Uji Bridge (Kyoto)

Stepping out of the ticket gates at Keihan Uji Station, the first thing that catches your eye is Uji's landmark, the Uji Bridge. According to the "Uji Bridge Monument" at Hashidera Hojo-in, it is said to have been built in the second year of the Taika era (646) during the Asuka period by a monk named Doto from the Nara temple of Gango-ji, making it one of Japan’s three ancient bridges alongside the Seta no Karahashi and Yamazaki Bridge.

The current bridge, reconstructed in 1996, is made of cypress and features a traditional style with a high railing crowned with bronze giboshi (decorative bulbs). It harmonizes beautifully with the natural scenery of the Uji River, the historical image of Uji Bridge, and the surrounding landscape rich in historical heritage.

A protruding section on the upstream side, slightly to the west of the center of the bridge, is known as "San no Ma" (The Third Room), and is said to be the remnant of a shrine dedicated to Hashihime, the guardian deity of the bridge. There is also a legend that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had water drawn from here for his tea ceremony. Every year in early October during the Uji Tea Festival, a water-drawing ceremony is held in accordance with this tradition.