Rainy day in Kyoto | Day trips from Kyoto to Ohara & Uji | Coffee shops, Matcha and Shopping

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Explore rural Kyoto with day trips to Ohara and Uji, featuring quiet temples, matcha experiences, cozy cafes, and unique shopping back in downtown Kyoto.

2 plans · 26 places · 2 experiences

Plan · 4 places · Kyoto, Japan

Rainy Day Trip to Ohara Village

“We headed on a day trip to the rural village of Ohara, about an hour from Kyoto Station. It makes for a perfect half-day trip, even in the rain.”

1
Ippukujaya Teahouse
Traditional teahouse · Kyoto
4.5 (2,604)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
The first shop I found in Ohara to take shelter from the heavy rain. It's a cozy spot perfect for warming up with a hearty meal.
Ippodo Tea Kyoto Main Store, 52 Tokiwagicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0915, Japan
- Curry Udon — A comforting bowl of curry udon that was exactly what I needed to warm up on a cold, rainy day in Ohara.
Experience · 3 places
Explore Ohara's Temples and Gardens
half-day
Head north from Kyoto to the rural village of Ohara, about an hour from Kyoto Station. Despite the rain, the village has a traditional charm, especially known for its temples and gardens. Start with Sanzen-in, the most famous temple, and enjoy the lush green garden, sitting on the balcony with green tea and sweets. Then, take a quiet stroll to Shōrin-in, a peaceful, lesser-known temple. Finally, visit Hosen-in to admire its 700-year-old garden and enjoy complimentary matcha and sweets while looking out at the view. Make sure to check the bus timetable as it only comes every hour.
2
Sanzen-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.5 (7,968)Closed · opens tomorrow 9 AM
Creator's voice
The most famous temple in Ohara, known for its beautiful gardens. It's a popular autumn spot, but I loved the lush green atmosphere during summer. You can sit on the balcony and enjoy green tea and sweets. The main Shinden Hall, built in 986, holds Buddhist statuary. The garden is covered in moss with small jizō statues. There are also 1,000 hydrangeas planted, which were just starting to bloom during my visit. Free cup of tea if you visit the teahouse at the end of the walk.
Sanzen-in Temple, 540 Ohararaikoincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1242, Japan
Balcony view with green tea and sweets — You can sit out on the balcony and enjoy some green tea and sweets while taking in the beautiful garden view. It's a serene experience, especially on a rainy day.
Moss garden with Jizō statues — The garden is covered in lush green moss, and you can find small, charming jizō statues scattered around, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
3
Shōrin-in Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.2 (2,276)Open · until 4 PM
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A lesser-known but peaceful temple just down the path from Sanzen-in. It's said to have been a center for music and Buddhist chanting, and now offers a quiet escape with no crowds or noise.
Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1241
4
Hosen-in
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (1,178)Closed · opens Wednesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
A temple featuring a 700-year-old garden and a main hall with a large pine tree shaped to resemble Mt. Ōmi-Fuji. Entry includes complimentary matcha and sweets, making it a perfect place to spend a rainy day. The open breeze made it refreshing even in summer.
Hosen-in, 187 Oharashorinincho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1241, Japan
Garden view with complimentary matcha and sweets — The entry fee includes complimentary matcha and sweets, which you can enjoy while looking out at the stunning 700-year-old garden. It's the best place to spend a rainy day, with a refreshing open breeze. The sweet was a red bean mochi.

Plan · 7 places · Kyoto, Japan

Uji Matcha Day Trip

“Today we're going on a little day trip to Uji, most famous for its matcha and historic temples. I wanted to check out some new places since I visited last year.”

5
OUTSTANDING COFFEE ROASTER
Coffee shop · Uji
4.7 (103)Open · until 5 PM
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A small local cafe in Uji specializing in coffee, but I opted for matcha given Uji's fame. The cafe also features a DJ booth playing pleasant background music.
Japan, 〒611-0021 Kyoto, Uji, Myoraku−89-1 OUTSTANDING COFFEE ROASTER
- Matcha — The matcha here was incredibly vibrant green, with a strong and slightly sweet flavor. A great choice when in Uji, even at a coffee-focused cafe.
Experience · 1 place
Matcha Making Workshop in Uji
Book a matcha making workshop in advance through their website. Upon entering, they'll guide you through the process of making matcha and teach you about how it's harvested. You'll spend about 10 minutes grinding the matcha leaves – the slower you grind, the less bitter it is. After grinding, you get to enjoy the matcha you made with some sweets, and they'll teach you how to properly whisk it. The matcha I made wasn't bitter at all, but a lot lighter than store-bought ones. The hojicha yokan served with it was also delicious.
6
Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory)
Tea store · Uji
4.2Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
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A tea factory where you can book a matcha making workshop. You need to book in advance through their website. They guide you through the process of making matcha and teach you about harvesting.
Fukujuen Uji (Uji Tea Factory), Yamada-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
7
Nakamura Tokichi Honten (Main Store)
Traditional teahouse · Uji
4.4Open · until 5:30 PM
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A very popular shop famous for its matcha meals and desserts. I recommend adding your name to the waiting list before exploring Uji. The restaurant is connected to a tea shop selling sweets and teas.
Nakamura Tokichi Main Branch, Ichiban-10 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
- Matcha Soba with Usucha Oil — The soba came with an interesting usucha oil and was topped with tea leaves, which added a nice crisp and nutty flavor. A unique and delicious matcha meal.
8
HORII SHICHIMEIEN
Tea store · Uji
4.5 (224)Closed · opens Monday 10 AM
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A shop where I found some matcha stock, which can be limited. You can only buy one per person due to high demand.
HORII SHICHIMEIEN, Myoraku-84 Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
9
Byodo-in Omotesando
Tourist attraction · Uji
4.5 (306)
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The main shopping street in Uji, selling everything from ceramics to matcha souvenirs and fresh tea leaves.
Byodo-in Omotesando, Renge Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
- Matcha Ice Cream — A delicious matcha ice cream where the bitter matcha powder pairs perfectly with the sweet ice cream. A great treat while exploring the shopping street.
10
Uji Station
Train station · Uji
4.3 (3,863)
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The Keihan line Uji Station, designed by Hiroyuki Wakabayashi in 1995. It features a cool, futuristic design with overlapping circular geometry, making it one of the best-designed stations in the region and worth a visit for architecture enthusiasts.
Uji Station, Otsukata Uji, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
11
Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant
Tea store · Uji
4.2 (272)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
Creator's voice
Probably the most popular matcha chain, and often hard to find stock. This main store seemed to have a lot of stock, but still had a one-per-person limit.
Marukyu Koyamaen Main Plant, Terauchi-86 Oguracho, Uji, Kyoto 611-0042, Japan

Also in this video

12
LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA
Perfume store · Kyoto
3.8 (733)Closed · opens tomorrow 10 AM
Creator's voice
A Le Labo perfumery housed in a traditional Machiya house, surrounded by a Japanese garden. The real draw is the hidden cafe at the back of the store, which was surprisingly empty and serves excellent coffee and matcha options.
LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA, 2丁目-206番地 Shimokorikicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8016, Japan
- Coffee — I was genuinely surprised by how good the coffee was here; I'd come back just for it. They also have a cute print of the shop on the cup.
13
Chuka-Soba Rantan
Ramen restaurant · Kyoto
4.8Open · until 3 PM
Creator's voice
A popular ramen shop known for its chicken broth ramen. I tried their seasonal truffle butter ramen, which was rich but balanced by lemon. The meat was also very tender.
Chuka-Soba Rantan, 遊里香ビル 1階 528 Kamiosakacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8001, Japan
- Seasonal Truffle Butter Ramen — This seasonal truffle butter ramen was quite rich, but the lemon cut through it perfectly. The meat was incredibly tender, making it a delicious and comforting meal on a rainy day.
14
Uji River
River · Uji River
4.6 (879)
Creator's voice
The Uji River runs through the town, with picturesque bridges and paths on either side. The red Asagiri-bashi bridge is one of Uji's most scenic spots, offering views of the distant mountains.
Uji River, Japan
15
Cafe Bibliotic Hello!
Cafe · Kyoto
4.2Closed · opens Thursday 11:30 AM
Creator's voice
One of my favorite cafes in Kyoto, open until 11 PM, making it suitable for dinner. It has a cozy, warm atmosphere, surrounded by books and good music. Both the coffee and food are consistently great.
Cafe Bibliotic Hello!, 650 Seimeicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0951, Japan
16
7T+
Tea store · Kyoto
4.8Open · until 7 PM
Creator's voice
A tea specialty store with a wide range of teas to try. I went for a matcha latte here.
Japan, 〒600-8052 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shioyacho, 73番地1 7T+
- Tsuyuhikari Matcha Latte — I chose the Tsuyuhikari matcha, which is known for its mellow flavors. This was honestly the best matcha I had on the entire trip.
17
APFR KYOTO
Flavours fragrances and aroma supplier · Kyoto
4.7Open · until 7 PM
Creator's voice
A fragrance store I visited before and returned to for more scents. You can select scents and get them in various forms like room sprays, candles, incense, or aroma oils.
Japan, 〒604-0933 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, APFR KYOTO 二条通御幸町東入山本町439-1
- Endless Summer & Sailing room sprays — I ended up getting the 'Endless Summer' and 'Sailing' scents, which I really liked from my previous visit.
18
Gyoja-bashi Bridge
Bridge · Kyoto
4.4Closed
Creator's voice
A stone bridge dating back to 1907, located a short walk from the city center. The river is lined with willow trees, and the bridge itself is only 66cm wide, allowing only one person to cross at a time. It feels like stepping back in time, even though it's in the city.
Gyoja-bashi Bridge, Inaricho Kitagumi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0062, Japan
19
WEEKENDERS COFFEE TOMINOKOJI
Coffee roastery · Kyoto
4.4 (309)Closed · opens tomorrow 8 AM
Creator's voice
One of my favorite cafes from a previous trip. If you like dark and strong coffee, you'll enjoy this one. However, there isn't much of a sitting area if you want to sit down and enjoy your coffee.
WEEKENDERS COFFEE ROASTERY, 682-7 Ishifudonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8047, Japan
20
ケパサ QUÉ PASA downtown
メキシコ料理店 · Kyoto
4.7 (2,252)Open · until 10 PM
Creator's voice
A place to grab a burrito when you need a break from Japanese food. Even though it looks small, it's quite hearty.
ケパサ QUÉ PASA downtown, 142 Ainocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8071, Japan
- Burrito — A hearty burrito that was a welcome change from Japanese cuisine. It looks small but is surprisingly filling.
21
Pro Antiques 古夢
古董店 · Kyoto
4.5 (234)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
An antique ceramics and pottery store with a super impressive selection of antiques. If you're interested in Japanese antique ceramics, it's definitely worth a visit. The whole area has many cute ceramics stores.
Japan, 〒604-8183 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Higashikatamachi, 616 Pro Antiques 古夢
- Ceramic pieces · ¥1100 — They had many cute ceramic pieces, some priced at only ¥1,100 (about $7-8 USD).
22
D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO
Gift shop · Kyoto
4.3 (1,263)Open · until 6 PM
Creator's voice
One of my favorite select stores, focusing on "Long-Life Design" crafts and sustainable products. Each location has a unique collection; this one, located inside a temple, also had singing bowls and prayer beads. It's a nice place to stop by on a rainy day and also has a connecting restaurant and tea shop.
Japan, 〒600-8084 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shinkaicho, 397 D&DEPARTMENT KYOTO, 本山佛光寺内
23
Nuunu Kyoto
Art gallery · Kyoto
4.6Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A shop selling artwork by local artists, often rough sketches or drafts, which means you can find them at really affordable prices. They also had postcards and ceramics, making for unique souvenirs.
Nuunu Kyoto, 京都高島S.C 4階 2丁目-35 Otabicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8002, Japan
24
SOU・SOU hotei
かばん店 · Kyoto
4.0 (361)Open · until 8 PM
Creator's voice
A shop with many cute tote bags, featuring lovely patterns and colors.
SOU・SOU hotei, 569-10 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8042, Japan
- Tote bags — I loved the patterns and colors of the tote bags here. They always have cute and seasonal items, and the prices are quite affordable.
25
Three Star Kyoto
Kyoto
Creator's voice
Probably the biggest vintage store in Kyoto, with a huge and well-organized selection of clothes. There's definitely something for everyone here.
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26
DEN ON THE TABLE
General store · Kyoto
3.8 (49)Open · until 7 PM
Creator's voice
A store I always like to check out for its cute and seasonal items, which are also quite affordable.
DEN ON THE TABLE, 537-1 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8046, Japan

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