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While Kyoto boasts numerous historic bridges, Uji Bridge, with its 1300-year history, holds a special place among them. The bridge’s historical significance and the ever-changing play of light on the Uji River create a unique atmosphere that can only be found here.
Walking across the bridge while listening to the murmur of the Uji River, visitors are greeted by magnificent natural scenery. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, while autumn brings vibrant foliage reflecting on the water’s surface. Uji Bridge changes its appearance with the morning and evening light, offering different charms throughout the day.
This article will detail the bridge’s history, highlights, nearby attractions, and access information. When visiting Uji, be sure to fully experience the charm of Uji Bridge.
Uji Bridge, spanning the Uji River in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, was first constructed in 646 and is Japan’s oldest bridge. As Uji’s symbol, this bridge has not only been preserved for over 1300 years but also appears in many renowned historical documents. Known as one of Japan’s three ancient bridges, it is a popular tourist destination.
Uji Bridge reveals different facets of beauty throughout the day.
In the morning, the bridge basks in tranquility as the sunrise casts ethereal reflections on the river’s surface. With fewer tourists at this time, visitors can leisurely walk across the bridge while enjoying the crisp air.
By noon, the area around Uji Bridge buzzes with activity as tourists and locals alike fill the space. After enjoying Uji matcha at nearby cafes or tea houses, crossing the bridge offers views of the Uji River’s beautiful flow amid the lively atmosphere.
At dusk, the setting sun bathes the Uji River in red, creating a dreamlike landscape. The bridge’s silhouette against the sunset and the light reflecting on the water surface creates an elegant atmosphere. This time is particularly romantic.
“Sanno-ma” is a special space on the western side of Uji Bridge, which traditionally housed a shrine dedicated to Hashihime, the bridge’s guardian deity. The water flowing beneath this spot has long been considered sacred, believed to spring from the Dragon Palace or the altar of Benzaiten at Chikubushima.
A famous tale tells of Toyotomi Hideyoshi having water drawn here for his tea ceremonies. According to legend, Hideyoshi ordered Tsuen, a tea master from Uji, to draw water from Sanno-ma before dawn and have it transported to Fushimi Castle. The water bucket used at that time was said to be specially crafted by Sen no Rikyu under Hideyoshi’s orders and is still preserved in the Tsuen family.
This tradition continues today through the “Sacred Water Drawing Ceremony” held during the annual Uji Tea Festival in early October. During this ritual, water is drawn from Sanno-ma using a bucket suspended by palm ropes and transported in bamboo tubes to Kosho-ji Temple on the right bank. The festival also features tea offerings commemorating Japan’s three tea masters - Zen Master Eisai, Monk Myoe, and Sen no Rikyu - attracting many visitors.
Uji Bridge was built during the Asuka period (646, Taika 2), making it one of Japan’s oldest bridges. Despite being repeatedly damaged by floods and warfare, it has been rebuilt each time and continues to serve as an important bridge in the Uji area to this day.
During the Heian period (794-1185), the bridge gained literary fame as a setting in “The Tale of Genji’s Uji Chapters,” becoming a symbolic presence in the narrative. The drama of the story’s characters unfolding around this bridge continues to add to its charm today.
During the Warring States period, the bridge became a battlefield. The famous Battle of Uji River in 1184 featured Minamoto no Yoshitsune’s retainers attempting to cross the bridge. Even during times of conflict, the bridge’s importance as a transportation and strategic point was widely recognized.
Furthermore, the area around Uji Bridge is near the World Heritage site Byodoin Temple, adding to its historical and cultural significance. In particular, the nearby Uji Shrine and Uji Kamishrine, also World Heritage sites, combine with the Uji River scenery to create a perfect spot for experiencing Japanese history and culture.
Through this accumulation of history, Uji Bridge has become a special place that embodies both literary and historical stages while harmonizing with World Heritage sites. Although the current bridge was rebuilt in 1996, its cultural significance, cultivated over 1300 years, continues to resonate today.
| Construction of Uji Bridge (The Uji Bridge Monument credits monk Doto, while the Shoku Nihongi credits monk Dosho) | |
| Following the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, Uji Bridge becomes a key transportation route | |
| The bridge becomes a battlefield during the Battle of Uji River | |
| Restoration of Uji Bridge under Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s orders | |
| Documentation of the tradition of drawing sacred water from Sanno-ma | |
| Construction of the current Uji Bridge | |
| Designated as an Important Cultural Landscape of Japan |
Humans have built various types of bridges to cross rivers since ancient times. When Uji Bridge is called “Japan’s oldest bridge,” it more accurately means “Japan’s oldest bridge with a documented location and historical records.”
Here’s why Uji Bridge holds special significance:
In other words, the term “oldest bridge” refers not to archaeological age but to the “oldest documented bridge” with verified historical records and location. While the current structure was rebuilt in 1996, its historical value of maintaining the same location for over 1300 years is highly regarded.
When visiting Uji Bridge, it’s worth exploring the nearby attractions. Many points of interest are within walking distance of the bridge.
Read more about Byodoin Phoenix Hall
The area around Uji Bridge offers numerous establishments where visitors can enjoy Uji’s specialty matcha and sweets. Particularly along Byodoin Temple’s approach and around Uji Station, you’ll find both historic tea houses and modern matcha dessert shops, allowing you to enjoy leisure time surrounded by the aroma of matcha.
Since its construction in 646, Uji Bridge has been an integral part of local life for over 1300 years. From the world of The Tale of Genji to Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s tea ceremonies and into the modern era, countless footsteps have crossed this bridge.
Morning brings the peaceful flow of the Uji River reflecting the sunrise; noon sees the bustle of tourists and locals; and dusk transforms the water surface into a dreamlike canvas painted red by the setting sun. The bridge’s charm lies in its different faces throughout the day.
The recommended itinerary begins with an early morning visit to Uji Bridge. Walking across the quiet bridge in the crisp morning air feels like stepping into a moment frozen in time. Then, view the clear streams of the Uji River from Sanno-ma, experience the ancient history at Byodoin Temple, and finally savor authentic Uji matcha at a historic tea house. This is the golden route for fully experiencing Uji’s charm.
Among Japan’s many historic bridges, few carry as rich a story as Uji Bridge. World Heritage sites like Byodoin Temple and Uji Kamishrine, atmospheric historic tea houses, and the Uji River reflecting seasonal changes - at the center of this tapestry of attractions stands the unchanging Uji Bridge.
When visiting Kyoto, make sure to visit this bridge that shows different faces in the morning, noon, and evening. On Japan’s oldest bridge, which has spanned 1300 years of time, you’re sure to discover your own special view.
