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Shrine · Uji, Kyoto
Ujigami Shrine
Small shrine on the east bank of the Uji River, with the oldest preserved Shinto shrine building in Japan; World Heritage site.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Ujigami Shrine in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine (Ujigami Jinja) stands on the east bank of the Uji River, a few minutes’ walk from Byodo-in across the water. It is a small, tranquil shrine but part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing as one of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto because it preserves the oldest known Shinto shrine building in Japan.
The main hall, the honden, was built at the end of the Heian period in the 11th century and is classified as a National Treasure. It shelters three small sanctuaries under a single hinoki-cypress bark roof. The date was confirmed by studies of the timber. The worship hall, the haiden, is also a National Treasure and shows the residential-style architecture of the Kamakura period.
The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Ojin and two of his sons. The sand cones in the courtyard, frequently remade, serve to purify the ground, and there is a spring, the Kirihara-sui, the only one remaining of Uji’s seven famous springs used for tea.
Near the shrine is the Tale of Genji Museum, dedicated to the court novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, whose final chapters take place in Uji. The return route can follow the riverbank and isles, with views of Uji Bridge.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 20–30 minutes for the shrine; about 1 hour including the Genji Monogatari Museum.
Best time
In the morning or late afternoon, when the river and islands are calmer. In autumn, the trees around change color in November. The shrine closes in the late afternoon: check the opening hours.
How to get there
From Keihan-Uji Station it’s about a 10-minute walk. From Byōdō-in, cross the bridges to Tachibana Island and Tonoshima Island and walk up the shrine street, about 10 minutes.
Tip
Visit after Byōdō-in, crossing the river via the islands, and return along the bank to Uji Bridge, where the statue of Murasaki Shikibu stands. It’s a nice contrast: the temple full of details and the shrine simple, with dark wood.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ujigami Shrine
Why is Ujigami Shrine a World Heritage Site?
Because the main hall, from the 11th century, is the oldest preserved Shinto shrine building in Japan. It is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.
Is there an entrance fee for Ujigami Shrine?
There is no charge to enter the shrine.
How do I go from Byōdō-in to Ujigami Shrine?
On foot, crossing the Uji River via the island bridges, in about 10 minutes.
What is the Genji Monogatari Museum?
It is a museum near the shrine dedicated to the novel written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, whose final chapters are set in Uji.
How much time should I allow for Ujigami Shrine?
About 20–30 minutes. With the Genji Monogatari Museum, about 1 hour.
Beyond the guide
