🗺️ Uji Bridge (Kyoto)宇治橋

After getting off at the "Keihan Uji" station and walking out of the ticket gate, the first sight you see is Uji's landmark—the Uji Bridge. According to the "Uji Bridge Monument" at the Bridge Temple, the bridge was built in the 2nd year of the Taika era (646) by the monk Dōtō from Nara's Gangō-ji Temple, and it is listed among Japan's three great ancient bridges alongside the "Seta Karahashi" and "Yamazaki Bridge." The current bridge was rebuilt in 1996, featuring traditional styles with cypress wood railings and bronze decorations. It perfectly blends with the natural scenery of the Uji River, the historical image of the Uji Bridge, and the numerous historical heritage sites in the surrounding landscape. The protruding section of the bridge, slightly to the west in the upstream direction, is called "San no Ma," and it is said to be the former site of a shrine dedicated to the guardian deity of the Uji Bridge, Hashihime. Additionally, there is a local legend that Toyotomi Hideyoshi once drew water here to brew tea. The "Famous Water Drawing Ceremony" held during the Uji Tea Festival in early October also originates from this story.

Traditional style with cypress wood railings and bronze decorations. Visually reflective, perfectly blending with the natural and historical landscape. The prominent "San no Aida" upstream holds legends and anecdotes.