Walking In The History and Nature of Uji Kyoto

Up until the Meiji Restoration of 1868, Uji Shrine, which dates back to the Kamakura Period of 1185-1333, was the lower Shrine of the World Heirtage Ujigami Shrine closeby. It is thought to be located on the site of the palace of Crown Prince Wakiiratsuko.

The World Heritage shrine Ujigami Jinja dates back to the late Heian Era in the 11th Centruy. In the grounds of the shrine can be found one of the Seven Waters of Uji (Uji Shichi Meisui) spring water. The shrine is dedicated to the Crown Prince Wakiiratsuki, and his father the 4th Century Emperor Ojin.

A 20 minute walk up the trekking route of Daikichiyama takes us to the Observation Deck for great views across Uji. The site was used as a movie location in Kyoto Animation's 'Sound Euphonium'. From here it is a 20 minute walk through hilltop woodland to Asahiyama where wild birds can be fed and ruins of a previous shrine and fortress can be found.

Down Asahiyama and out of the woodlands brings us to the entrance and pathway of Koshoji Temple. This guided walking route does not include entrance to the temple.

From Koshoji-in, along the riverside and walk to Amagase Suspension Bridge, a recent bridge that takes us over the Uji River.

Across the Uji River and then a 20 minute walk through the woodland of Shirakawa Momoji Valley brings us to the Hakusan Shrine. The shrine dates back to the 7th centruy when it was constructed to fight off an epidemic of smallpox. Here can also be found the ruins of the Konjiki Temple.

The Uji River has been the subject of folktales and stories through the centuries. It has also been the site of famous and bloody samurai battles.