Uji, next to Kyoto City, is a place where you can enjoy history amidst abundant nature.
Uji City is a refreshing city with the flowing Uji River and green mountains. Located southeast of Kyoto City, it is dotted with historical spots such as Ujikami Shrine and Byodoin Temple, both registered as World Heritage Sites. It is also known as the setting for the last 10 chapters of The Tale of Genji, and there is a stone statue of the author, Murasaki Shikibu, on the banks of the Uji River. It is a city rich in nature, culture, and history.
The area is also famous for producing Uji tea. There are tea shops all over the town, and a wide variety of matcha sweets. There are also shops that are loved by locals. Why not enjoy a stroll around Uji and experience its diverse charms?
[Uji Matcha Gyoza] Stone-ground matcha is kneaded into the gyoza skin, and the dumplings are topped with matcha salt - "Tanaka Kyu Shoten"
As the home of Uji tea, the road to Byodo-in Temple is lined with a variety of matcha foods, but Tanaka Kyu Shoten's matcha-infused gyoza is popular. Stone-ground Uji matcha is kneaded into the gyoza dumplings, and the dumplings are topped with matcha salt, making this a dish that is full of matcha.
The "Uji Matcha Gyoza" (500 yen) is served on a takeaway plate, and its green skin is nicely browned to whet the appetite.
When you turn it over, the skin is bright green and shiny. If you add a little matcha salt to it, you can enjoy the faint aroma of matcha. It brings out the sweetness of the pork and vegetables in the toppings, and is refreshing. The shop also serves ramen with matcha mixed into the noodles. This is also a must-try.
Tanaka Kyu Shoten
| address | ： | 9-1 Ujirenge, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0774-22-5797 |
| business hours | ： | 11:00～(L.O.17:30) *Some days L.O.17:00 |
| Regular Holiday | ： | none |
[Fruit sandwich] "Kuunerunotsuzuki" is a chewy bagel sandwiched between light cream and fruit.
Kuneru No Tsuzuki is known for its bagels that are baked fresh every morning. They are made using wheat from Hokkaido, without eggs or butter, and have an addictive chewy texture.
There are over 10 varieties of standard bagels, including plain and Uji matcha white chocolate. There are also sandwiches in the refrigerated case. In addition to savory items with vegetables and chicken, cream-filled sweets are also popular.
The cream also contains mascarpone cheese, giving it a refreshing taste. The "Fruit Sandwich Mix" (450 yen), which is sandwiched between seasonal fruits such as bananas, kiwis, and mandarin oranges, is a cute-looking item.
The Continuation of the Moon
| address | ： | Kyoto Prefecture, Uji City, Uji Myoraku 31-2 Ujibashi Street Shopping Arcade |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 0774-21-7533 |
| business hours | ： | 11:00-19:00 (closes when stock runs out) |
| Regular Holiday | ： | Wednesdays, Sundays, and public holidays |
| ： | @kunel_uji |
[Chai] "Watte chai" - Enjoy the spicy flavor in an unglazed cup
Osakaya Market, located in the Ujibashi-dori Shopping Arcade, is an old-fashioned market built in 1962. Restaurants and general stores line both sides of the aisle, and the warm atmosphere and retro look of the place are popular. At the entrance is a chai specialty shop called Watte chai.
Take-out is served in an unglazed cup (500 yen), just like the chai shops on the streets of India. Spices such as cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger are blended daily according to the weather of the day. It has a strong spice impact, but also a gentle sweetness that makes it easy to drink.
Watte chai
| address | ： | Inside Osakaya Market, 41 Uji Myoraku, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| business hours | ： | Check out our Instagram |
| Regular Holiday | ： | Check out our Instagram |
| ： | @wattechai_kyoto |
It's also fun to enjoy the local cuisine while enjoying sightseeing in Kyoto, such as taking in the scenic views or after visiting the shrines and temples. Please enjoy eating your way around the city of Kyoto.
Originally posted: October 21, 2022
*Some content was updated on September 4, 2024.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
