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Uji Bridge, spanning the Uji River in Kyoto’s Uji city, boasts 1,300 years of history and is recognized as one of Japan’s Three Great Ancient Bridges, alongside Seta Bridge (in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture) and Yamazaki Bridge (now Oyamazaki Bridge, between Oyamazaki Town, Kyoto Prefecture and Shimamoto Town, Osaka Prefecture).
The bridge is conveniently located near Uji Station and surrounded by World Heritage sites including Byodoin Temple and Ujigami Shrine.
While Uji Bridge’s greatest charm lies in its elegant appearance when viewed alongside Kyoto and Uji’s landscapes, walking across the bridge itself reveals many more fascinating details.
In this article, we’ll explore Uji Bridge up close, examining its intricate features and discovering what makes this bridge truly special.
If you’d like to learn more about Uji Bridge’s highlights, its beautiful appearance, history, and charm, please check out the following article.
Read more about Highlights of Uji Bridge
Uji Bridge accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians, featuring wide walkways that ensure safe passage. The bridge has distinct separations between pedestrian and vehicle lanes, characterized by peaceful wooden elements.
The bridge’s sturdy pillars and railings exude historical dignity that you can feel with every step.
Uji Bridge’s beauty is evident in its decorative elements. The ornamental metal fittings and giboshi (decorative bridge post caps) found throughout the bridge reveal intricate craftsmanship when observed up close - details that can only be truly appreciated while walking across the bridge.
The bridge’s railings feature historically designed metal fittings. These elements are crucial in conveying the bridge’s rich history.
The giboshi of Uji Bridge are particularly eye-catching decorative elements. Mounted on the bridge’s main posts, these ornamental caps showcase beautiful curves and detailed decorations when viewed up close.
At the center of Uji Bridge is a small projection called “Sanno-ma.”
This spot is famous for being where Toyotomi Hideyoshi had water drawn for tea ceremonies. Today, it continues to be used in the “Famous Water Drawing Ceremony” during the Uji Tea Festival held every October.
This is just one of many historical episodes associated with Uji Bridge.
To fully appreciate Uji Bridge’s charm, it’s worth exploring the areas below and beside the bridge.
Near Uji Bridge, you’ll find wood barrier posts (kiyokegui) installed to protect the bridge. These posts prevent driftwood and debris from directly hitting the bridge piers during high water.
On the west side of Uji Bridge, stairs lead down to the riverbank. Looking up at the bridge from below offers a different perspective, clearly showing the robust nature of its construction.
The underside of the bridge reveals strong bridge piers, which also carry modern utility pipes supporting daily life.
The bridge is equipped with anti-collapse devices, crucial components that ensure its durability.
Uji Bridge creates a perfect harmony between Kyoto’s history and nature. The combination of river, bridge, and surrounding mountains creates a uniquely atmospheric Uji landscape.
We encourage you to walk across this historically significant and beautiful bridge to experience its charm firsthand.
Read more about History, beautiful scenery, and highlights of Uji Bridge
