Ujibashi Bridge, Ise Travel Guide

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Cross the Ujibashi Bridge to enter the sacred realm of Ise Grand Shrine, a journey through tradition and tranquility.

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Ujibashi Bridge

Spanning the Isuzu River, Ujibashi Bridge marks the sacred entrance to Ise Grand Shrine's Inner Shrine (Naiku). This traditional Japanese bridge, rebuilt every 20 years, symbolizes the connection between the mundane and the divine, offering visitors a serene transition into one of Japan's most revered Shinto sites.

A brief summary to Ujibashi Bridge

1 Ujitachicho, Ise, Ujitachicho, Mie, 516-0023, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ujibashi Bridge.

Take a moment to appreciate the intricate craftsmanship of the bridge, noting the use of cypress wood and bronze ornaments.
Visit during the winter solstice for a chance to see the sunrise perfectly aligned between the torii gates.
Reflect on the symbolic significance of crossing the bridge, representing the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Okage Yokocho

Kotai Jingu (Ise Jingu Naiku, Inner Sanctuary)

Toyouke Daijingu (Ise Jingu Geku, Outer Sanctuary)

Geku-sando (Front Approach leading to Geku Outer Shrine)

Futamiokitama Shrine

Explore Ujibashi Bridge on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ujibashi Bridge, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Naiku Mae bus stop, Ujibashi Bridge is a short walk. Head east, following the main path towards the Ise Grand Shrine. The bridge will be directly in front of you, spanning the Isuzu River. No costs are associated with this final approach.
Public Transport

Take the bus to Naiku Mae bus stop. From Kintetsu Ujiyamada Station and Kintetsu/JR Ise City Station, the bus ride is about 20 minutes. From Kintetsu Isuzugawa Station, the bus ride is about 6 minutes. Upon arrival at the Naiku Mae bus stop, follow the main path east towards the Ise Grand Shrine; the bridge is a short walk away. Bus fare is approximately ¥470 from Ise-shi station.

Discover more about Ujibashi Bridge

Ujibashi Bridge, gracefully arching over the Isuzu River, serves as the symbolic threshold to Ise Grand Shrine's Naiku (Inner Shrine), one of the most sacred sites in Japan. More than just a crossing, it represents the passage from the everyday world to the spiritual realm, preparing visitors for the profound experience within the shrine grounds.The bridge's design reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics, constructed primarily of cypress wood with sixteen ornamental giboshi post caps in bronze. Its elegant, warped shape harmonizes with the natural surroundings, creating a picturesque scene that has been celebrated for centuries. Measuring approximately 101.8 meters in length and 8.4 meters in width, the bridge provides ample space for pilgrims and tourists alike to pause and appreciate the tranquil flow of the Isuzu River.Ujibashi Bridge is rebuilt every 20 years as part of the Shikinen Sengu ritual, a practice that embodies the Shinto belief in renewal and the impermanence of all things. This meticulous reconstruction uses traditional techniques, ensuring the bridge's historical image is preserved for generations to come. The old pillars from the previous Inner and Outer Shrines are reused in the torii gates at each end of the bridge, further connecting the structure to the shrine's sacred history.For about two months centered on the winter solstice, the sunrise aligns between the torii gates on Ujibashi bridge, drawing crowds who gather to witness the rising sun. Crossing the Ujibashi Bridge is an integral part of the Ise Grand Shrine experience, offering a moment of reflection and reverence before entering the heart of Japanese spiritual tradition.