Ujigami Shrine

The ancient architectural style of Japan's oldest main hall

It enshrines three deities: Emperor Ojin, Uji no Wakairoko, and Emperor Nintoku. The main hall, which consists of three halls in the one-bay, Nagare-zukuri style, was built in the Heian period and is the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. Both the worship hall, which is a residential building in the Shinden-zukuri style, are national treasures. It is said that, along with Uji Shrine, it was once the guardian shrine of Byodo-in Temple.

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  In addition to the architecture, other highlights include the huge stone known as Tenmokuishi, located to the east of the main hall.

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  The cutely shaped rabbit fortune slips (ceramic) for 500 yen are also popular.

• CHECKPOINT

  In front of the worship hall, a national treasure, take note of the two cone-shaped piles of sand! This is called purification sand and can be purchased at the gift shop next to the worship hall.

• Official website