Uji is a pretty riverside town a short train journey from Kyoto. It is famous for green tea and for Byodo-in, the temple featured on the Japanese ten yen coin. In May wisteria blooms everywhere... wild wisteria growing rampant in the forest, and potted wisteria outside the shops in the tourist area. There is also a beautiful wisteria arbour in the grounds of Byodo-in.The Japanese word for wisteria is 'fuji'. At the same time the maple leaves are vibrant green and pink azaleas light up the shade. The weather is usually lovely in May, and if you are lucky you might even see some dragon boat racing. I highly recommend the matcha ice-cream!
Wisteria in Uji
Warm sunshine and pretty flowers on the Uji riverbank
