Uji’s Temples and Shrines: Uncover the Spiritual Beauty of Uji, Kyoto

A pathway to Ujigami Shine bordered with lush greenery and a bright red torii

Does the idea of navigating crowds of tourists in Kyoto city make you feel claustrophobic? We have you covered. Take a train south from Kyoto for about 30 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Uji City. After a short walk from the station and crossing Uji Bridge, you’ll be ready to explore Uji’s temples and shrines in the heart of Kyoto Tea Country. Visiting this place is a great way to get the Kyoto experience without fighting the crowds. Here, you’ll find a city filled with history, culture, and tradition. Each temple and shrine offers a glimpse into Japan’s rich heritage. From the tranquil grounds of Byodo-in Temple to the serene beauty of Eshin-in Temple, Uji’s temples and shrines beckon you to explore their enchanting world. In this place, the past and present converge, inviting you to discover the secrets of the soul.

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Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple, located in Uji, Kyoto, is a serene and peaceful place that offers a glimpse into the spiritual side of Japan. The temple, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was originally built in 1052. You’ll want to visit its stunning Phoenix Hall, which you can see on the ten yen coin. So what are you waiting for? Take a moment to admire the intricate architecture of Byodo-in Temple and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple, which shows the historical glory of the Fujiwara clan, was once a villa on the west bank of the Uji-gawa River. It belonged to Minamoto no Toru but was given to Fujiwara no Michinaga. …

Uji Shrine is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan and holds great historical and cultural significance. The shrine is over 1000 years old and is dedicated to the deity Uji-no-Waki-iratsuko, son of Emperor Ojin. As you stroll through the shrine grounds, you’ll discover cultural artifacts, such as wooden guardian dogs and Noh masks. To sum up, Uji Shrine offers a unique glimpse into the spiritual heritage of Uji City.

Uji-Shrine

Uji-Shrine was established in 313 on the right bank of the Uji River. The current main hall (an Important Cultural Property) was built in the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). Built in the architectural style called Sangensha Nagare-zukuri, it has a large roof and a facade with four pillars (creating three spaces). The shrine also preserves other various cultural properties, such as the oldest existing wooden komainu (a pair of guardian creatures called lion-dogs in colloquial English) and a valuable mask used in nō (a classical Japanese performing art).
The enshrined deity is Uji no Wakiiratsuko, believed to be a deity of academic achievement and success in entrance exams. This area was once home to Kirihara-Higeta-no-Miya, the detached palace of Emperor Ojin and the residence of his son, Uji no Wakiiratsuko.
Legend has it that when Uji no Wakiiratsuko lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him, looking back repeatedly to ensure he was following. According to one theory, this is the origin of the place name Uji (rabbit path). At Uji-Shrine, Mikaeri Usagi (looking-back rabbit), a messenger of a deity, guiding people to the right direction, is worshipped. There is a temizuya (place to purify hands with water) with a rabbit motif, cute rabbit omikuji (small items containing fortune-telling slips) and ema (small plaques to write wishes), and so on.

Pathway to Ujigami Shine bordered with lush greenery and cherry blossoms.

Ujigami Shrine is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The shrine was originally built over a millennia ago and is considered one of the oldest wooden shrines in Japan. The prayer hall, designed in the shinden-zukuri-like style, is a national treasure. The intricate details of the wooden structure and the sense of history that permeates the air create an awe-inspiring experience. So go ahead and immerse yourself in its grandeur and beauty.

Ujikami Shrine

Ujikami Shrine is one of the World Heritage sites. It was once a single shrine together with Uji-Shrine, as a guardian shrine for Byodoin Temple.
The main hall (a National Treasure), built in the late Heian Period (794-1185), is the oldest existing shrine building in Japan. Built in the Nagare-zukuri style characterized by its long, flowing roof, it houses three structures to enshrine deities, which are two larger shrines flanking a smaller one in the center.
The worship hall (a National Treasure) is part of a building constructed in the Shinden-zukuri, the representative architectural style of aristocratic residences in the Heian Period.
The enshrined deities are Emperor Ojin, Uji no Wakiiratsuko, and Emperor Nintoku.
Legend has it that when Uji no Wakiiratsuko lost his way, a rabbit appeared and guided him, looking back repeatedly to ensure he was following. According to one theory, this is the origin of the place name Uji (rabbit path). Ujikami Shrine offers charming rabbit omamori (Japanese amulets), omikuji (small items containing fortune-telling slips), and so on.

Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple is a Zen Buddhist temple that offers a serene environment for meditation and contemplation. The temple, founded in the 17th century, has beautiful gardens and a calming atmosphere. When you step inside the temple, you’ll immediately feel a sense of peace and serenity wash over you. You can take part in a Zazen experience led by the temple’s resident monks, or wander through the gardens and enjoy the beauty of nature. Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple is the perfect place to escape the chaos of the modern world and find inner peace.

Manpuku-ji Temple

Obaku-san Manpuku-ji is the head temple of the Obaku sect of Zen Buddhism. In 2024, three of its buildings, including the main hall, were designated as National Treasures.
This temple was founded in 1661 by Ingen Ryuki (Yinyuan Longqi), a Chinese Zen Buddhist priest who came to Japan in 1654.
He introduced not only Zen Buddhism but also many things and cultural elements to Japan, such as ingen (common beans) and lotus roots.
One of them, Fucha Ryori (Chinese Buddhist cuisine), can actually be enjoyed at the temple (reservations required). It is characterized by its diverse offerings, with some artfully mimicking other foods, like one that resembles eel. It is fun to experience Chinese culture through food.
Also, the Chinese-style sutra chanting called Bonbai sounds like a song.
The precincts, with their historic buildings, are filled with a Chinese atmosphere. Other impressive sights include the Kaipan (wooden fish board), said to be the original form of mokugyo (a percussion instrument used to keep rhythm during sutra chanting), the golden statue of a deity Hotei Son (Budai), and the statue of Ragora Sonja (Rahula), from whose chest the face of Buddha emerges.

Colorful hydrangeas and trees in the Mimuroto-ji Temple grounds

Mimuroto-ji Temple is nestled in the hills of Uji, Kyoto. This hidden gem offers a glimpse into Japan’s cultural heritage. The temple, founded in the 10th century, is famous for its beautiful gardens and vibrant seasonal flowers. Take in the colors and scents of nature as you explore the temple grounds. Explore the temple’s history and discover ancient rituals and traditions. Whether you love nature or history, this temple is a must-visit.

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji Temple is known for its spectacular gardens, and it is sometimes called the “Temple of Flowers.” Mimuroto-ji is located in Uji City, part of Kyoto’s tea-producing region in the south of Ky …

Kosho-ji Temple with a Japanese-style garden

Kosho-ji Temple is a serene and peaceful place where visitors can experience a moment of tranquility. The temple, founded in the 13th century, is popular for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. Indulge in the soothing sounds of nature and the scent of incense as you wander the temple grounds. Take a moment to sit in quiet contemplation, or take part in a traditional Zazen experience to immerse yourself in the serenity of the temple. Kosho-ji Temple offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city and a chance to reconnect with your inner self.

Kosho-ji Temple

This temple of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism was a training hall opened in Fukakusa (Fushimi) by the Buddhist monk Dogen in the Kamakura Period (1192-1333). It was later reconstructed in 1648 by Lo …

A pathway to Eshin-in Temple flanked by vibrant yellow flowers and lush greenery.

Eshin-in Temple is a place of tranquility and spiritual reflection. This 11th-century temple welcomes you with flowers of the four seasons and the sounds of birds and insects. We recommend taking a moment to sit in the temple’s garden and let your mind and body relax after a long day of sightseeing. The sights and sounds of the temple will melt away your worries. So make sure to add Eshin-in Temple to your trip itinerary.

※The main hall is not open to visitors.

Eshin-in Temple

Eshin-in Temple is also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” and in spring and autumn, the garden becomes home to vast swathes of flowers that soothe the heart and calm the mind. Tradition has it that th …

Uncover the Spiritual Beauty of Uji with a Temple and Shrine Tour

Embark on a temple and shrine tour in Uji, Kyoto, and uncover the spiritual beauty of this enchanting city. In Uji, you’ll discover Japan’s rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning architecture. Uji offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. A temple and shrine tour in Uji, Kyoto, is a journey of self-discovery and a chance to connect with the rich spiritual traditions of Japan. Ready to go on a spiritual adventure? Click on the links in this article to learn more and discover more trip ideas!

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Byodo-in Temple

Byodo-in Temple

Uji Shrine

Uji-Shrine

Ujigami Shrine

Ujikami Shrine

Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple

Manpuku-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Mimuroto-ji Temple

Kosho-ji Temple

Kosho-ji Temple

Eshin-in Temple

Eshin-in Temple

Uncover the Spiritual Beauty of Uji with a Temple and Shrine Tour

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