Kibune in Spring & Uji City

Hello,

1. Kibune
We'd like to visit Kibune in spring (around mid April).
However, here is what i read:

From June to September, Kibune's restaurants build covered platforms out over the river where visitors can enjoy a meal as the water flows beneath them.

Does it mean when we visit there in April, we won't be able to enjoy kawadoko at all?
If so, will it be worthy to go all the way to Kibune & Kurama just to enjoy the town or we better spend our time in central Kyoto?

2. Uji City
I read a friend's blog, said that her favorite place among her trip to Japan is Uji City
However, i couldn't find much informations about Uji here (about how to get there, what to do in Uji, etc).
So far i just know that it's located between Kyoto-Nara & very famous with its Uji Tea.
Does anyone have any idea or advice about what to do in Uji city aside from shrines, temples or museums?

Thank you very much in advance :D

Does it mean when we visit there in April, we won't be able to enjoy kawadoko at all?

Yes, it would be way too cold. Kawadoko is a summer activity.

If so, will it be worthy to go all the way to Kibune & Kurama just to enjoy the town or we better spend our time in central Kyoto?

Kibune and Kurama are worth a trip at any time of the year if its permanent attractions (shrines, temples, mountains, hiking, onsen) interest you.

Does anyone have any idea or advice about what to do in Uji city aside from shrines, temples or museums?

Uji is one of the most famous place for tea in Japan. You can try the local tea in a tea house:
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/visitkyoto/en/theme/activities/cultural/cultu...

Byodoin Temple, Uji's main attraction, unfortunately is currently being renovated and not as nice as usual.

You can also stroll along the Uji River, which is nice. During summer evenings, ukai fishing is held there:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2426.html

@ Uji-san:

Thank you for the swift reply, Uji-san.
Considering Uji City is located between Kyoto & Nara, i think the best time to visit Uji is by combining it with our Nara daytrip, i suppose? :)

Will your trip extend to early May!? Kawadoko in Kibune can be enjoyed as early as May 1 each year.
http://www.hirobun.co.jp/menu/summer.html

As for Uji consider skipping it as its major site the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin is under scaffolding till 2014. Try to devote the whole day for a more leisurely tour of Nara as a daytrip from Kyoto.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3923.html