Ujigami Shrine in Kyoto: Highlights and Personal Photos with Insights into Japan’s Oldest Shrine

2024-09-182024-09-20

Ujigami Shrine was built in 1060, and its main hall is the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site.

This article will share the highlights of Ujigami Shrine, along with some personal photographs.

Getting to Ujigami Shrine from Kyoto Station

The most convenient way to reach Ujigami Shrine from Kyoto Station is by train.

STEP

Take the JR Nara Line train bound for Uji at Kyoto Station.

The JR Nara Line bound for Uji is located on platform 8,9,and 10.

STEP

Disembark at JR Uji Station.

It takes about 16 minutes from Kyoto Station.

STEP

From the station, walk about 1.3 km, which takes about 18 minutes.

After exitting the ticket gate, turn left and exit the station from the south gate.

There are signs throughout the town indicating the direction to Byodo-in Temple and Ujigami Shrine, so it’s easy to find your way.

On the way to Ujigami Shrine, I crossed Uji Bridge. This historic bridge is said to have been built in 646 AD and is considered one of Japan’s three ancient bridges.

On a sunny day, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery while crossing its 155.4-meter length. In the background of the photo, you can see Asagiri Bridge. After visiting Byodo-in Temple on the same day, I went to Ujigami Shrine. I later realized that if you’re walking from Byodoin, it might be quicker to cross Asagiri Bridge rather than Uji Bridge.

Highlights of Ujigami Shrine

Here’s the entrance to Ujigami Shrine. It is said to have been built around the same time as Byodo-in Temple and was constructed as a guardian deity for Byodo-in Temple.

Unlike the bustling Byodoin, the grounds of Ujigami Shrine have a tranquil and solemn atmosphere.

This is the entrance to the main hall and worship hall, surrounded by greenery, creating a lovely atmosphere.

As you pass through the torii gate, the first thing you’ll see is the National Treasure, the “Haiden hall” (worship hall). Although not as old as the main hall, the Haiden hall was built around 1215 and has preserved its appearance for about 800 years.

In front of the Haiden hall is a conical mound of sand known as “Kiyomesuna,” which is meant to ward off evil spirits.

Next to the Haiden hall is a splendid water purification pavilion, where visitors traditionally cleanse their hands before worshiping at Japanese shrines. Uji is famous for its tea, and during the Muromachi period (1336 – 1573 AD), seven renowned tea gardens were established, leading to the creation of “Uji Seven Famous Waters.” Among them, “Kirihara Water” in Ujigami Shrine is the only one that still flows today.

Beside the purification pavilion, there is a sacred tree, a “keyaki” (zelkova), over 330 years old.

If you go around to the back of the Haiden hall, you can’t go inside, but you can peek at the interior, which has a refined Heian period (794-1185 AD) atmosphere with lattice doors.

Interestingly, Ujigami Shrine is popular for weddings, attracting many couples from Europe, America, and Asia who wish to marry here. A wedding in such a historic setting must be a truly wonderful experience.

The “Honden hall” (main hall) is located behind the Haiden hall. Although there are no historical records, scientific dendrochronology has confirmed that it was built in 1060. It has survived for about 1000 years without burning down or decaying, making it a valuable and captivating National Treasure that continues to enchant many visitors.

Information of Ujigami Shrine

Web Site	Official web site (Japanese only)
Opening hours	9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Phone number	+81-77-421-4634

Please check the official website for the latest information.