[2025 Uji Attraction] Travel Guide for Ujikami Shrine (Updated Jan)

#100 Ways to Travel Kyoto trip~ "Wander through the lush green ancient capital and enjoy the beauty of the ancient capital's wabi-sabi" The stage for the 2024 NHK Taiga drama "To the Lord of Light" is in "Uji"! ! In addition to being the "Hometown of Matcha" and the World Cultural Heritage "Byodo-in", Uji also has the oldest shrine in Japan ⛩️ "Ujigami Shrine" which is also one of the must-visit attractions~ Let me tell you about it! ! A brief talk on history ~ The oldest shrine enshrines the first emperor who committed suicide ~ It was built in 313 and is dedicated to a deity named "Tadao Zhilangzi". It can mainly pray for "exams" and "safe childbirth". In Japan during the Heian period🇯🇵, there was an emperor named "Emperor Ogami" who had two sons named "Tadaichi Chiroko no Mikoto" and "Oikawa Mikoto". The former was the younger brother and the latter was the elder brother. Both heirs were humble. Wanting the other party to serve as emperor leaves Japan without a leader for a three-year window! After the request failed, the younger brother decided to commit suicide so that his elder brother could inherit the throne and become "Emperor Nintoku". The older brother built this shrine in memory of his younger brother. This is the origin of Ujigami Shrine ~ Important features of the shrine ⛩️: "Mainden": Built in the Kamakura period, it is a designated "National Cultural Property" of Japan. The temple is beautiful. Enshrined in the hall is the "Wooden Seated Statue of Todōjiroji no Mikoto", which is also one of the cultural properties. "Qing no sand": Located on the left and right sides of the shrine, it represents "yin and yang☯️". It is said that packing the sand into a small bag and taking it home can bring good luck and ward off evil. Goshu are sold on the side You can buy it anywhere~ "Kirihara Spring": one of the seven famous springs in Uji ancient times, and the only remaining spring. Visitors can use a ladle to wash their hands. Although the water quality is clear, there is still the possibility of some small mosquitoes in summer. Shrine staff do not recommend drinking it. 👀Must-see highlights: 1. Pay homage to "Tu Dao Zhi Lang Zi Ming": Couples can pray for a safe and smooth delivery, while children can pray for their studies. 2. The God’s Envoy Turns Back Rabbit🐰: According to legend, when the god of worship, Todachi Yoshiroko, got lost on the way from “Kawachi Country” (now east of Osaka) to Uji, a rabbit turned back and led the way, hence the name “The God’s Envoy”. The legend of "The Turning Rabbit" (God's Envoy's のみかえり兎). There is a special way of worshiping at Uji Shrine where this ancient legend is spread - first, write your wishes on a rabbit-e horse, then make a wish to the rabbit in front of the main shrine, and then circle the main shrine three times in a clockwise direction with the ema. . It is said that if three rabbits are found during this period, the wish will come true. 3. If you like the rabbit 🐰-shaped ema, the shape and the royal seal, buy it! ! Some styles are seasonal or daily limited. 4. Energy attractions: There is another place that cannot be missed when you come to Uji Shrine, and that is the place surrounded by trees on the right side of the main shrine. This is considered the energy spot of Uji Shrine, and you can feel the different atmospheres and the mysterious power of nature from the air. ✨Knowledge supplement: If all travelers are interested in or research Japanese literature, you should be familiar with the writer "Murasaki Shikibu". The most well-known work should be "The Tale of Genji", and the last ten chapters of the work are called " "Uji Ten Posts", so many travelers come here to visit one by one according to the chapters of "Uji Ten Posts" ~ If you are a history buff like me, you shouldn't miss it! ! 🕰️Business hours: 09:00-16:00 🚴Transportation: 【Departure from Kyoto Station】 JR "Kyoto Station" → (JR Nara Line about 17 minutes) → JR "Uji Station" → (About 10 minutes on foot) → Byodo-in Temple → Ujigami Shrine 【Departure from Osaka Station】 JR "Osaka Station" (JR Kyoto Line, about 27 minutes) JR "Kyoto Station" 1 (JR Nara Line about 17 minutes) → JR "Uji Station" → (about 10 minutes on foot) → Byodo-in Temple → Ujigami Shrine 【Departure from Nara Station】 JR "Kyoto Station" → (JR Nara Line about 31 minutes) → JR "Uji Station" → (About 10 minutes on foot) → Byodo-in Temple → Ujigami Shrine 🔔: It is recommended to purchase "Kansai Railway 🛤️ Free Pass" or "Kansai Wide Area Railway Free Pass" 🗓️Itinerary: Nakamura Tokichi - Byodo-in Temple - Uji Shrine ⛩️ - Ujigami Shrine ⛩️ (the oldest shrine in Japan is here) - The Tale of Genji Museum - Ito Kyuemon 📍Address: Japan〒611-0021 Kyoto, Uji, Yamada−５９ 💞Recommended reasons: 1. The oldest shrine 2. As long as it is a "World Cultural Heritage", I will definitely tell you to come and see it. 3. Rabbit🐰 is so cute~ Why don’t you come! ? 4. If you don’t want to go to Byodo-in Temple to see the crowded flowers, coming here is also a good choice! ! 5. This is the place where the Genji family developed and where the great writer Murasaki Shikibu lived. If you are interested in history, you can find many surprises here. #TravelKyoto #oldest shrine #Ujigamijinja Shrine #WorldCulturalHeritageSeries #HistoryLookingforRoots #purple-shikibu

Take the Keihan Electric Railway to Uji, and before going to visit #Byodo-in Temple, take a short detour along the other side of the Uji River, and you can go to #Ujigami Shrine and #Uji Shrine nearby, as well as the #Genji Monogatari Museum. These scenic spots are not big. It is quite pleasant to walk along the Uji River and Daikiyama trails to feel the breath of the green mountains and forests. You can also overlook the Byodo-in Temple across the river bank, which gives you a unique feeling of leisure. Although Ujigami Shrine is small and ancient, it is listed as a World Cultural Heritage and has the oldest shrine building in Japan. Like Uji Shrine, it has cute rabbit ema and red seals. The most beautiful angle for taking photos is the short section of maple forest trail leading from the torii gate to the stone bridge of the shrine. Decorated with fresh green maple leaves, the whole person feels refreshed. On the Uji River side of Byodo-in Temple, there are quite a few shops selling all kinds of Uji matcha products, as well as a beautiful Starbucks. However, everyone seems to go to #中村多吉 and drink matcha in the first row with the river view, which is quite nice! #JapanTandian #Ujiattractions #Uji上神社 #Uji神社 #Byodoinin #matcha

#tokyotravel Address: 59 Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan 🇯🇵 Ujigami Shrine is the oldest traditional Shinto Shrine in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It was built around 1060. Ujigami Shrine was dedicated to Emperor Ojin and his son. Ujigami Shrine was designated a World Heritage site in 1994 along with other shrines and temples in the Kyoto area. The main hall is built in the Nagarezukuri architectural style, a common style of shrine architecture where the roof is asymmetrical. The roof in front of the entrance is curved and protrudes more than the other sides to provide shade for worshippers from the sun and rain. It is a design that is both beautiful and functional in every way. It is a perfectly balanced design. It is a shrine that is charming due to its old atmosphere and unique architecture. It is a place of historical value that has been recognized as a world culture heritage site. The old buildings and beautiful scenery are scattered throughout the area, and they are also rich in nature. #historicculture #naturescenery #uji #kyoto #japan

#newyearnewtrip Uji is a city in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, located about 20 kilometers south of Kyoto City. Known for its rich cultural history, scenic beauty, and especially its association with tea, Uji has become one of the most visited places where you can get high-quality matcha and even hojicha! Notable Attractions in Uji: Byodo-in Temple, Ujigami Shrine, The Uji River, Tea Museums and Shops

⛺【Must-Visit Spots in Uji】: Byodoin Temple Description: Byodoin Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its beautiful Phoenix Hall. Address: 116 Uji Renge, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture Ticket Prices: Adults: 600 yen Middle and High School Students: 400 yen Elementary School Students: 300 yen Transportation: About a 10-minute walk from JR Nara Line Uji Station, or about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Uji Station. Ujigami Shrine Description: One of the oldest shrines in Japan, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its ancient and elegant architecture. Address: 59 Uji Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture Transportation: About a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Line Uji Station, or about a 15-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Uji Station. Uji Bridge Description: Uji Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Japan, connecting the two banks of Uji City, making it a great spot for photos. Address: Uji Bridge Street, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture Transportation: About a 5-minute walk from JR Nara Line Uji Station, or about a 5-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Uji Station. Mimurotoji Temple Description: This temple is famous for its beautiful gardens, especially the azaleas in spring and the autumn leaves. Address: 21 Todo Shigatani, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture Transportation: About a 15-minute walk from Keihan Uji Line Mimurodo Station. 【Travel Tips】: Cultural Exploration Route: Byodoin Temple → Uji Bridge → Ujigami Shrine Natural Scenery Route: Byodoin Temple → Uji Bridge → Mimurotoji Temple Matcha Food Route: Nakamura Tokichi Main Store → Uji Matsumoto Teahouse → Fukujuen Uji Tea Workshop 【Transportation Guide】: From Kyoto to Uji JR Nara Line: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station, about 20 minutes to Uji Station. Keihan Electric Railway: Take the Keihan Electric Railway from Gion-Shijo or Sanjo Station, about 30 minutes to Uji Station. From Osaka to Uji JR Osaka Loop Line and Nara Line: Take the JR Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station to Kyobashi Station, then transfer to the JR Nara Line, about 60 minutes to Uji Station. Keihan Electric Railway: Take the Keihan Electric Railway from Yodoyabashi Station, about 60 minutes to Uji Station.

When it comes to Uji in Kyoto, people first think of matcha. Although it is known as the world-famous hometown of matcha, in fact, Uji's charm is not only matcha. ⭕The Byodo-in Temple, built in the 11th century, was named a "World Cultural Heritage" for its well-preserved architecture, paintings, crafts, and sculpture art. The most important building is the Phoenix Hall, which enshrines the Amitabha Buddha and 52 bodhisattva statues in the clouds. The design on the back of the 10 yen coin is the Phoenix Hall, while the design on the back of the 10,000 yen note is the golden bronze phoenix statue set at the north and south ends of the central hall roof. In addition, there is a museum called the "Ho-o-do Museum" that specializes in exhibiting cultural relics of the Byodo-in Temple. ⭕Every year in mid-to-late April, the wisteria flowers in the grounds of Byodoin Temple bloom. In the gentle morning breeze, the light and shadow sway, exuding a romantic early summer atmosphere. ⭕Coming out of Byodoin Temple, continue along the Uji River to reach Uji Shrine and Uji Shrine. These two shrines have cute 🐰 figures everywhere. It is said that when the prince Tadamitsu Wakairatsuko (うじのわきいらつこ), who was one of the gods, moved to Uji, he unfortunately got lost, but fortunately met a white rabbit who showed him the way. This white rabbit was regarded as a messenger sent by the gods to guide people towards the right path. It is worth mentioning that Uji Shrine is the oldest surviving shrine in Japan. ⭕Continue forward from the shrine and you will arrive at Fudesan (Daijisan). ⛰️Not very high, with an altitude of only 131 meters, it is very suitable for hiking. The surrounding environment is lush with vegetation, and from the observation deck you can overlook the entire city of Uji. 🚞Transportation: Departing from Osaka: Take the Keihan Uji Line and get off at Uji Station. Depart from Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line and get off at Uji Station.

Matcha cake and matcha ice cream are estimated to be good for many people; matcha comes from Uji, and many people have heard of it. Uji belongs to Kyoto Prefecture, and it is estimated that many people will not know. Many people in the Kansai region will miss Uji. As part of the ancient cultural heritage site of Kyoto, Uji can be said to have a pivotal position throughout the Kansai region! In the past, my Weibo had introduced the "Equality Court and Phoenix Hall" when the wisteria flower opened. Today, I said the "Uji Seon Shrine" on the other side of Ujikawa! The Uji Seiki Shrine was built in the Heian period and the Kamakura era. It was built by the then aristocratic Fujiwara, and is known as the pure land of Buddhism. The interior of the temple is a Japanese national treasure building. Unlike the Equal Court on the other side of the river, the Uji Shrine is more quiet, and it is solemn and solemn under the shade of trees. There is also a statue of the Tale of Genji at the river bank next to the Uji Shrine. Leave Uji Shangshen, and try the soba-flavored soba noodles on the way back, and you will have a new understanding of Matcha!

Japan National Treasure Shrine is now a world cultural heritage, a must-see attraction in Uji! When I traveled to Japan, I found an interesting phenomenon - this country is full of shrines, and its intensity is echoed by the Buddhist temple. Most of the Japanese shrines are dedicated to ancestors, or some sacred characters with deified nature. One of the representatives is Uji Seon Shrine in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Uji Onsen Shrine is adjacent to the tram stop, and is located across the Uji River from one of the most beautiful gardens in Kyoto. Uji Shangshen was built in the middle of the mountain, surrounded by lush forests and excellent ecological environment. The area of the Uji Shrine is very small. You can walk around in ten minutes and enjoy it for up to half an hour. This shrine is regarded by the Japanese as a national treasure, enshrining the Emperor and his two crown princes. The Emperor of God was the 15th Emperor in Japanese history, born on December 14, 200 AD, and reigned for 40 years plus more than a month. The shrine buildings in Japan are all red, white and gray, and the Uji Shrine is no exception. The shrine's main hall was built in the middle of the 11th century, and is called "the palace of the palace" with the nearby Uji Shrine. Most of the time, the tourists of Uji Seonjin Shrine are very rare, and it looks a bit cold and clear, but it is also this desertedness that makes Uji Seisha have a sense of independence from the outside world. Transportation: Keihan Tram Uji Line Uji Station.