Three Inner Shrines under One Roof
The Ujigami Shrine Main Hall (宇治上神社本殿) is the late Heian main hall of Ujigami Shrine in Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture, which in 1952 was designated a National Treasure.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs records a single-storey nagare-style hall, five bays by three, roofed in cypress bark, enclosing three inner shrines, each a one-bay nagare-style shrine.
The Agency calls it the oldest surviving example of shrine architecture.
Structure
According to the Agency, the hall looks unusual from outside: three one-bay nagare-style inner shrines of different sizes are enclosed within an outer building. The inner shrines are typical of the nagare style that spread throughout Japan.
Kyoto Prefecture notes that the side shrines are large and the central one small.
What to Look For
The Agency dates it to the early twelfth century from its details, while the Agency's World Heritage description places its construction in the late eleventh century. Kyoto Prefecture notes that its timber was felled in the late Heian period.
Three inner shrines of different sizes lined up inside one enclosing building are its defining feature.
Visiting the Ujigami Shrine Main Hall
No official visitor information could be found; follow the shrine's guidance when visiting.
The shrine's history, the layout of its buildings and its World Heritage status are on the Ujigami Shrine group page.
- 📍 Plan Your Visit to Kyoto
- Find tours, activities & transport passes near Ujigami Shrine Main Hall
- [ Kinkakuji Fushimi Inari & Kimono Rental ]
Q&A
- When was the main hall built?
- The Agency dates it to the early twelfth century; the World Heritage description says the late eleventh.
- What form does it take?
- Three one-bay nagare-style inner shrines under one enclosing roof.
- Why is it important?
- It is the oldest surviving shrine building, according to the Agency.
- How do the inner shrines differ?
- The side shrines are large and the central one small.
- When was it designated a National Treasure?
- On 29 March 1952.
Basic Information
| Name | Ujigami Shrine Main Hall (宇治上神社本殿) |
|---|---|
| Location | Uji-Yamada, Uji City, Kyoto Prefecture |
| Designation | National Treasure (building) |
| Year Designated | Designated 1952/3/29 (Showa 27) |
| Quantity | 1 building |
| Dimensions | Five by three bays, single storey, nagare style, cypress bark roof; three one-bay nagare-style inner shrines |
| Owner | Ujigami Shrine |
| Public Access | Check visiting conditions with the shrine |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Ujigami Shrine Main Hall (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/102/1946
- Cultural Heritage Online: Ujigami Shrine Main Hall (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/156485
- Cultural Heritage Online: Ujigami Shrine, World Heritage (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/special_content/component/32
Last verified: 2026.09.28
