Ujigami Shrine

　The main hall of Ujigami Shrine is considered to be the oldest surviving shrine building in Japan. It is said to have been built in the late 11th century, around the same time as the Phoenix Hall at Byōdō-in.

　It is not far from Byōdō-in—just over a 10-minute walk across the bridge—and, as a World Heritage Site, is attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists.

　Within the shrine grounds, rabbit-themed amulets, fortune slips and ema (votive tablets) are on sale. It is said that if you write your wish on a rabbit ema, pay your respects to the ‘Looking-Back Rabbit’ statue in front of the main hall, then walk clockwise around the main hall three times and find the three rabbit figurines hidden within the grounds, you will receive divine blessings. Seeing foreign tourists searching earnestly for the rabbits is a sight that cannot help but bring a smile to one’s face.