Uji Shrine | Review by 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人

After visiting Uji Shrine, follow the signs into a quiet residential alley and head uphill to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ujigami Shrine, hidden deep among the trees.

This ancient shrine stands on the east bank of the Uji River. Unlike the bustling Byodoin Temple, there are hardly any noisy tour groups here, and most visitors are local Japanese people who come to worship devoutly. Surrounded by towering old trees, the air carries the fresh scent of earth and greenery. The entire shrine grounds feel solemn and ethereal, with a sacredness that takes your breath away. Away from the crowds, this secluded place lets you experience pure faith and the depth of passing time. It is definitely worth a special visit.

We visited the famous World Cultural Heritage Site Byodoin, a classic masterpiece of the Heian-period aristocracy.

When we visited in early spring, the cherry blossoms by the pond were in full bloom. The snow-white and pale pink petals swayed in the breeze, complementing the blue sky and the vermilion hall reflected on the water, creating an exquisite, breathtaking scene. The famous Phoenix Hall is featured on the Japanese 10-yen coin, so travelers shouldn't forget to pull a coin from their pocket, line it up with the hall in the distance, and take a classic overlapping photo.

Besides admiring the grandeur of the hall from afar, the Hoshokan Museum on the grounds is also worth exploring quietly. Each National Treasure radiates a thousand years of solemnity and purity. It's a perfect place to slow down and quietly take in this timeless historical beauty amid the fragrance of flowers and the gentle breeze.

Another famous shop in Uji is the long-established Itohkyuemon, which is as renowned as Nakamura Tokichi. For matcha lovers, it's a must-visit pilgrimage spot in Uji.

Unlike most tea shops that mainly serve sweets, this place thoughtfully offers a wide variety of savory dishes. The classic choice is the matcha soba. The noodles are springy with a subtle tea aroma, and they're very refreshing with the special dipping sauce. You can even choose them in a hot broth, perfect for anyone who wants a proper meal.

After filling up, the main event has to be their famous signature matcha parfait. A tall glass is layered with rich, bittersweet matcha ice cream, chewy shiratama, handmade tea jelly, and sweet red beans. It offers plenty of different textures without being overly sweet, and seasonal flavors like cherry blossom and chestnut are also available. Starting with a bowl of refreshing savory tea noodles and finishing with an elaborate parfait is the ultimate Uji experience, with both savory and sweet delights!