Uji city is an old and historical town and have a wonderful scenery of the constant flow of Uji river. In addition, Uji city is famous as the land of “GENJI MONOGATARI (The Tale of Genji)”.

In Uji city, there is the world heritage Byodoin temple, but in fact, Ujigami Shrine is also listed as one of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” of UNESCO’s World Heritage.

The Ujigami Shrine is dedicated to the Emperor Ojin and his sons, the imperial princes Uji no Wakiiratsuko and the Emperor Nintoku.

Uji no Wakiiratsuko committed suicide to solve a dispute over the imperial succession, and the shrine was built in his honor. Sad story, indeed.

The main hall (honden) is the existing oldest Shito architecture, and is designated as a National treasure of Japan.

There is a small hut within the shrine with a few stairs going down into...water.

The Kirihara sui, a fresh water spring which became famous ever since the Muromachi era, is still plentifully flowing.

It can be a good idea to purchase “NEGAI HITOGATA (human shaped votive paper) to make a prayer.

Please visit this ancient place in beautiful YUMEYAKATA kimono.

AKANE KIBUNE