Uji, Kyoto Prefecture

We stayed in Uji for 6 nights. Among which, we drove to Kyoto and Nara. Shopped and dined in areas around Kutsukawa. Really felt like living in the local community. Also, Uji is the home to the Byodoin temple, a UNESCO heritage site. So we make sure we dedicate a full day to explore Byodoin and its precinct.

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Byodoin Temple

Needless to say, Byodoin Temple is a World Culture Heritage site, a must-see during this trip. I am fortunate enough to plan for this day to be on a weekday and it wasn’t that busy. So I am able to take some really nice shots.

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The garden within the Byodoin temple complex were simply beautiful. So took a slow stroll around the main hall, and marvel at the great buddha that can bee seen from across the lake.

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We spent some time in the museum which detailed its history and how the restoration was done. Then there were the smaller shrines around the complex and we visited them all.

Uji River

The Byodoin Temple is located beside the Uji River. River sights are always nice. Flowing water, and the soothing sounds of water.

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Tachibanajima Island

Right in the middle of the Uji River, there is an island park only accessible by pedestrian bridges. We made the walk through the park so that we can get across to see more sights opposite the river.

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Uji Shrine

The shrine is right across Tachibanajima Island from the access bridges. Not exactly a tourist destination, it was said to be patronised by students who wanted to do well in their studies. So all our kids paid respect to the deities there.

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Ujigami Shrine

Further up the slopes, we reached the Ujigami Shrine. This was along the route that we wanted to take to climb the hill of Daikichiyama Fuchi Park. It was a smaller shrine but the surrounding makes it very serene.

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We saw locals came here with their newborns to be blessed. There were also a couple in traditional wedding clothes praying as well.

Daikichiyama Park

I took my elder kids for a short hike up the hills of Daikichiyama Park. Again, this was not exactly what tourists will do, but since we loved nature and simple walks. we did it anyway. At least we completed a partial part of the “East Seas” nature trail

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From the summit observation deck, you can clearly see the Uji River, Tachibanajima Island and the Byodoin Temple.

Evening Sun

Coming downhill and along the northern side of Uji river, the light condition changed. It was though we have come to another place. The sights were completely different.

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Uji Local delights

We spent another full day in Uji local area shopping including the “Mega Don”, visiting the Pachinko (Japanese pinball machines, kids no allowed) parlours and eating at recommended places around our house. What surprised us was that even though the local communities do not readily speak English, we were able to understand each other by gestures. We were also very impressed by how much politeness the locals have. Especially drivers.

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On our final night in Japan, with some money won from the Pachinko, we had a sumptuous beef grill ala carte buffet. To try all sorts of high-end beef they can offer.

gobassky