If Kyoto is where tradition whispers, then Uji is where it breathes in matcha-scented air.
Just a short 30-minute train ride from Kyoto, this peaceful riverside town is known as the birthplace of Japan’s finest green tea—and yes, it’s surprisingly wonderful to explore with kids.
Matcha in Uji isn’t just about tea ceremonies. It’s an experience that spills into every corner—from creamy matcha ice creams and parfaits to soft-serve cones, mochi, and even tea-infused soba.
The matcha here is richer and bolder than what you’ll find in most Kyoto cafés, and even our little ones were intrigued by its bright green color and aroma wafting through the streets.
We visited Uji with kids on a sunny spring morning from Kyoto, hoping for a calm day and a chance to bring home authentic tea. But here, Uji surprised us with its calming vibes, playful riverside walks, friendly shopkeepers offering tiny matcha samples, and a glimpse of timeless Japan through the gates of Byodo-in Temple.
Uji isn’t just famous for tea. It was also the setting for the final ten chapters of The Tale of Genji, the world’s oldest novel. Today, that same gentle, poetic atmosphere lingers—making Uji one of those places where even kids seem to slow down and notice the little Japanese things.
So if you’re planning your Kyoto itinerary and wondering whether Uji is worth a stop for a day trip, here’s everything you need to know about how to make the most of a day trip to Uji with kids from Kyoto—from matcha cafés and family walks to the best souvenirs to bring home.
Getting to Uji from Kyoto: An Easy Family Day Trip
Uji is one of the easiest day trips from Kyoto, especially with kids and strollers. It’s a short, one-hour, scenic train ride that feels like a mini Japanese countryside escape.
Train Options from Kyoto to Uji
- JR Nara Line: About 25–30 minutes from central Kyoto. Spacious, air-conditioned, and stroller-friendly.
- Keihan Uji Line: Also convenient, with several stops in central Uji.
- We chose the JR route for our trip, and honestly, it felt more comfortable than we expected. The dark interiors and soft seats gave it a cozy feel, and our little ones loved peeking out the window at the passing countryside
Tip for Parents: Wide seats, air conditioning, and room for a folded stroller make both routes comfortable. Pack snacks for little ones—a hungry toddler in the last 10 minutes can be tricky!
Otsukata Uji Station—First Impressions
Uji’s station is unique with its circular concrete design. Outside, my daughter squealed at a Pikachu vending machine—a small, joyful start to our day. A short 10-minute taxi brought us to our first matcha stop.
Day Trip from Osaka to Uji
- Possible but slightly longer than Kyoto—roughly 1 hour via Kyoto.
- We didn’t do it from Osaka because we had already visited Nara and Himeji Castle on other day trips from Osaka with kids. For this “matcha day,” Kyoto was ideal for us. It turned out to be the perfect decision: calm, easy, and less tiring for the kids.
Parent-Friendly Travel Tips
- Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and heat.
- Stations in Kyoto and Uji have clean restrooms and vending machines for drinks.
- Bring a light stroller or carrier; Uji streets are calm and walkable but can get narrow near shops. But you can easily take your kids to this matcha town.
If you’re still planning your Kyoto base, check out our 3-Day Kyoto Itinerary with Kids for easy family-friendly trip planning.
What to Do in Uji with Kids: Family-Friendly Highlights
Uji isn’t just for tea lovers—it’s a calm, playful escape for families visiting Kyoto. From riverside strolls to award-winning matcha shops, here’s how we spent a perfect day with our kids.
1. Stroll Along the Uji River
Our day started with a gentle walk along the Uji River, which instantly made the kids happy. Ducks waddled near the banks, small bridges created photo-perfect spots, and the peaceful vibe gave us a break from Kyoto’s crowds.
We discovered a statue of Murasaki Shikibu (author of The Tale of Genji) and enjoyed the peaceful Uji Bridge—lots of shallow steps and safe places for kids to peep at the water and feed ducks.
My little one found local kids to play with while we relaxed with our first matcha sips—nothing beats that quiet family moment by the river.
Parent tips for visiting the Uji River with kids:
- Let toddlers run freely—the riverbanks are safe and shaded in parts.
- Stop by small local shops and snack stalls along the way for quick treats or souvenirs.
- Seasonal beauty alert: cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves make it magical for kids (and photos!).
2. Visit Byodo-in Temple, Uji—Calm and Culture
Next, we headed to Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO site that feels surprisingly spacious and manageable for toddlers.
- The Phoenix Hall looks like it’s floating on water—stunning and far more peaceful than many Kyoto temples.
- Our little ones enjoyed feeding the fish in the pond and running along the garden paths.
- For families, the temple grounds are quiet and stroller-friendly in places, and our kids loved exploring without long queues.
- The museum and the inner hall (Phoenix Hall interior) have photo restrictions and extra charges; we found the signage mostly in Japanese, so if you want to go inside the museum, expect limited English information.
- This temple is marked on the 10 yen currency of Japan; many will come to just take a selfie with the coin with the temple in the background.
Mini tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful exploration.
Entrance for Byodo-in Temple is about 700 yen for adults and 300 yen for children (prices can change, so double-check before you go). Phoenix Hall has separate entry tickets.
3. Experiencing Authentic Matcha in Uji with Kids
No trip to Uji is complete without tasting the world-famous matcha. Here’s how we explored the flavors with kids in Uji:
1. Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant
Our first destination was Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant, a historic tea specialist dating back centuries and hugely respected in Kyoto/Uji for its award-winning teas. The shop feels extremely authentic and well curated—the staff was helpful, guiding us through their catalogue when we felt overwhelmed.
Buying matcha tins was limited per customer (a sign of how high demand this matcha is); expect to ask staff for help choosing the right grade. It’s a beautiful, high-quality purchase—a must-visit for anyone hunting authentic Uji matcha.
- Experience: Feeling the heritage and authenticity while tasting award-winning teas.
- A 10-minute taxi ride from the station, this historic shop has won multiple national tea awards.
2. Yamamasa Koyamaen—a short stroll and helpful staff
A short walk from Marukyu Koyamaen brought us to Yamamasa Koyamaen.
As a matcha novice, I loved how patient the staff was: they explained grades, suggested baking-grade matcha (which I bought to make green pastries for my daughter), and let us try small samples.
- This shop also places limits on purchases (we could buy up to three tins and one large bag), which suggests matcha demand is high.
- Inside, delicate wooden whisks and ceramic pots caught my girl’s eye—the kind of pretty details that kids love to point out and remember.
3. Nakamura Tokichi Honten—Reservation Recommended
We then visited Nakamura Tokichi Honten, a popular and slightly higher-end café that often requires a reservation and a QR code to enter. It was busier than other stops and beautifully displayed—visually appealing, but pricier.
- A popular café in Uji requires a QR code/reservation
- A tin of Uji-no-mukashi is ~$65 (a splurge compared to other shops).
- We admired the displays but skipped buying big items here. It’s worth visiting for the ambience, and if you prefer a quieter experience, try to book ahead or visit at off-peak hours.
4. Tsujiri or Nakamura Tokichi Cafés
Post-lunch we walked to Tsujiri (Uji min store) — a map showed it nearby, and it has both indoor and outdoor seating beside a lovely garden. We cooled off with matcha parfaits and matcha ice cream; my daughter adored the bamboo water fountain and the gentle garden vibes. Tsujiri is a great family stop for a cool, matcha-packed treat after an active morning.
- Perfect for a matcha parfait, long drinks with ice cream, and warabi mochi.
- Kids loved the bamboo water fountain and open indoor-outdoor seating.
Parent tip: Try freshly whisked matcha and matcha soft-serve—it’s stronger than anywhere else in Kyoto, so even toddlers get a little taste safely.
4. Lunch at Irori Beniya — charcoal grill family style
For lunch, we chose Irori Beniya, a restaurant centered around a charcoal grill in the middle of the table. It’s on the main shopping street but still feels relaxed for families because the grill is safely placed away from little hands. Kids can move and sit freely while parents enjoy grilled dishes.
I loved the charcoal-grilled dried mackerel — simple, smoky, and comforting — and the salmon and roe set was also a hit. For toddlers, plain rice and juices go down a treat here.
5. Family Food Stops & Cafés We Loved In Uji With Kids
We made a few well-timed stops for food and desserts:
- Ameagari—A small coffee shop famous for chiffon cakes. Quiet and convenient, with iced matcha lattes and Americanos. Kids got a little free-play time here.
- Ap-ichiban—Rustic café with antique interiors and plenty of space for kids to play. Our daughter devoured the matcha terrine and iced matcha latte. It was the perfect small ending: quiet, kind service, and the kids felt at ease before the train ride back to Kyoto.
Where to Buy Authentic Matcha in Uji (Our Recommendation)
- Marukyu Koyamaen – Award-winning, premium tins.
- Yamamasa Koyamaen—Great for beginners and baking-grade matcha.
- Itohkyuemon / Nakamura Tokichi – Cafés with souvenirs, teas, and sweets.
Our tip: Locals often shop at smaller branches rather than the main touristy stores. Ask staff for seasonal specials — it’s a delight for tea lovers.
Strolling Through Uji’s Old Streets & Local Shops
- Wooden storefronts, quiet streets, and the aroma of roasted tea made our stroll memorable.
- Kids enjoyed choosing wagashi (Japanese sweets) and exploring small curiosities.
- Friendly shopkeepers and calm streets made it stress-free for families.
Parent tip: Even a slow stroll here is educational — kids absorb Japanese culture naturally while having fun.
Quick practical tips for Uji with kids
- Best time: Spring (cherry blossom) and autumn; check weekdays if you prefer lighter crowds.
- Must-book: Nakamura Tokichi can require reservations; check before you go.
- Cash & purchases: Some shops limit the quantity of premium matcha per customer. Carry some cash for smaller stalls.
- Facilities: There are family restrooms near major sites — plan for snack breaks for toddlers.
- Timing: Half-day is doable, but a full day lets you savour tea shops, a relaxed lunch, and Byodo-in without rushing.
- Weather: In hot weather, bring hats, water, and a cooling towel; in spring, a light jacket is handy.
Why Uji Completes Your Kyoto Journey
Uji turned out to be one of the most peaceful days of our Japan trip — a gentle mix of calm, culture, and that unmistakable aroma of matcha.
For us, it felt like the perfect pause after Kyoto’s temples and Osaka’s energy — slower, greener, and beautifully traditional.
On the train back (about an hour), both kids drifted into the kind of deep, content sleep that every parent dreams of after a long, happy day.
My daughter mumbled that we still hadn’t seen the “green matcha train” she imagined, and we laughed about how many little matcha trains we had already “found” — in ice creams, parfaits, and tea tins that jingled softly in our shopping bag.
It was the kind of day that made Uji our favourite matcha destination in Asia — calm, cultural, and surprisingly family-friendly.
If you’re exploring Kyoto with kids, make space for Uji. It’s where Japan’s green heart beats slow and gently, perfect for families who love slow travel and sensory experiences.
Comment your favorite Uji spot below, we would love to take your suggestion for our next Uji trip with kids.
If you’re still planning your Japan route, you might also enjoy reading:
- Our complete Kyoto with Kids guide — family itineraries, stroller tips, and peaceful corners you’ll love.
- Tokyo with Kids — where big-city energy meets playful adventures.
- Osaka with Kids — castles, aquariums, and the quirkiest kid-approved street food.
Each place adds a new shade to your Japan story — but Uji, with its riverside calm and scent of green tea in the air, is the one that lingers longest.