Uji-kami Shrine

Overview

Uji-kami Shrine, located in Ujiyamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, is dedicated to Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko, Emperor Ōjin, and Emperor Nintoku. While its founding date is unknown, it has long been revered as the guardian deity of the Kamo clan, who once ruled the region. From the Heian period onward, it, along with Kamo Mioya Shrine (Shimogamo Shrine), held significant religious importance as one of the "Sanjōkoku Ichinomiya" (the most important shrine in Yamashiro Province). The shrine's greatest attraction is undoubtedly its main hall, the oldest surviving example of shrine architecture in Japan, built in the late Heian period. The main hall consists of three individual halls in the Ikken-sha-ryūzō style, housing Prince Uji no Wakiiratsuko in the left hall, Emperor Ōjin in the central hall, and Emperor Nintoku in the right hall. The unique feature is the smaller central hall flanked by larger side halls. The haiden (worship hall), constructed in the early Kamakura period and designated a National Treasure, is considered to be reminiscent of the Shinden-zukuri architectural style. This gabled hall features a hiwadabuki (cypress bark) roof with a gently sloping hipped roof on either side. The overhanging eaves display a characteristic curving line known as "sugaruhafu." Surrounded by wooden frames, the interior boasts wooden flooring, a ceiling, and numerous fusuma (sliding doors), creating a residential-style ambiance and offering a glimpse into the architectural styles of the time. A spring, known as "Kiriwara-sui," one of the seven famous waters of Uji, flows within the shrine grounds. This pure water, drawn from the underground stream of Kiriwara River, a tributary of the Uji River, has long been used as drinking water. It continues to be cherished by worshippers and locals alike, enhancing the serene atmosphere of the shrine. Uji-kami Shrine offers a tranquil space surrounded by history and nature, making it an ideal destination for those seeking serenity and relaxation. A stroll through the quiet grounds, appreciating the historical structures, and savoring the pure water provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.