If you want a free view of Uji from above you have to go up to the observation deck. When I walked up no tourists were to be seen and the top was not crowded at all. Nice walk up - not too steep and nicely shaded in the summer. Great view.

+3

If you dont know what else to do in Uji, consider this short hike. The route up is relatively easy, but in winter you'd want to take off your outer layer for this one. The view up top is nice and worth the climb. Just a little sad that I can't reach the other observation deck from here.

+3

Not a bad climb to the top. Maybe takes 10-15 minute depending on your fitness level. The view is not bad and offers a different perspective of Uji from the top of its tallest mountain. I think the view would be better at evening or night 03/24/2026

+1

Nice short hike with a rewarding view at the top. The trail through the forest is peaceful and not too difficult, and the observation deck gives a great panoramic view over Uji and the river. It’s a quiet spot compared to the busier tourist areas nearby, so it’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

I visited around 5 pm. Watching the sun set at the top is nice. There aren’t much people here at the deck. The way up has a lot of jagged road and leaves so I do not recommend it for kids or older adults. The view at the top is really nice and at dusk time it’s breezy.