Uji (Kyoto)

Uji-shi 宇 治 市
Geographical location in Japan
Region :	Kinki
Prefecture :	Kyoto
Coordinates :	34 ° 53 '  N , 135 ° 48'  E Coordinates: 34 ° 53 '4 "  N , 135 ° 47' 59"  E
Basic data
Surface:	67.55 km²
Residents :	180,975 (October 1, 2019)
Population density :	2679 inhabitants per km²
Community key :	26204-8
Symbols
Flag / coat of arms:
Tree :	Japanese maple
Flower :	Kerrie
Bird :	kingfisher
Precious tree:	Tea tree
town hall
Address :	Uji City Hall 33 Ujibiwa Uji -shi Kyōto  611-8501
Website URL:	http://www.city.uji.kyoto.jp
Location Ujis in Kyoto Prefecture

Uji ( Japanese 宇 治 市 , -shi ) is a city in the Japanese prefecture of Kyoto, south of Kyoto .

Attractions

In it lies in 1053 , built the temple Byōdō-in and the Shinto shrine Ujigami-jinja , both as part of the 1994 UNESCO - World Heritage Historic Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) were added. Uji is the site of numerous other temples and shrines, including the main temple of Ōbaku-shū - Zen , the Obakusan Mampuku-ji, and the Uji shrine .

Since a large part of the original novel Genji Monogatari, known in Japan , is set in Uji, the Genji Monogatari Museum is located in the city.

The small river island Tachibana in the river Uji with its picturesque bridges and close proximity to the famous shrines and temples and the beginning of the eastern mountains invites you to linger. Cormorant fishing is also practiced here as a tourist attraction. This area and the lower reaches of the Uji are protected from flooding by the Amagase Dam , which is only about 1 km upstream .

history

Uji owes its early ascent to its favorable location on the Uji River, which was an important waterway, especially in historical times. It is said that the son of Emperor Ojin built a palace here as early as the 4th century . The construction of a bridge in Uji in 646 by the Buddhist priest Doto consolidated the importance of the settlement.

When the capital was moved to Heian-kyō in 794 , the scenic Uji south of the new capital was a popular place to stay for the nobility. One of these noble villas from the Heian period , which passed into the possession of the regent Fujiwara no Michinaga , was finally dedicated as a temple by his son Fujiwara no Yorimichi , the Byōdō-in.

economy

In addition to its position as a trading center given by the river and bridge and strengthened by its proximity to the capital, Uji owes its economic importance to tea . Since the introduction of tea to Japan by the Zen priest Eisai in the 12th century, Uji has been a center for the production of outstanding teas. Even today, temples and chado houses get their tea from Uji. 100 grams of first-class teas (Tenju Premium) can cost up to 25,000 yen (220 euros , 2016).

The world-famous animation studio Kyōto Animation is based in the city.

traffic

• Street
  • National road 24
• train
  • JR Nara Line
  • Kintetsu Kyōto Line
  • Keihan Uji line

Neighboring cities and communities

• Kyoto Prefecture
  • Kyoto
  • Joyo
  • Kumiyama
  • Ujitawara
• Shiga prefecture
  • Ōtsu

Personalities

• Sōichirō Kōzuki (* 2000), football player

Web links

Commons : Uji  - album with pictures, videos and audio files

• Entry on the UNESCO World Heritage Center website ( English and French ).