What to know
Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社, Ujigami Jinja) is widely considered Japan's oldest surviving shrine. Though its exact founding date is unknown, it is believed to have been well established by 1060. The shrine originally served as the guardian shrine of Byodoin Temple.
In 1994, Ujigami Shrine was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with other shrines and temples in the Kyoto area. Its main hall exemplifies the nagare-zukuri style, a common shrine architecture featuring a curved, asymmetrical roof that extends further over the main entrance to shelter worshippers.
About 100 meters south of Ujigami Shrine stands Uji Shrine, also built in the nagare-zukuri style. The two shrines were once a single entity until they were separated during the Meiji Period (1868-1912), and were historically referred to as the upper and lower shrines.
Ujigami Shrine lies on the north bank of the Uji River, near the Tale of Genji Museum. It is a ten-minute walk from Keihan Uji Station or 15 minutes from JR Uji Station. From Byodoin Temple, cross the river via a small island connected by bridges to reach the shrine in about ten minutes.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 9:00 to 16:00
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Original name
- Ujigami Shrine
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.