This is a 2-day, 1-night recommended itinerary for sightseeing in Ukiha City. We’ve carefully curated spots especially for those looking to relax and unwind. Take a step back from your daily routine and enjoy the gentle pace of life in Ukiha City.
Day 1
The first day begins at Ukiha Station. Start by refreshing your spirit at Ukiha Inari Shrine, followed by a nature-filled lunch at River Wild. Next, take a leisurely stroll through the town’s picturesque white-walled streets, stopping by delightful spots such as Shigatsu No Sakana, MINOUBOOKS, Okashidokoro Hitaya Fukutomi, and Kawasemi Danish. In the evening, unwind at Minamo, a unique inn made up of restored old private houses, for a peaceful and relaxing stay.
10:00am Ukiha Station
Your journey in Ukiha City begins at Ukiha Station, a charming spot with a nostalgic, retro atmosphere that sets the tone for your trip. Surrounding the station, you’ll find a variety of shops and cafes offering local specialties, giving you an immediate taste of Ukiha City’s unique charm as soon as you arrive.
10:30am Ukiha Inari Shrine
Just a 5-minute drive from Ukiha Station lies the Ukiha Inari Shrine, renowned for its stunning approach adorned with vibrant red torii gates. As you walk along this path, you’ll feel a sense of tranquility in the shrine’s sacred atmosphere. Surrounded by lush nature, the shrine offers picturesque views that change with the seasons. Spring, in particular, is a highlight, with cherry blossoms in full bloom, making it a perfect spot for capturing beautiful photos.
11:30am River Wild
About a 15-minute drive from Ukiha Inari Shrine, River Wild is a charming café offering dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in ham, sausages, and hot dogs, the café processes meat from pigs raised on-site into high-quality ham, sausage, and bacon, which are also available for purchase. Here, you can savor their signature hot dog, crafted with pride from their handmade meats. Relax on the riverside terrace, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature, and enjoy a delicious meal while immersing yourself in Ukiha City’s natural beauty.
1:00pm White Walled Town
After lunch at River Wild, take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque, white-walled streets (white walled), where historical buildings from the Edo period create a timeless atmosphere. Begin by exploring local specialties and crafts at Shigatsu No Sakana then take your time browsing and selecting a book at MINOUBOOKS. If you’re craving something sweet, savor traditional Japanese treats at Okashidokoro Hitaya Fukutomi, followed by a delicious Danish pastry at Kawasemi Danish. Enjoy the harmonious blend of history and modern charm in this delightful area.
Shigatsu No Sakana (April’s Fish)
As you walk along the white-walled streets, the first place that will most likely catch your eye is Shigatsu No Sakana (April’s Fish). This charming store doubles as the atelier and gallery of wire art artist Masao Seki, offering something new to discover with each visit. The space is filled with wire art and other creations by both Japanese and international artists, each piece exuding warmth and creativity. Take your time to explore and enjoy the joy of finding a one-of-a-kind item that can only be found here.
MINOUBOOKS
Tucked away in the tranquil, white-walled townscape, MINOUBOOKS offers a serene escape under the theme of a bookstore for daily life. The store features not only a selection of books but also a cozy café and locally sourced goods. Its peaceful atmosphere invites visitors to enjoy a relaxed time browsing through books at their own pace. Regular book clubs and talk events are also held, providing a wonderful opportunity to connect with the local community. Be sure to stop by and experience this charming spot for both reading and socializing.
Okashidokoro Hitaya Fukutomi
After enriching your experience at MINOUBOOKS, head over to Okashidokoro Hitaya Fukutomi for a sweet treat. This long-established Japanese confectionery is known for its handmade wagashi, crafted from carefully selected ingredients. One of its standout offerings is the Kuzu Yokan, a dish featured in various media for its smooth, velvety texture and the perfect balance of kuzu and homemade sweet bean paste. Enjoy this delicacy alongside a calming cup of tea in the store’s peaceful, traditional Japanese-style setting—an ideal spot to relax and recharge during your journey.
wagashi: Traditional Japanese sweets that often resemble nature. (flowers, leaves) Most are made with bean paste, flour, and sugar
kuzu: starch derived from the roots of the kuzu plant, used in Japanese cuisine for thickening soups, sauces, and making desserts.
Kawasemi Danish
After savoring the Japanese sweets at Okashidokoro Hitaya Fukutomi, take a short walk to Kawasemi Danish, a bakery renowned for its Danish pastries made with fresh, local ingredients. The highlight is the Danish filled with seasonal fruits, which not only looks beautiful but also offers an exceptional taste. The bright and airy bakery features an attached café space, allowing you to enjoy the freshly baked Danish on-site. It’s the perfect place to take a break, relax, and indulge both your body and soul with delicious pastries after a day of exploration.
4:30pm Dispersed Old House Inn Minamo
After enjoying a relaxing time in the white-walled streets, head to Minamo, a dispersed old private house inn, to immerse yourself further in the charm of Ukiha City. This inn is housed in renovated traditional private homes, offering a peaceful, Japanese-style atmosphere. Each building is independent, making it an ideal choice for those seeking privacy and solitude. Surrounded by serene nature, the quiet environment provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing you to unwind and rejuvenate. For dinner, indulge in dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and savor the rich flavors of Ukiha City.
Day 2
The second day begins with a refreshing forest therapy session, immersing you in nature for a peaceful start. At noon, enjoy a delicious bowl of soba noodles at Authentic Juwari Soba Kifune, a perfect meal to fuel your day. Next, visit Michino Eki Ukiha to browse local specialties and find unique souvenirs. Afterwards, take a break at KIRITO COFFEE ROASTERS – Kirito Coffee Baisenjyo, where you can savor their signature home-roasted coffee. To wrap up your 2 day journey in Ukiha City, stop by Wagashi Budouya to purchase some delectable Japanese sweets as a sweet finale to your trip.
9:30am Forest Therapy
The second day begins with a refreshing forest therapy experience to reconnect with nature. At 9:30 a.m., meet your guide for a walk through the forest, where you can breathe in the fresh air and enjoy a moment of relaxation for both the body and the mind. The peaceful atmosphere of the forest, along with its beautiful scenery, will help you leave behind the stresses of daily life.
1:00pm Authentic Juwari Soba Kifune
After your refreshing forest therapy session, head to Authentic Juwari Soba Kifune to satisfy your hunger. Here, you can enjoy aromatic juwari soba, made from freshly ground buckwheat flour. The simple yet rich flavor of the soba is sure to ease any travel fatigue you may have. Relax and savor the taste of Ukiha City in the cozy and tasteful atmosphere of the restaurant.
2:00pm Michino Eki Ukiha
After satisfying your appetite, head to Michino Eki Ukiha (Roadside Station), where you’ll find a diverse selection of fresh local produce and specialties. Each visit brings new seasonal fruits and vegetables to discover. The station also features a variety of local handicrafts and souvenirs, making it the perfect place to pick up a memento of your trip. Take a leisurely stroll through this spacious facility and rediscover the unique charm of Ukiha City.
3:00pm KIRITO COFFEE ROASTERS
Once you’ve finished shopping at the roadside station, take a break at KIRITO COFFEE ROASTERS. This café specializes in deep roasting, offering a full-bodied, glossy roast with a rich bitterness and lingering aftertaste. The shop’s cozy, relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind. Enjoy a cup crafted with the owner’s expertise and fully appreciate the flavors on offer.
4:00pm Japanese Sweets Budouya
Following your relaxing time at KIRITO COFFEE ROASTERS, make your way to the renowned Japanese confectionery shop, Budouya. Budouya takes pride in its wagashi, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal wagashi, in particular, are a must-try—each bite offering a gentle sweetness that melts in your mouth.
The store’s interior exudes a traditional Japanese-style charm, creating a quiet and serene atmosphere. Why not spend the final moments of your trip here, relaxing and savoring the delicious wagashi?
5:00pm Ukiha Station
Having enjoyed a moment at the Japanese confectionery Budouya, make your way back to Ukiha Station for a peaceful stroll around the area to close out your two-day trip. Ukiha Station is not only an integral part of local life but also a charming destination for visitors. With the memories of your time in the city, take one last walk before continuing on to your next adventure.
