One of the World Heritage Sites in Uji & was said to hold the surviving oldest Shinto Main Shrine Building. One of the best places I have visited in Uji. Loved the serenity & how it was surrounded by nature. Loved the unique Nagare-zukuri or flowing style on how the main shrine building was built. I was really mesmerized by this place. They also have Goshuin in this shrine. The small rabbit detail was really nice. Would love to revisit this place again someday.
Ujikami Shrine is one of the most historically significant yet quietly understated shrines in Japan—an absolute must-visit for those who appreciate authenticity and heritage over grandeur.
Recognized as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site listing, Ujikami Shrine is considered the oldest surviving Shinto shrine building in Japan, dating back to the late Heian period. Its main hall (honden) is a rare example of early shrine architecture, preserved in a remarkably original state.
The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Ojin and his sons, including Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko. Much like nearby Uji Shrine, it carries deep connections to themes of wisdom, loyalty, and succession.
Ujikami Shrine turned out to be one of those places that quietly leaves an impression on you. As one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Uji, it doesn't have the grandeur of some of Kyoto's more famous temples and shrines, but that's exactly what makes it special. The grounds are peaceful, shaded by trees, and feel wonderfully removed from the crowds.
One thing I found fascinating was the natural spring beside the shrine. It's said to be the last remaining natural spring in Uji and has been used for tea ceremonies for generations. Standing there, it's easy to appreciate why Uji became so closely associated with tea culture.
Getting there by car was a memorable experience too! The road leading to the car park is incredibly narrow, and there were moments when I was very grateful no vehicle was coming from the opposite direction. 😅 But once you arrive, the calm atmosphere makes the drive completely worth it.
If you're exploring Uji beyond the matcha cafés and the more famous sights, this is a lovely spot to slow down, soak in some history, and enjoy a quieter side of the city.
Ujikami-jinja is one of the oldest and most treasured Shintō shrines in Japan, a place filled with an aura of serenity and spiritual depth.
Unlike the grand, almost palatial Byōdō-in across the river, Ujikami Shrine captivates with its simplicity, wood, and silence, which seem unchanged for more than a thousand years.
Ujikami-jinja was most likely built around 1060, during the late Heian period, as a guardian shrine (chinju-sha) for the Byōdō-in temple on the opposite bank.
According to tradition, it is dedicated to three deities (kami): Ōjin Tennō – the legendary emperor later revered as Hachiman, the god of war, and his two sons – Uji no Wakiiratsuko and Uji no Wakiiratsuhiko, whose names are linked to the city of Uji.
The main hall (honden) of Ujikami-jinja is the oldest surviving example of Shintō architecture in Japan (dated to around 1060).
Built of cypress wood and roofed with bark shingles (hiwadabuki), it represents the essence of the nagare-zukuri style — flowing roofs, open form, and absence of ornamentation.
It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994 together with Byōdō-in.
Inside, three sanctuaries stand side by side — one for each deity. This rare layout reflects the early attempt to express the idea of harmony between humans, nature, and the divine.
At the entrance stand two komainu (狛犬) — the mythical lion-dogs guarding sacred sacred spaces in Shintō tradition.
One has its mouth open, forming the sound “A”, symbolizing the beginning; the other’s mouth is closed, forming “Un”, symbolizing the end.
Together they represent “A-Un no kokyū”, the breath of life itself — the eternal rhythm of creation and return.
This is a small shrine located a short walk from the Byodoin shopping street. It's a short walk uphill with a few Tori gates. This shrine is serene and peaceful as is further from the crowd. It is believed to be one of the oldest shrines and is an Unesco Heritage building. Further down the road is the Uji Shrine leading to to the Byodoin Temple and The Tale of Genji Museum.Don't give it a miss if you are visiting Uji. There is no entrance fee.
