- Introduction
- Overview of Ujigami Shrine
- History of Ujigami Shrine
- 1. Ancient Period (4th-5th Century): Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko and the Divine Presence in Uji
- 2. Heian Period (10th-12th Century): Patronage of the Fujiwara Regents and Construction of the Oldest Surviving Shrine Buildings
- 3. Kamakura to Muromachi Period: The Shrine’s Survival Under Warrior Rule and Construction of the Worship Hall
- 4. Edo to Meiji Period: Separation from Uji Shrine and the Wave of Shrine Reform
- 5. Modern Era: World Heritage Registration and Reappraisal as Japan’s Oldest Architecture
- Highlights & Recommended Spots
- Main Hall (National Treasure): Secrets of Japan’s Oldest Shrine Building
- Worship Hall (National Treasure): A Masterpiece of Shrine Architecture with Shinden-zukuri Design
- Kirihara Spring Water and the Sacred Garden
- Uji Shrine and Uji Bridge: Access from the Opposite Bank and Uji’s Historic Landscape
- The Four Seasons at Ujigami Shrine
- Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Access
Introduction
Nestled quietly among deep groves of trees along the Uji River in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Ujigami Shrine is a mysterious small shrine known worldwide as the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. Cross the Uji River from the bustling Byodoin Phoenix Hall, walk along the tranquil approach path, and through a dense forest of evergreen trees, the main hall emerges — a structure that has borne witness to over a thousand years of history. In that moment, a stillness descends as if time itself has stopped. This is the first impression of Ujigami Shrine.
The main hall (honden) of Ujigami Shrine is believed to have been constructed in the late Heian period (late 11th century) and is designated as a National Treasure as the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. This wooden structure, having endured nearly 1,000 years while retaining its form, holds a special place in the history of Japanese architecture. The worship hall (haiden) also dates from the late Heian to early Kamakura period (late 12th to early 13th century) and is likewise designated as a National Treasure. This small shrine, housing two National Treasure buildings, is registered in its entirety as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto,” making it unparalleled in Japan in terms of its density of cultural properties.
Overview of Ujigami Shrine
Ujigami Shrine is located at 59 Ujiyamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. It is a Shikinaisha (a prestigious shrine listed in the Engishiki Jimmyocho). Its official name is simply “Ujigami Jinja.” Across the Uji River on the opposite bank stands Uji Shrine, and the two shrines are believed to have originally formed a single shrine known as “Uji Rikyu Myojin.”
| Official Name | Ujigami Shrine |
|---|---|
| Address | 59 Ujiyamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Principal Deities | Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku |
| Shrine Rank | Shikinaisha / Former Prefectural Shrine |
| Founded | Unknown (traditionally: Emperor Ojin era to Heian period) |
| Main Hall Built | Late Heian period (late 11th century) |
| Worship Hall Built | Late Heian to early Kamakura period (12th-13th century) |
| Visiting Hours | 9:00 – 16:30 |
| Admission | Free |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Phone | 0774-21-4634 |
*Please check the official Ujigami Shrine website for the latest visiting hours.
The most distinctive feature of Ujigami Shrine is its exceptional value as a cultural property. The main hall (National Treasure) was built in the late Heian period and is considered the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. The worship hall (National Treasure) dates from the late Heian to early Kamakura period and is likewise an extremely precious historic structure. Although the shrine grounds cover only about 1,800 square meters, the cultural density of containing two National Treasure buildings is unmatched among Japanese shrines.
In 1994, Ujigami Shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as one of the 17 properties constituting the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” Byodoin Temple, also registered as a World Heritage Site, is located on the opposite bank of the Uji River, making Uji a notable “cluster of World Heritage Sites.” Within the shrine grounds, there is a natural spring called “Kirihara no Mizu,” one of the Seven Famous Waters of Uji, which still flows with crystal-clear water to this day.
History of Ujigami Shrine
1. Ancient Period (4th-5th Century): Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko and the Divine Presence in Uji
To tell the history of Ujigami Shrine, one must first understand the origin of the place name “Uji” and the tragic prince deeply connected to this land — Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko.
The two brothers each insisted that the other should take the throne, and according to the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), this mutual refusal continued for three years.
The worship that preceded Ujigami Shrine is said to have begun after the prince’s death, as a means of consoling his spirit.
The oldest surviving written record of Ujigami Shrine appears in the Jimmyocho (Register of Deities) of the Engishiki, compiled in 927 CE.
2. Heian Period (10th-12th Century): Patronage of the Fujiwara Regents and Construction of the Oldest Surviving Shrine Buildings
The most important period in Ujigami Shrine’s history was the era of patronage by the Fujiwara regent clan from the mid to late Heian period.
The surviving main hall of Ujigami Shrine is estimated to have been built in the late 11th century, close to the time of Byodoin’s construction.
The surviving main hall is built in the “sangensha nagare-zukuri” (three-bay flowing style), featuring a rare structure in which three inner sanctuaries are housed side by side within a single protective enclosure (oiya).
During this era, Uji also played an important role as the setting for The Tale of Genji.
3. Kamakura to Muromachi Period: The Shrine’s Survival Under Warrior Rule and Construction of the Worship Hall
From the late Heian period into the Kamakura period, the worship hall that survives at Ujigami Shrine today was constructed.
After the Kamakura period, as the political center shifted from Kyoto to Kamakura, Uji gradually lost its former prosperity.
The Onin War (1467-1477) brought the flames of conflict to Uji as well, but Ujigami Shrine, situated on the far side of the Uji River, suffered relatively minor damage compared to temples and shrines in Shimadaigo or central Kyoto.
In the late Sengoku period, Toyotomi Hideyoshi took a deep interest in Uji and promoted Uji tea production.
4. Edo to Meiji Period: Separation from Uji Shrine and the Wave of Shrine Reform
During the Edo period, Uji was administered as a direct domain (tenryo) of the Tokugawa shogunate and was particularly valued as a tea-producing region.
A pivotal turning point in the modern history of Ujigami Shrine came with the Shinbutsu Bunri decree (separation of Shinto and Buddhism) issued in 1868.
During the Meiji period, a modern shrine ranking system was established, and Ujigami Shrine was classified as a “Fusha” (Prefectural Shrine).
5. Modern Era: World Heritage Registration and Reappraisal as Japan’s Oldest Architecture
Following cultural property protection legislation enacted in 1945, the main hall and worship hall of Ujigami Shrine were designated as National Treasures in 1952.
From the Showa through Heisei eras, academic research on Ujigami Shrine’s main hall advanced significantly.
In 1994, Ujigami Shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site as one of the 17 properties constituting the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.” With Byodoin Temple, also a World Heritage Site, located just across the Uji River, Uji gained international attention as a rare place where “one small town contains two World Heritage Sites.” Today, numerous domestic and international visitors come to Ujigami Shrine throughout the year, and this ancient shrine continues to quietly fulfill its role as a precious witness to the history of Japanese architecture and as the guardian deity of Uji.
Highlights & Recommended Spots
Although the shrine grounds are small, the highlights are concentrated.
Main Hall (National Treasure): Secrets of Japan’s Oldest Shrine Building
The main hall of Ujigami Shrine, built in the late Heian period (late 11th century), is the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan.
The main hall’s architectural style is called “sangensha nagare-zukuri” (three-bay flowing style), with a frontage of three bays (approximately 5.4 meters) and a roof that curves gracefully forward in the “nagare-zukuri” (flowing style) form.
Traces of vermillion pigment called “ni” (tan) remain on the outer walls and columns of the inner sanctuaries, indicating that the structure was once painted in a vivid red that expressed its sacred nature.
In front of the main hall lies a natural spring called “Kirihara no Mizu.” Known as one of the Seven Famous Waters of Uji (Nana Meisui), this clear spring still pools in a corner of the shrine grounds, its gentle sound echoing through the silence of the precinct.
Worship Hall (National Treasure): A Masterpiece of Shrine Architecture with Shinden-zukuri Design
Standing in front of the main hall, the worship hall was built from the late Heian to early Kamakura period (late 12th to early 13th century) and is also designated as a National Treasure.
The worship hall’s most notable feature is its incorporation of “shinden-zukuri” design elements — the architectural style of Heian aristocratic residences — into shrine architecture.
The worship hall’s roof is a “kokera-buki” (shingled) roof made from thin wooden boards (kokera-ita) layered upon one another.
The interior of the worship hall is normally not accessible, but visitors can catch a glimpse of the inside through the central open passageway.
Kirihara Spring Water and the Sacred Garden
Within the grounds of Ujigami Shrine is a natural spring known as “Kirihara no Mizu.” Celebrated since ancient times as one of the Seven Famous Waters of Uji (Nana Meisui), this spring is the only one of the seven that still flows today.
Kirihara no Mizu has long been prized as “the most delicious water in Uji, Japan’s premier tea region.” Uji is one of Japan’s foremost tea-producing areas, and the cultivation of tea seeds brought back from Song Dynasty China by the monk Eisai during the Kamakura period is considered the origin of Uji tea.
Although compact, the shrine grounds include a maintained sacred garden (shin’en) shaded by evergreen trees.
Near the entrance of the grounds is the shrine office, where goshuin (shrine seal stamps) are available.
Uji Shrine and Uji Bridge: Access from the Opposite Bank and Uji’s Historic Landscape
When visiting Ujigami Shrine, we recommend also exploring Uji Shrine and Uji Bridge on the opposite bank of the Uji River.
Uji Bridge, though various theories exist, is traditionally said to have been first built in 646 CE by a monk named Doto, making it one of the oldest bridges in Japan.
At the western end of Uji Bridge stand the “Uji Jujo Stone Monument” and a statue of Murasaki Shikibu, commemorating this very location as the setting for the “Uji Chapters” of The Tale of Genji.
The Four Seasons at Ujigami Shrine
The grounds of Ujigami Shrine offer natural beauty throughout all four seasons.
In spring (late March to mid-April), cherry blossoms begin to bloom within the grounds.
Summer (June to August) is when the fresh greenery is at its deepest and most beautiful.
The autumn foliage season (mid-October to late November) is when all of Uji is at its most beautiful.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Byodoin Phoenix Hall (approx. 15-minute walk from Ujigami Shrine)
Located across the Uji River, about a 15-minute walk over Uji Bridge, Byodoin Phoenix Hall is Uji’s premier tourist attraction and, together with Ujigami Shrine, a constituent part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” World Heritage Site.
Daigoji Temple (approx. 9 km northwest of Ujigami Shrine)
About a 20-minute JR train ride northwest of Uji, Daigoji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon Daigo school and a World Heritage-registered temple in southern Kyoto.
Kosho-ji Temple and the Uji River Riverside Walk
Heading upstream along the Uji River from Ujigami Shrine, you will reach Kosho-ji Temple, a Zen temple founded by Zen Master Dogen.
Access
The most convenient way to reach Ujigami Shrine is by train and bus from central Kyoto.
Via JR Nara Line (direct from Kyoto Station)
From JR Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line “Miyakoji Rapid” or “Local” train and alight at “JR Uji Station.” The journey takes approximately 17-24 minutes (about 17 minutes by rapid service, about 24 minutes by local). From JR Uji Station, it is about a 20-minute walk along the Uji River to Ujigami Shrine. The route passing through the main approach to Byodoin Phoenix Hall is a particularly enjoyable course for sightseeing.
Via Kintetsu Kyoto Line
From Kintetsu Kyoto Station, you can take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line “Express” or “Local” train, transfer at “Kintetsu Okubo Station,” and transfer again at “Kintetsu Shin-Tanabe Station,” but using the JR Nara Line is more convenient as it requires no transfers.
Via Keihan Railway
From Keihan Sanjo Station or Chushojima Station, take the Keihan Uji Line and alight at “Keihan Uji Station.” It is about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station to Ujigami Shrine, closer than from JR Uji Station. This route is convenient when coming from the eastern side of Kyoto (Sanjo/Gion area).
By Car / Parking
From the Meishin Expressway, exit at “Kyoto Minami IC” or “Kyoto Higashi IC” and take the prefectural road to Uji. There is no dedicated parking lot at Ujigami Shrine, but paid parking lots are available nearby. When visiting both Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine, the paid parking lots near Uji Bridge are convenient. Weekends and holidays tend to be crowded, so please use public transportation whenever possible.
Summary
Ujigami Shrine, as its title of “the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan” suggests, holds irreplaceable value in the history of Japanese architecture and culture. The grounds are small and there are no flashy presentations, but when standing before a National Treasure that has retained its original form for nearly 1,000 years, its quiet presence resonates deeply within the heart.
Registered as a World Heritage Site alongside Byodoin Phoenix Hall, Ujigami Shrine is a living witness that conveys the essence of Heian-period Japanese culture to the present day. Walk through the old streets where the aroma of Uji tea lingers, listen to the flow of the Uji River, and visit this small sanctuary that has watched over a thousand years of history. It will surely become an unforgettable page in your travels.
