A leisurely journey of history and tea (Part 2)

In addition to the World Heritage Byodoin Temple and the historic Uji Bridge, there are two shrines worth visiting in Uji - Uji Shrine and Ujikami Shrine. These two shrines are close to the Uji River. Although they are small in scale, they are full of ancient atmosphere, especially the Ujikami Shrine, which is one of the oldest existing shrine buildings in Japan.

Uji Shrine: A cute rabbit god and a place of good fortune

Uji Shrine is located at the foot of the mountain on the east side of the Uji River. It is said to be a place where Uji no Wajiratsuko is enshrined. It is also regarded as the god of learning and wisdom, attracting many students and candidates to come and pray.
Cute rabbit messenger: The most distinctive feature of Uji Shrine is the rabbit. Legend has it that a prince was once lost and was guided to a safe place by a white rabbit, so the rabbit became the symbol of the shrine. You can find various rabbit statues in the precincts, especially the "Guide Rabbit". It is said that stroking it will give you guidance, so it is a good place to visit when making important choices in life. Compared with the tourists at Byodo-in Temple, there are fewer tourists here, so you can feel the quiet beauty of the shrine more.

Ujikami Shrine: The oldest existing shrine building in Japan

Walk along the path from Ujikami Shrine for about 2 minutes to reach Ujikami Shrine. The main hall of this shrine was built in the Heian period and is recognized as a national treasure of Japan and part of the world cultural heritage. Its wooden structure is of great historical value, and its architecture is simple yet has a strong Heian period style.

In short, both shrines are worth a closer look. Compared to the extremely popular Byodoin Temple, Uji Shrine and Ujikami Shrine are more low-key, but they are rich in history and culture. If you have enough time, it is recommended to visit these two shrines on the way. Not only can you appreciate the quaint shrine architecture, but you can also feel the tranquil atmosphere of Uji. #Uji #Must-visit Uji #Must-visit Uji

Post by Eldorien | Feb 20, 2025