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Usitour
Church & Religious Site

Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)

📍 11 Uji-Higashiuchi, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
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4.3/ 5.0
★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Japan
Category
Church & Religious Site
Duration
20-30 minutes
Address
11 Uji-Higashiuchi, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Coordinates
34.8933, 135.8079

Introduction

Hojo-in, formally Uihozan Hojo-in Jokoji, is a Shingon-Ritsu temple at the eastern end of the Uji Bridge, known simply as Hashidera, the 'bridge temple'. Founded in 604 when Prince Shotoku's vow was carried out by Hata no Kawakatsu, it enshrines the Jizo the prince carried; when the monk Doto spanned the Uji River with the first bridge in 646, halls were raised here for prayers, and the temple was put in charge of the bridge — repairing it after every flood, hence its name. Restored by Eison (Kosho Bosatsu) in 1281, it held a great life-release ceremony in 1286 at the thirteen-storied stone tower on Toba-no-Shima in the river, taking the name Hojo-in, and received 300 koku of land from Emperor Uda. Its 1.9-metre Jizo image is an Important Cultural Property shown in spring and autumn special viewings, and the Uji Bridge Dampi in the grounds is one of Japan's three oldest stone inscriptions.

✨ Highlights

1
By Uji Bridge
The temple at the bridgehead, once keeper of Uji Bridge.
2
Founded 604
A thousand-year temple founded under Prince Shotoku's vow.
3
Bridge tablet
One of Japan's three oldest stone inscriptions, on the bridge's founding.
4
Jizo image
A 1.9-metre Important Cultural Property, shown in spring and autumn.
5
1286 ceremony
Origin of the name: the life-release rite at Toba-no-Shima.
6
Riverside quiet
A still temple by the Uji River, a literary pilgrimage stop.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：11 Uji-Higashiuchi, Uji, Kyoto, Japan
→Time needed：20-30 minutes

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday9:00-17:00
Tuesday9:00-17:00
Wednesday9:00-17:00
Thursday9:00-17:00
Friday9:00-17:00
Saturday9:00-17:00
Sunday9:00-17:00

Nov-Mar till 16:00

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free AdmissionFree grounds visit

Tablet JPY 100; special viewings JPY 300

Transportation

Subway

Keihan Uji Sta. ~5 min on foot; JR Uji Sta. ~15 min

Note

No parking; ~10 min from Uji-Higashi IC

💡 Tips

• Open 9:00-17:00 (April-October) and 9:00-16:00 (November-March).
• The Jizo image is shown in spring and autumn special viewings (about JPY 300).
• Walk it with Uji Bridge, Byodoin and Uji Jingu on one route.
• Easiest from Keihan Uji Station, about 5 minutes on foot.
• No parking on site — come on foot or by public transport.
• The ginkgo and maple colour in autumn is worth the detour.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)?

Monday: 9:00-17:00; Tuesday: 9:00-17:00; Wednesday: 9:00-17:00; Thursday: 9:00-17:00; Friday: 9:00-17:00; Saturday: 9:00-17:00; Sunday: 9:00-17:00; Nov-Mar till 16:00

How much is the admission for Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)?

Free Admission: Free grounds visit; Tablet JPY 100; special viewings JPY 300

Any practical tips for visiting Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)?

Open 9:00-17:00 (April-October) and 9:00-16:00 (November-March). The Jizo image is shown in spring and autumn special viewings (about JPY 300).

How long should I spend at Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)?

A typical visit takes 20-30 minutes.

How do I get to Hōjō-in Temple (Hashidera)?

Subway: Keihan Uji Sta. ~5 min on foot; JR Uji Sta. ~15 min