The Tale of Genji Museum, Uji City

In short

A museum in Uji City where you can enjoy learning about The Tale of Genji and the culture of the Heian period. It presents, in an easy-to-understand way, the world of the "Uji Chapters," the final ten chapters of the tale, which are mainly set in Uji. In the paid exhibition zone, a full-scale ox carriage (gissha), a model of Rokujo-in, the residence of Hikaru Genji, and other items are on display.

• ​Heian Room​​: Introduces the story of Hikaru Genji and the aristocratic life and culture depicted in the tale through video and interactive exhibits
• ​Uji Room and Video Exhibition Room​​: Sound and lighting effects present the synopsis of the Uji Chapters, and original short films in different styles, using puppet theater, live action, and animation, explore the Uji Chapters and the birth of The Tale of Genji
• ​Story Room​​: You can try "Moving Tale of Genji," where you learn by moving your body and hands, and Genjiko, one of the representative incense-combining games (kumiko)

History and Highlights

​The Tale of Genji Museum, Uji City​ is a museum in Uji where visitors can enjoy learning about The Tale of Genji and the culture of the Heian period. Because the final ten chapters of The Tale of Genji are mainly set in Uji, they are known as the "Uji Chapters," and the museum presents that world in an easy-to-understand manner.

Marking its 20th anniversary, the museum reopened after a renovation in 2018. In the paid exhibition zone, full-scale replicas of an ox carriage (gissha) and furnishings are displayed, along with a model of Hikaru Genji's Rokujo-in residence. The facility also features hands-on exhibits unique to this museum, such as a kaimami (peeking through screens) experience created through lighting effects and participatory exhibits enjoyed by moving one's body.

The free information zone also features sections for getting acquainted with The Tale of Genji, and the building includes a special exhibition room, a library, a cafe, and a shop. Lectures about The Tale of Genji, the Heian period, and Heian aristocrats are also held.

Key Sights and Experiences

• ​Heian Room​​: Introduces the story of Hikaru Genji and the aristocratic life and culture depicted in the tale through video and interactive exhibits.
• ​Uji Room and Video Exhibition Room​​: In the Uji Room, sound and lighting effects are used to present the synopsis of the Uji Chapters in an evocative manner. In the Video Exhibition Room, original short films with varied staging—puppet theater, live action, and animation—explore the Uji Chapters and the birth of The Tale of Genji.
• ​Story Room​​: Visitors can experience interactive learning such as "Moving Tale of Genji," where they learn about The Tale of Genji by moving their hands and bodies, as well as Genjiko, one of the representative incense-combining games (kumiko) thought to have been established in the early Edo period.

Walking Tips

It is about an 8-minute walk from Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line, and about a 15-minute walk from Uji Station on the JR Nara Line. It is also an easy destination to combine with a walking route around Ujigami-jinja Shrine, Uji-jinja Shrine, and Kosho-ji Temple. Enjoy walking through the town of Uji, the setting for the Uji Chapters, together with Uji Bridge and Byodo-in Temple.