Uji

Kyoto is the "Old Capital" of Japan. Basically it was the capital until the opening of Japan in the mid nineteenth century. Until that time, the royal family and all the various diplomats and politicians were based in Kyoto. As a result, Kyoto has always considered itself the cultural centre of Japan and felt itself to be more sophisticated that Tokyo.

About twenty kms from Kyoto, set on Ujigawa River is the small town of Uji. In the past, Uji has been something of a retreat for the wealthy citizens of Kyoto to make their escape. A slower pace for the heavy hitters of the 18th century if you will.

We stayed in a ryokan (traditional Inn) called Hanayashiki Ukifune. The pictures below show the inn from the outside, our rooms and the view from our rooms. The view of the bridge over Ukigawa was literally a "point and shoot" picture taken on our arrival.