Home ACJS/Aichi OCJS/Online Japan Guide FAQ Network Databases Contact Us Multimedia Log in                                         yamasa.org / home / japan / english / destinations / kyoto / uji - the Path of Philosophy    -     Ní thuigim thú

Destinations... Japan Travel Guide The Yamasa Institute

Sitemap | Search Tips | Help Desk

Edited by: Declan Murphy Recommended: Suggested Itineraries Favorite Kyoto moments... Best ways to get there Kyoto Photogallery Newsgroups: fj.rec.travel.japan, Alt-FAQ Bulletin Boards: Fun/Clubs/Nightlife Accommodation/Discounts Practise your Kanji?

 View video!

This small city of 190,000 people south of Kyoto City is somewhat overshadowed by its large neighbour, but it has a long history and rich culture. Unlike Kyoto, history has been a little kinder to Uji, which has been able to retain and preserved much of its past. If you have seen a Japanese 10 yen coin, then you have already seen the famous Byoudoin - The Phoenix Pavilion, that has been registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. One of the few remaining original buildings from the Heian Period (794-1185), Byoudoin is also one of the most beautiful and architecturally advanced.

Also listed as World Heritage is the equally famous Ujigami Shrine. Uji with its vital and historic bridge and transportation links was the location of many battles in the 15th and 16th centuries, and has become an important cultural center. The city is also important for its role in classical Japanese literature, for cormorant fishing, and cultivation of green tea. It also has an important Zen temple in Obakusan-Manpukuji, and has many festivals and is the mid-point for the Ise to Kobe "Rekishi Kaido" - symbolizing the Heian to Muromachi Periods (794 to 1467)

This small town is somewhat overshadowed by its large neighbour, but like Kyoto it has a long history and rich culture. Unlike Kyoto, history has been a little kinder to Uji, which has been able to retain and preserved much of its past. If you have seen a Japanese 10 yen coin, then you have already seen the famous Byoudoin - The Phoenix Pavilion, that has been registered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. One of the few remaining original buildings from the Heian Period (794-1185), Byoudoin is also one of the most beautiful and architecturally advanced.

Also listed as World Heritage is the equally famous Urigami Shrine. Uji with its vital bridge and transportation links was the location of many battles in the 15th and 16th centuries, and has become an important cultural center. The city is also important for its role in classical Japanese literature, for cormorant fishing, and cultivation of green tea. It also has one of Japan's three oldest bridges, an important Zen temple in Obakusan-Manpukuji, has many festivals and is the mid-point for the Ise to Kobe "Rekishi Kaido" - symbolizing the Heian to Muromachi Periods (794 to 1467)

In the days of Heian-kyo (Kyoto) Uji was a favorite spot for the aristocrats to build their vacation villas. The Byoudou-in Temple was at one time the villa of the Fujiwara clan but was transformed into a temple in 1052.

Located directly across from the Byoudou-in, is the Ujigami Shrine, the oldest shrine in all of Japan from the Heian period. It is dedicated to a prince who was forced to commit seppuku due to an argument with his brother over succession issues. As you walk into the shrine be sure to wash your hands with the water coming from the Kiriharasui spring. This spring is one of the seven famous water sources here in Uji and is still used today in tea ceremonies. The building of interest here is the sanctuary, built during the early years of the Kamakura Period (1185-1333). It is believed that this building was transferred to Ujigami from the Uji Detached Palace.

Another site to take in here in Uji is the Uji Bridge, located in front of the Naiku Shrine. This bridge is one of the three oldest in Japan, the other two being Karahashi Bridge in Seta and the Yamazaki Bridge. Said to link this world with heaven the Uji bridge spans 102 meters across the Isuzu River and is 8.4 meters wide. In keeping with shinto traditon (not to mention the wear and tear this thing gets with over 4 million visitors a year) this bridge is rebuilt every 20 years. Once rebuilt there is a "Crossing Ceremony" in which three married couples of different generations lead 63 other married couples, chosen from around Japan and from three generations, across the bridge.

While you are out and about in Uji be sure to pick up some tea at one of the million omiyage shops. Uji is famous for its tea cultivation and many vendors will be roasting it right before your eyes. If you get the chance, try to participate in a tea ceremony here. Uji also has seven famous natural springs from which they draw water from to use at tea ceremonies. Aside from the Kiriharasui Spring at Ujigami Shrine there are also the Amidasui, Izumidono, Hokkesui, Kojosui, Kumonsui, and Byakuyagetsu natural springs.

One last point of interest is the peculiar method of catching fish that has since become obsolete, except as a tourist attraction. Ukai, or cormorant fishing, lasts from May to September but trips are not held during or after a rainfall. A metal basket of fire is hung over the side of the boat and the fish, ayu, are drawn to the surface where the birds can snatch them up. Passengers on the boat have a fine time eating and drinking while a crew of four controls the boat, birds, and the fire. A ring around the throat of each bird stops it from enjoying the fish for a snack. On a good night a cormorant can catch several dozen fish but the real money comes from putting on the show for the passengers.