIMI and UKIFUNE. The last ten chapters -“HASHIHIME”,“SHIIGAMOTO”,“AGEMAKI”,“SAWARABI”,“YADORIGI”,“AZUMAYA”,“UKIFUNE”,“KAGEROU”,“TENARAI”and“YUME-NO-UKI -HASHI” are called the “Uji Chpters”,as they are mainly set in Uji. In Uji, there are stone monuments of the “Uji Chpters”. These monuments were erected by local scholars and devotees of the story. It is not clear when they were erected, but even now many lovers of the story visit these monuments, and a STAMP RALLY, designed for the purpose of visiting them, is held every autumn. We also founded “Murasaki Shikibu Prize for literature”in 1991, which is for all the women writters in Japan.

BYODOIN TEMPLE

BYODOIN TEMPLE (World Heritage)
After the transfer of the capital to HEIAN-KYO (Kyoto) in 794 Uji, blessed with nature and being close to the capital, began to develop as the nobility`s villa city. BYODOIN Temple was the heart of the city. It was originally a villa of MINAMOTO-NO-TOHRU, a man presumed to be the model for hero“HIKARU GENJI”of THE TALE OF GENJI. Later the cief adviser to the Emperor MICHINAGA FUJIWARA took possession of the villa, and his son YORIMICHI converted it into a temple in 1052, naming it BYODOIN. BYODOIN temples is said to stand for“GOKURAKUJODO”which means the“Pure Land”in Buddhism. The imperssive original Phoenix Hall was built applying the best techology of the HEIAN Period.“BYODOIN Museum JOSHOKAN”was opened in March, 2001, displaying of Phoenix (national treasure), Worshiping Bodhisattva on Cloud (national treasure), computer graphics and a high definition visual presentation.

UJI SHRINE
Uji Shrine is dedicated to UJI-NO-WAKI-IRATSUKO. These two shrines,originally the Imperial Villa, were actually one shrine until 1868. UJIGAMI Shrine was called the upper detached palace of the shrine, while Uji Shrine was the lower detached palace.

HAKUSAN SHRINE
Shirakawa village is located on the southwest side of BYODOIN temple. Here we can see many Heian-era noble`s cottages. KANSHI, a daughter of YORIMICHI FUJIWARA, built KONJIKIIN temple after she came to this place in 1102. This shrine was established for protecting KONJIKIIN temple against evils. Many disasters and other things caused extensive damage to Konjikiin temple, so now we can see only the main gate. On the other hand, JIZOUIN temple, also in Shirakawa, has many treasures of KONJIKIIN temples, such as KONGO statue of NARA Period.

HASHIDERA HOJOIN TEMPLE
HASHIDERA-HOJOIN Temple has long been known as the temple that guards the Uji Bridge. This temple contains a stone monument commemorating the construction of the bridge. This particular monument is the oldest stone monument in Japan.

MIMUROTOJI TEMPLE
MIMUROTOJI Temple is well-known as the 10th of 33 sacred places of KAN-NON (the Goddess of Mercy) of Western Japan. The existing main hall of the temple was rebuilt in 1814, but the temple is said to have originally been built in the 700`s. A historic of the“Uji Chapters”,is found in the grounds of the temples. In the garden, the azaleas come into full bloom in May, and the hydrangeas in June.

OBAKUSAN-MAMPUKUJI TEMPLE
OBAKUSAN-MAMPUKUJI Temple, the head temple of the OBAKU sect of ZEN Buddhism, was built in 1661 by the Chinese prist INGEN. All the superiors from the first (INGEN) to the 13th (JIKUAN) were Chinese. After KAKUSHU, the 22nd superior, Japanese have served as superiors; however, the priests have maintained traditional manners. Thus, along with its style of architecture, the temple offers Chinese atmosphere. FUCHA RYORI, vegetarian cooking in the Chinese style, was introduced by INGEN. This cuisine is popular with many visitors to MAMPUKUJI, as they can enjoy the“taste of the ZEN mind”.

KOSYOJI TEMPLE
Reestablished in 1648, KOSHOJI Temple, with its white Chinese-style gate, reflects the solemn atmosphere of the ZEN sect. The slope between the riverside and the temple is called KOTOZAKA. Here you can enjoy the tinted autumnal leaves.

ESHIN-IN TEMPLE
ESHIN-IN Temple is said to have been reestablished in 1005 by the Buddhist Priest ENSHIN. ENSHIN is the historical model for the heroic Priest YOKAWA of“THE TALE OF GENJI”. In the“Uji Chapters”,YOKAWA rescues the heroine UKIFUNE, who attempted to commit suicide by drowning in Uji River. The precinct is well-known as「Flower Temple」because, many kinds of flowers come out in spring and autumn.

AGATA SHRINE
AGATA Shrine is said to have been a guardian shrine of BYODOIN Temple until the EDO period. The annual Festival on June 5, called `the mysterious festival of a dark night` is especially famous and very pupular.

HASHIHIME SHRINE
HASHIHIME Shrine is dedicated to both SEORITSU-HIME, the guardian angel of bridges, and SUMIYOSHI-MYOJIN, the god of navigation. At this shrine, there is a historic site in the garden related to“HASHIHIME”which is the first chapter of the“Uji Chapters”in THE OF GENJI.

UJI CITY THE TALE OF GENJI MUSEUM
Tourists and Uji citizens can enjoy themselves at this museum, and at the same time learn about HEIAN culture. This is the best place to go for those interested in THE TALE OF GENJI. Discover the world of “HIKARU GENJI”and the“Uji Chapters”through models and films. At this museum, one has access to literature, historic amterials and novels related to THE TALE OF GENJI. As well, one is able to research facts about THE TALE OF GENJI by computer.

ACT PAL UJI
Act Pal is a center for people interested in outdoor activities. This facility is located in the mountainous area of Kasatori, in the Eastern part of Uji City. This 10 hectare park has many features including accommodations for 200 guests, camping facilities, an astronomical observatory with one of the biggest telescopes in Kyoto, and a playground with facilities for people of all ages. At Act Pal, enjoy fresh air, observe nature, and experience the Kasatori region`s hometown and agricultural lifestyle.

THE MONUMENT OF“UJI CHAPTERS”
This monument marks the location of a scene from THE TALE OF GENJI“Uji Chapters”. It depicts the famous scene where“UKIFUNE”and“NIOUNOMIYA”sail on the Uji River in a small boat. This is a great location for photos and a refreshing cup of Uji tea. It is also a great place to reflect on the“Uji Chapters”and their characters.

UJI CITY BOTANICAL PARK
This 10 hectare park is located near the Yamashiro Sports Park. At the Uji Municipal Botanical Park, there are 530 kinds of tropical and subtropical flowers, including Ficus Retusa, Palm trees and bougainvilleas. In total, there are 7,000 flowers within the greenhouse and Park grounds. The Botanical Park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery. A specialty of the park is a floral tapestry. On a steep 62m by 18m mountain stircase there are about 3,700 planters filled with colouful flower arrangements.

THE UJI RIVER AND UJI BRIDGE
The Uji River is the only river that originates from Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It has been an important waterway between Ohmi and Osaka since ancient times. Follwing the construction of the Uji Bridge by the Buddhist Priest DOTO in 646, the bridge became a strategically important geographic location. At that time, the Uji area was the primary junction for land and water traffic in the Kinki district. The Uji Bridge is said to be one of Three Famous Old Bridges of Japan. The“SAN-NO-MA”, protruding toward the upper steram, is a main feature of the bridge. The present bridge constructed in March 1996 is in harmony with the historic image of the bridge and surrounding views.

APRIL
Cherry Blossom Festival in Uji River
(the first Saturday and Sunday in April)

This is held on NAKANOSHIMA, a small island in the Uji River. Many come to see cherry blossoms, shop for crafts and picnic.

AUGUST
Uji River Fireworks Display
(the 10th of August)

Held around Uji Bridge on the 10th of August, many people look forward to this grand display. About 7,000 fireworks go up in the sky and impress all with their thunderous sound and marvelous colours.

JUNE
AGATA Festival
(the 5th of June and the next morning)

The festival of AGATA Shrine takes place at midnight. In this festival a portable shrine is carried out and around in darkness, so this festival is also called“Mysterious Festival on a dark night”. Off course, in daytime, many vendors providing fun along the street.

OCTOBER
Green Tea Festival
(the first Sunday in October)

This is held for EISAIZENZI,MYOE SHONIN, and SENNNO RIKYU, the three greatest tea masters. This festival has“the ceremony of drawing up the delicious water”at “SAN-NO-MA”of Uji Bridge,“the ceremony of the first taste of the pot of tea”at KOSHOJI Temple, and so on. At NAKANOSHIMA, the island in the Uji River, tea and other products sold.

JUNE～AUGUST
Cormorant Fishing
(Middle of June to the beginning of September)

Cormorant Fishing in Uji River has been familiar for a long time, and you can read about it in “KAGERO-NIKKI”(Japanese classics). You will be very impressed at wonderful performances by the fisherman and their cormorants, and the fire reflecting on the water.

OCTOBER～NOVEMBER
Stamps Rally to the places, in the“Uji Chapters”of THE TALE OF GENJI
(the end of October to the beginning of November)

You can enjoy walking around sites from THE TALE OF GENJI“Uji Chapters”,UJIGAMI Shrine, BYODOIN Temple, and so on. While you tour the sights, you collect stamps of those places.

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

The course for sightseers
Three hour tour
BYODOIN Temple → TAIHOAN → KOSHOJI Temple → Monument of UJI Chapters → UJI Shrine → AGEMAKI → THE TALE OF GENJI Museum

A half day tour
KAMBAYASHI memorial hall → BYODOIN Temple → TAIHOAN → KOSHOJI Temple → ESHIN-IN Temple → ASAHIYAKI → Monument of Uji Chapters → Uji Shrine → UJIGAMI Shrine → AGEMAKI → THE TALE OF GENJI Museum → HNSHIDERA Temple → UJI Bridge → MIMUROTOJI Temple

THE TALE OF GENJI Tour
Three hours tour
BYODOIN Temple → HASHIHIME Shrine (HASHIHIME) → YUMENOUKIHASHI → UJI Bridge → AZUMAYA → OTIKATA Shrine (SHIGAMOTO) → TENARAI → MIMUROTOJI Temple (UKIFUNE) → KAGERO → THE TALE OF GENJI Museum → AGEMAKI → UJIGAMI Shrine → SAWARABI → UJI Shrine → Monument of Uji Chapters

A half day tour
BYODOIN Temple → YADORIGI → HASHIHIME Shrine (HASHIHIME) → YUMENOUKIHASHI → UJI Bridge → AZUMAYA → OKIKATA Shrine (SHIGAMOTO) → TENARAI → MIMUROTOJI Temple (UJIFUNE) → KAGERO → THE TALE OF GENJI Museum → AGEMAKI → UJIGAMI Shrine → SAWARABI → UJI Shrine → Monument of Uji Chapters

Green Tea Tour
UJI Bridge (SAN-NO-MA) → KAMGAYASHI Memorial Hall → SANKYUAN Uji Tea Laboratory → BYODOIN Temple → TAIHOAN → ASAHIYAKI → KOSHOJI Temple → UJIGAMI Shrine (KIRIHARASUI) → KEIHAN Uji Station → KEIHAN Obaku Station → KOMANOASHIKAGEENPI → MAMPUKUJI Templ