【Ujigami Shrine Guide】Japan’s Oldest Shrine Structure & Access

Located at the foot of Mount Asagiri along the Uji River, Ujigami Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses the oldest surviving original Shinto shrine structure in Japan. Built originally as a guardian shrine for nearby Byodoin Temple, it offers a peaceful spiritual retreat.

Here is your travel guide to visiting Japan’s oldest shrine hall, its sacred spring, and cute rabbit fortunes.

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1. Top 3 Highlights of Ujigami Shrine

① Japan’s Oldest Shrine Structure: Main Hall (National Treasure)

Scientifically proven to date back to around 1060 during the late Heian period, the Main Hall (Honden) is the oldest standing Shinto shrine building in Japan, housing three inner sanctuaries under a shared roof.

② Worship Hall (Haiden – National Treasure)

Standing in front of the main hall, this early Kamakura-period Haiden building exhibits classical palace architecture (Shinden-zukuri) with gracefully curved rooflines.

③ Kirihara Water Spring & Rabbit Fortunes

Inside the grounds flows Kirihara-sui, the last remaining active spring of the legendary “Seven Famous Waters of Uji.” Visitors can also draw ceramic “Rabbit Fortunes” (Usagi Omikuji), celebrating Uji’s ancient name history linked to rabbits.

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2. Visitor Information

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3. Summary

Offering a serene contrast to the grand scale of Byodoin, Ujigami Shrine preserves Japan’s oldest Shinto sacred architecture in a tranquil forest setting.