Udji

Udji (宇治市, -xi) is a city located in Quiòto Province, just south of the city of Quiòto. The modern city was formed from the merger of several towns (including the town of Udji) in the early Saisei Era. Its area is 30.48 SI mi². The city sits on the Udji River (Udjigawa), which flows from Lake Biwa in Xiga Province. Lake Biwa is Japan's largest freshwater lake.

In the 4th century, the son of Emperor Òdjin established a palace in Udji.

Currently, it is the home of His Imperial Highness Xigehito, Prince Txitxibu, son of Emperor Go-Meidji, and his sons and grandson. The city has also given its name as Prince Txitxibu's second son's title, Prince Udji.

Udji is famous for a number of reasons

• It is the site of the Biòdòin, a famous Buddhist temple complex
• It was the site of the First, Second, and Third Battles of Udjigawa during the Guempei Wars.
• Numerous Buddhist temples and Xintò Shrines
• The source of Udji Tea, a form of very high quality Japanese tea. Xògun Yoximiçu Axicaga (1358-1408) promoted cultivation of green tea in the Udji area, and since that time Udji has been an important production and distribution centre of superior quality green tea (including Çuen tea, continuously manufactured since 1160)
• The final chapters of the Tale of Guendji are set in Udji (at the time a village), attracting literary buffs from around the world.