The Keihan Uji Line is operated by the private company Keihan Electric Railway between Chushojima Station (on the Keihan Main Line) and Uji Station. All trains on the Keihan Uji Line are local and so stop at all stations. However, as there are only 8 stations on this route, it only takes 15 minutes to reach the final stop.
A train bound for Uji
Traveling to Uji
Those wishing to visit Uji can take the Keihan Main Line as far as Chushojima Station and then transfer to the Keihan Uji Line. This forms an alternative route to the JR Nara Line for people wishing to visit Uji. As this is a private line it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass. However, many people prefer to use this line to visit Uji because Keihan Uji Station is more conveniently located than JR Uji Station for Uji’s main tourist sites. The fare from Chushojima Station to Uji Station is 270 yen.
Key Destinations on the Keihan Uji Line
Chushojima Station is the transfer point between the Kiehan Main Line and the Uji Line
Chushojima Station
At Chushojima you can transfer between the Keihan Uji Line and the Keihan Main Line. This station also gives access to the sake breweries and canals of the southern Fushimi area. Local attractions include the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum and the Teradaya Inn, a museum dedicated to the heroic 19th century samurai Ryoma Sakamoto.
Keihan Rokujizo Station
At Rokujizo you can transfer to the JR Nara Line and the Tozai Subway Line.
Keihan Obaku Station
Exit here to visit Mampukuji Temple. This temple belongs to the Chinese Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism and is famous for its Chinese style architecture and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. It is possible to take part in zazen meditation sessions here. There is also a JR Obaku station nearby where you can transfer to the JR Nara Line.
Mimurodo Station
Mimurotoji Temple is a 15-minute walk from this station. This temple, nicknamed “hana-dera” or “flower temple,” is very popular in the spring for its magnificent displays of azalea, rhododendron and hydrangea flowers.
Keihan Uji Station
This station offers the best access to the major sites of Uji. A small city on the outskirts of Kyoto, Uji is popular for its tea shops and temples, and most notably for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Byodoin Temple and Ujigami-jinja Shrine. Other attractions include the Tale of Genji Museum, dedicated to the world’s first novel and, in the summer months, there is cormorant fishing on the Uji River.
An image of heroic samurai Ryoma Sakamoto guards the waiting room at Chushojima Station
Useful Links
There is a wealth of information available online for travelers using the Keihan Railway. You can download a free route map of all the Keihan lines and stations from the official Keihan Railway site. Timetables, and station maps for the Keihan Uji Line are here, and an overview of fares is available here. Discount sightseeing passes for unlimited use on the Keihan Railway are also available and you can find out about those here.
Article and photos by Michael Lambe
