Walking tour of Uji: Temples, shrines and hilltop views

Temples, shrines, a World Heritage site, and hilltop woodland all in one morning walk

A guided walking tour of Uji, Kyoto that moves through temples, shrines and nature on foot, led by a British resident who has lived in Kyoto long-term and authored the Hidden Paths guidebook series. The route takes three to four hours and covers the World Heritage Ujigami Shrine, Uji Shrine dating to the Kamakura Period, an observation deck with views across the town, woodland valleys and the Amagase Suspension Bridge over the Uji River. Children are welcome from age eight. The walk is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Uji's historical and natural sites

• Visit Uji Shrine from Kamakura Period
• Explore World Heritage Ujigami Jinja Shrine
• Walk 20 minutes to Daikichiyama Observation Deck
• Walk 20 minutes through woodland to Asahiyama
• Descend to Koshoji Temple entrance
• Walk riverside to Amagase Suspension Bridge
• Cross Uji River and walk 20 minutes to Hakusan Shrine
• Learn about Uji River's folktales and battles

The experience

Uji Shrine dates back to 1185–1333 and once served as the lower shrine of the World Heritage Ujigami Shrine nearby, possibly built on the site of a Crown Prince's palace. The walk begins at these two connected shrines, which anchor the historical core of the route. From there, a 20-minute climb up the Daikichiyama trekking route reaches an observation deck with views across Uji. The site was used as a filming location for Kyoto Animation's "Sound Euphonium." The descent leads through hilltop woodland to Asahiyama, where wild birds can be fed and the ruins of a previous shrine and fortress remain visible.

The route then follows the riverside toward Koshoji Temple and crosses the Uji River via the Amagase Suspension Bridge. On the far side, a 20-minute walk through the Shirakawa Momoji Valley woodland brings you to Hakusan Shrine, built in the 7th century to ward off smallpox epidemics. The ruins of Konjiki Temple also stand in its grounds. Throughout the walk, the Uji River itself carries centuries of folktales and the memory of samurai battles fought along its banks. The guide, a long-term Kyoto resident and author, shares these stories and the historical context that ties each site to the landscape.

What’s included

• A personal walking guide in English.
• access to observation decks, shrines and woodland trails.
• stories and historical context from a guide who authored the Hidden Paths guidebook series.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 75 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by HIDDEN PATHS - Walking Historical Kyoto

Is this one for you?The walk starts from central Uji and is reachable by public transport, so you don't need a car or a hotel in a specific area to join. The three to four hour duration fits into a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of your Kyoto day free.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Ujigami Shrine and why is it on this walk?

Ujigami Shrine is a World Heritage site dating to the late Heian Era in the 11th century, dedicated to Crown Prince Wakiiratsuki and Emperor Ojin. One of the Seven Waters of Uji, a famous spring, flows in its grounds, and the shrine is central to understanding Uji's historical significance.

How much climbing is involved in the walk up Daikichiyama?

The climb to the observation deck takes about 20 minutes and leads to views across Uji. From there, another 20 minutes of walking through hilltop woodland reaches Asahiyama, so the ascent is gradual and broken into manageable sections.

Will we go inside the temples and shrines on this route?

The guided walk passes through the grounds and entrances of temples and shrines, including Ujigami Shrine and Uji Shrine. Entry to Koshoji Temple is not included in the tour, though you walk past its entrance and pathway.

What makes this walk different from the main Byodoin Temple area that most visitors see?

This route moves through the Uji Hills and surrounding areas away from the crowded central sites, taking in nature, woodland valleys and smaller shrines with historical stories that remain largely undiscovered by typical Kyoto tourists.

Is there public transport to reach the starting point if I don't have a car?

Public transportation options are available nearby, so you can reach the walk's starting point without a private vehicle.