The Uji Tea Festival 2026｜10/4(Sun) Access & Fees

Why You Should Visit

Held on the first Sunday of October, this Uji festival honours the founding figures of Japanese tea and prays for the future of Uji tea. The morning opens with water drawn from the Uji River at the "San-no-ma" alcove of Uji Bridge, followed at Koshoji Temple by the ceremonial opening of the tea jar, a tea offering and a memorial for worn-out tea whisks. Tea and light-meal stalls are set up on the river islands, and Tachibana Island hosts a tea-tasting contest. A good half-day walk that combines temple ritual with a cup of Uji tea by the river.

Programs

Timetable & Map

Essentials

location

Uji Bridge to Koshoji Temple and the river islands

period

October 4, 2026 (Sun)

Time

9:00〜15:00頃

cost

Watching the ceremonies is open to all. Tea and light-meal seats are ticketed (typical pricing: set ticket 5,000 yen in advance / 5,500 yen on the day; single tickets 500–1,500 yen)

Links

Official Website

Kobe · Gluten-free

Basque cheesecakeBaked with rice flour, no wheat. Whole 12cm, serves 2-3¥4,700 incl. shipping (Japan only)

access

10 minutes on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line), or 15 minutes from JR Uji Station (Nara Line)

There are 2 public restrooms within a 8-minute walk of Uji Bridge to Koshoji Temple and the river islands. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

NOTE

At the venue

Tea and light-meal seats around the river islands
Tea-tasting contest on Tachibana Island
Watching the ceremonies

*For tickets and tea seat details, contact the Uji Tea Festival support association at the Uji Chamber of Commerce

FAQ

Can anyone watch the ceremonies?

Yes, the ceremonies at Uji Bridge and Koshoji can be watched. Tea and light-meal seats require paid tickets.

What time should I arrive?

To see every ritual, be at Uji Bridge for the 9:00 water drawing; the tea jar opening at Koshoji starts at 10:00. Tea seats run until about 15:00.

Calendar

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