Ujigami Shrine
Religious Site Ancient Shinto shrine with early Heian-period architecture
Near Uji, Ujigami Shrine preserves early Heian-period wooden Shinto architecture. Visitors come to view original shrine buildings, traditional rites and the short walk onward to Byōdō-in and local tea houses.
Ujigami Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the town of Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, notable for having some of Japan’s oldest extant shrine buildings, dating to the early 11th century. It is regarded as an important early example of Shinto architecture.
The shrine complex includes the main sanctuary and worship hall, built in traditional wooden styles that have survived since the Heian period. The compact precinct is valued for its original structural techniques and simplicity of form.
Historically the shrine was built as a guardian shrine associated with a nearby clan and burial sites, and it has been maintained and repaired across the centuries while retaining its early layout and architectural character. Its preservation contributed to its inclusion in broader heritage protections for ancient Kyoto.
Ujigami Shrine sits on the banks of the Uji River in the city of Uji, within Kyoto Prefecture, and is easily reached from other heritage sites in the town.
- UNESCO listing: Part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto' as an important early example of Shinto shrine architecture.
- Location tip: The shrine stands close to the Uji River and is located near other heritage sites in the city of Uji, making it easy to visit in combination with nearby temples and bridges.
How to Get to Ujigami Shrine #
Ujigami Shrine is a short walk from Uji Station (JR Nara Line and Keihan Uji Line). From Kyoto city center, it is a 20-30 minute train ride to Uji.
Tips for Visiting Ujigami Shrine #
- Visit during festivals at nearby Uji or pair with a stop at Byōdō-in to understand local shrine-temple networks.
- Study the shrine's preserved wooden surfaces in the morning light when the grain and joinery are easiest to read.
Best Time to Visit Ujigami Shrine #
Spring and autumn are peak seasons for beauty and atmosphere; early mornings are the quietest times to visit.
Weather & Climate near Ujigami Shrine #
Ujigami Shrine's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1542 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (106 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (142 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (231 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
