Uji Bridge

Uji Bridge is a bridge over the Uji River in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture. Along with Yamazaki Bridge in Oyamazaki Town (Otokuni District, Kyoto) and Seta-no-Karahashi Bridge in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, it is counted as one of Japan’s three ancient bridges. According to tradition, the bridge was first built in 646 (Taika 2). The current bridge was rebuilt in 1996 (Heisei 8). Its cypress-wood railings are topped with bronze giboshi finials, designed with careful consideration for the surrounding scenery and historical image. Access is very easy: it is right near Keihan Uji Station, and about a 3-minute walk from JR Uji Station on the Nara Line. Uji Bridge appears in classical works such as the Kokin Wakashu and The Tale of Genji, and it is also famous in the legend of Hashihime (the bridge princess), which appears in the Noh play “Kanawa.” On the upstream side is a projecting section called “San-no-ma,” where the bridge’s guardian deity Hashihime is enshrined. It is also said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi had water for tea ceremony drawn from this “San-no-ma.” The view from the bridge is truly spectacular. Nearby is Byodo-in Phoenix Hall, famous for appearing on Japan’s 10-yen coin, making it a great area to explore together.