Uji (宇治) and Nara (奈良) are small cities in Japan with great historic depth. The intercity transportation systems are relatively straightforward and simple, facilitating easy exploration of these culturally rich destinations.
Get to Uji from Kyoto
| Line | Kyoto | Uji | Duration |
| JR Nara Line | Kyoto Station | JR Uji Station | 24 minutes |
| Kintetsu-Kyoto Line 🎟 | Kyoto Station | Ogura Station (小倉駅) | 19 minutes |
| Keihan Line 🎟 | Gion-Shijo (祇園四条駅) | Uji Station (change at Chushojima Station 中書島駅) | 37 minutes |
Kyoto to Uji is a short distance, so regardless of the transportation method, it won’t take much time. Although the JR Nara Line is not covered by the Kansai Thru Pass, given the short distance, the ticket price is inexpensive. Therefore, the decision will be based on where you are staying in Kyoto, whether it’s close to the Kyoto Station or the Keihan Line. The Kintetsu-Kyoto Line is not recommended in this situation because the nearest station to Uji that it reaches is Ogura Station, which is away from the major attractions in Uji. If you are staying close to Kyoto Station, taking the JR Nara Line is advisable.
Attractions in Uji
All the attractions are within walking distance.
- Tale of Genji Museum (源氏物語ミュージアム): https://www.city.uji.kyoto.jp/site/genji/
- Ujikami Shrine (宇治上神社): https://ujikamijinja.amebaownd.com/
- Uji Shrine (宇治神社): http://uji-jinja.com/
- Asahiyaki (朝日焼): A 400-year-old store specializing in traditional Japanese tea sets. https://asahiyaki.com/index.php
- Tachibana Island (橘島)
- Byodo-in Temple (平等院): https://byodo-in.com/
- Byodo-in Omotesando (平等院表参道): Old shopping street
- Nakamura Tokichi Honten (中村藤吉): A tea brand with over 200 years of history. https://global.tokichi.jp/
Get to Nara from Uji
JR Nara Line (JR Uji Station → JR Nara Station) is the obvious choice here. I made a reservation at Onyado Nono Nara, conveniently located right next to JR Nara Station, through Booking.com.
Attractions in Nara
- Kofukuji (興福寺): https://www.kohfukuji.com/
- Kakinohazushi Hiraso (柿の葉ずし 平宗): a type of fermented sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, established in 1861. https://hiraso.jp/
- Todaiji (東大寺): Built in the eighth century. Home to Japan’s largest Buddha statue. https://www.todaiji.or.jp/
- Nara Park (奈良公園): A place to feed the deer. https://www3.pref.nara.jp/park/
- Kasuga Taisha (春日大社): https://www.kasugataisha.or.jp/
- Tobihino (飛火野)
- Gangoji (元興寺): https://gangoji-tera.or.jp/
Get to KIX from Nara
JR Yamatoji Line (JR Nara Station → JR Shin-Imamiya Station (JR新今宮駅)), then Nankai Line (南海電鉄) (Shin-Imamiya Station → Kansai-Airport Station)
This marks the conclusion of our journey through Kansai, Japan (especially tailored for the elderly). I hope this series has been informative and helpful. Your feedback and comments are very much appreciated – feel free to leave them below!
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