Ujigami Shrine

This ancient shrine, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto," has been attracting reverence for centuries. It is said to have been established in 1060, three years after the construction of Uji Byodoin Temple in 1053, serving as its guardian shrine. As the protective deity of Uji's land, it has been continuously worshipped by people from all walks of life, from commoners to nobility, and it still gathers much reverence today.

The main hall, built in the late Heian period, is said to be the oldest existing Shinto shrine architecture in Japan. The structure, built over 1,000 years ago, still retains its original form, conveying the ambiance of its time. The worship hall, completed in 1215 during the Kamakura period, is built in the Shinden-zukuri architectural style, which was used for the residences of nobles and warriors. It is very rare and valuable to use residential architecture for a hall of worship. Both the main hall and the worship hall have been designated as National Treasures.

The enshrined deities are Emperor Ojin, Emperor Nintoku, and Ujinowakiiratsuko. The shrine is believed to grant blessings for academic success and passing exams.