Discover the Wonders of Green Tea in Uji
This little town south of Kyoto is known for the quality of its green tea and is considered the capital of matcha.
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In Uji, a small town nestled in the heart of the mountains and forests, green tea delights passing visitors and locals alike. The former come to discover the culture behind these plants, the traditional tea ceremonies and the production process, while the latter share their expertise and heritage. In the small streets lined with traditional houses, vendors sell green tea-related products, from matcha ice cream to kits for making the tea at home. However, Uji has also started producing black tea, which is still a rarity in Japan.
It’s not just the tea that makes it worth a visit. Uji is home to a gem that is famous across the country, Byōdō-in temple, which was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and appears on the 10-yen coin. Inhabited by monks and less visited than its larger counterpart, Koshoji temple is also open to the public.
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