Hashihime Shrine, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

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Visit Hashihime Shrine in Uji, Kyoto, a historic site where you can find a connection to folklore and seek to sever unwanted ties.

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Hashihime Shrine

Hashihime Shrine, located in Uji, Kyoto, is dedicated to Hashihime, the guardian goddess of Uji Bridge. Originally believed to protect the bridge from threats, she is now known as a deity of severing unwanted relationships. Many visit to pray for freedom from difficult attachments.

A brief summary to Hashihime Shrine

Renge-47 Uji, Uji, Renge Uji, Kyoto, 611-0021, 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 Hashihime Shrine.

Consider visiting outside of peak hours to avoid crowds and have a more personal experience at the shrine.
If you're in a relationship, be aware of the local taboo against visiting the shrine as a couple.
Purchase a magical scissors amulet for a symbolic way to cut ties with unwanted relationships.

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Explore Hashihime Shrine on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Hashihime Shrine, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Keihan Uji Station, walk along the Uji River. Cross the Uji Bridge and continue along the east bank. Hashihime Shrine is a short walk from the Uji Bridge. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

From Kyoto Station, take the JR Nara Line to Uji Station. From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, take the Keihan Main Line to Chushojima Station, then transfer to the Keihan Uji Line to Keihan Uji Station. From either Uji Station, follow the walking directions to Hashihime Shrine. The train fare from Kyoto Station to Uji Station is between ¥260-¥370. The Keihan Railway from Gion-Shijo Station to Keihan Uji Station is about ¥350.
Taxi

Taxis are available from both JR Uji Station and Keihan Uji Station. The taxi ride to Hashihime Shrine is short. The estimated fare from Kyoto to Uji by taxi is between ¥6,500-¥8,500. A short taxi ride within Uji from either station to the shrine should cost significantly less, but confirm with the driver.

Discover more about Hashihime Shrine

Hashihime Shrine, nestled in the Renge area of Uji, Kyoto, is a site steeped in legend and tradition. Dedicated to Hashihime, the "Bridge Princess," the shrine's history is intertwined with the nearby Uji Bridge and the tales of the Heian period. Originally, Hashihime was believed to be a guardian deity of the bridge, protecting it from external threats. This belief may stem from older water deity worship, where both male and female deities were enshrined at bridge crossings.Over time, the legend of Hashihime evolved, and she became associated with intense jealousy and the severing of unwanted relationships. Today, many people visit the shrine to pray for freedom from difficult attachments, seeking to cut ties with negative influences in their lives. The shrine enshrines Seoritsuhime, a purification goddess often linked to water and bridges, alongside Sumiyoshi Myojin, a god of water transportation.Despite its small size, Hashihime Shrine holds a significant place in local lore and continues to be a destination for those seeking to end unfavorable connections. However, couples, especially newlyweds, avoid visiting the shrine together, as it is considered taboo due to Hashihime's legendary jealousy. The shrine offers a unique amulet: magical scissors to metaphorically cut oneself from entanglements.