Asagiri Bridge

Asagiri Bridge is a wooden footbridge that crosses the Uji River with cypress wood decking and zelkova wood supports spanning roughly 100 meters. The structure features 16 decorative ornaments called giboshi along its railings in traditional Japanese style.

The bridge was constructed in 1972 and incorporates materials from earlier shrine buildings that previously stood in the area. This reuse of historic building components links it to the long religious traditions of the site.

The structure displays traditional Japanese carpentry through its materials and design choices that reflect local building practices. When crossing, visitors notice how the bridge integrates with the wider shrine landscape and serves as a gathering space for the community.

Getting to the bridge involves reaching one of the nearby train stations by public transport, then taking a short walk or bus ride to reach the site. The crossing itself is straightforward and easily managed by visitors of various ages and abilities.

At winter solstice, the sunrise aligns with openings in the bridge structure creating a natural light display. This celestial alignment occurs for several weeks during the beginning of winter.