Uji, a small city south of Kyoto famous for its green tea and the Byodoin temple, serves as the real-world setting for the beloved school music anime Sound! Euphonium (響け！ユーフォニアム) produced by Kyoto Animation. The anime’s meticulous recreation of Uji’s streets, riverside, and the Uji Bridge area has made it a favourite destination for fans of KyoAni’s work.
Uji Bridge and Riverside
The Uji Bridge — Japan’s oldest bridge, with records dating to 646 AD — and the surrounding riverside are the heart of the Sound! Euphonium pilgrimage. The view downstream towards the mountains with the bridge and the Tachibana-shima island in the foreground closely matches scenes from the anime. The riverside promenade where the Kitauji High School band members walk is easily identified.
Byodoin Temple
Byodoin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the image on the 10-yen coin, is Uji’s defining attraction. The 11th-century Phoenix Hall reflected in its garden pond is one of Japan’s most beautiful architectural scenes. The temple features in several Sound! Euphonium episodes and provides a cultural anchor to the pilgrimage visit.
Uji Green Tea Culture
Uji is Japan’s most famous green tea producing region — the tea shops, matcha soft-serve stalls, and tea experience workshops along the main shopping street are essential stops. Combining anime pilgrimage with a matcha culture immersion makes Uji a genuinely rich half-day or full-day trip from Kyoto or Osaka.
Access
Uji is 18 minutes from Kyoto station on the JR Nara Line. The Kintetsu Kyoto Line also connects to Kintetsu Uji station. From Osaka, the journey takes about 45 minutes. All key pilgrimage sites are within walking distance of the station.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (cherry blossoms along the riverside) and autumn (maple foliage at Byodoin) are the most beautiful seasons. The Uji Tea Festival in October celebrates the harvest season with ceremonies and events.
