Uji 2019: Ujigami Shrine (宇治上神社)

Upon leaving Byodoin Temple I crossed to the other side of the Uji River and stopped by Ujigami Shrine. This little Shinto shrine is the guardian shrine to Byodoin Temple and is thought to have been founded in the year 1060. The lower shrine area that is closer to the river is technically a separate shrine called Uji Shrine but originally both the lower and upper sections were a single shrine.

A very short distance uphill is the upper shrine area. Even though it’s within the town of Uji, the upper shrine feels almost like it’s hidden away in the middle of a forest. Not many people go to Ujigami Shrine but if you’re visiting Uji to see Byodoin Temple and have a few minutes to spare I’d suggest crossing the river and giving Ujigami Shrine a short visit.