Uji River

What to know

The Uji River (Ujigawa) runs through the heart of Uji, splitting the town in two. Its central location shapes the area's scenic beauty and offers plenty of spots for relaxation and recreation. Most major attractions are just a short stroll from the riverbanks.

In summer, river cruises and cormorant fishing draw many visitors. The same boats are used for daytime cruises and evening cormorant fishing sessions. Cormorant fishing runs from July to September, closed on Wednesdays. Tickets cost 2700 yen and are sold on-site; no advance reservations are accepted. Boats depart at 19:00 (18:30 in September) and the trip lasts about an hour.

Along the river, numerous teahouses and restaurants serve Uji's famous green tea and tea-themed dishes. You can enjoy tea soba noodles, matcha ice cream, and other local treats while taking in the view.

Pedestrian bridges connect the riverbanks to a small central island. The island is mostly flat and open, with a tall stone pagoda at its center. Benches and pleasant views make it a great spot for picnics and leisurely walks.

The main bridge over the Uji River was first built around 646, making it one of Japan's oldest surviving bridges. It has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, but the current design reflects its historic appearance. Uji Bridge is famous for its frequent mentions in the Uji Chapters of The Tale of Genji, an 11th-century novel often considered the world's first. Written by a Japanese noblewoman, the story depicts courtly intrigues in Heian-period Kyoto.

Uji Bridge is just one of many locations in Uji featured in the final ten chapters of The Tale of Genji. The city honors its connection to the novel with statues and plaques marking key sites. Uji also has a Tale of Genji Museum with some English exhibits that recount stories from the book.