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.
- Tel
- 0774-21-4634
- Address
- 59 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto
- Access
- Train:
About 10 min. on foot from Uji Station (Keihan Uji Line)
About 20 min. on foot from Uji Station (JR Nara Line) - Business Hours
- 9:00am - 4:20pm (last admission: 4:10pm)
Please note that the closing time may be at 4:00pm.
Shrine office (for omamori, omikuji, and so on): 9:00am - 3:50pm - Parking
- Available (free)
