To reach Uji from Tokyo, you can take the shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Kyoto. This journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 13,500 yen for a one-way ticket. From Kyoto, you can continue your trip on the JR Nara Line directly to Uji Station, which takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around 240 yen.

One of the most famous festivals in Uji is the Uji Tea Festival, held every October. This festival celebrates Uji's green tea tradition with various events, including tea ceremony demonstrations, tea exhibitions, and markets selling different tea products. Besides this, there are various seasonal and cultural festivals held throughout the year.

To participate in festivals in Uji, it is best to check the schedule and event details through Uji's tourism website or local tourist information centers. Many festivals do not require prior registration and are free to the public.

However, some special events, such as tea ceremony sessions, might require reservations and participation fees. Information is usually available in English at tourist information centers.

Admission fees for various tourist sites in Uji vary. For example, the entrance fee to Byodo-in Temple is about 600 yen for adults and 300 yen for children. Ujigami Shrine does not charge an entrance fee.

For museums like the Tale of Genji Museum, the entrance fee is around 500 yen. Additionally, there are several places that can be visited for free, such as enjoying the views along the Uji River.

Cuisine in Uji is heavily influenced by its green tea tradition. You can try various dishes that use matcha (green tea powder), such as matcha ice cream, matcha soba, and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets).

Besides matcha-based foods, Uji also has many restaurants serving classic Japanese cuisine like sushi, tempura, and udon. Cafes in Uji often offer a traditional ambiance with beautiful views, making the dining experience even more special.