Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms at Agata Shrine
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Agata Shrine |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Late March to early April |
| Number of cherry trees | (under investigation) |
| Opening hours | All day |
| Admission fee | Free of charge |
| Light up | No light-up |
| Location: 72 Renge, Uji, Uji City, Kyoto, 611-0021, Japan | 72 Renge, Uji, Uji City, Kyoto, 611-0021 Japan |
| TEL: 0774-21-3014 | 0774-21-3014 |
| Official website | http://www.agatajinjya.com/ |
Features and Highlights
- The shrine is dedicated to a mythological goddess, and is believed to bring good luck in marriage and childbirth.
- Competing with the early flowering weeping cherry blossoms across the Uji River
- The shrine grounds are decorated with cherry blossom crests, creating a spring-like atmosphere.
The highlight of the cherry blossoms at Agata Shrine is the “kibana-zakura” (cherry blossoms in blossom). Named after the shrine’s deity, Kibana Kaiyahime no Mikoto, the cherry blossoms bloom ahead of the other cherry trees, turning the shrine grounds a pale pink. The weeping branches stretching out in front of the shrine pavilion look as if they are decorating the sacred space.
As you stroll through the shrine grounds, you will see the divine crest of cherry blossoms placed here and there. This is due to the fact that Kibanakayahime no Mikoto is considered the goddess of cherry blossoms. During the cherry blossom season, the shrine’s grounds are enveloped in a spring-like atmosphere with these divine emblems.
In addition, Agata Shrine is located across the Uji River on the opposite bank of the Uji River Shidare ( weeping cherry trees) , where early-blooming weeping cherry trees compete with each other. This contrasting scenery is a well-known spring scene in Uji.
How to access
- 9 minutes on foot from Uji Station on the JR and Nara Lines
- 10 minutes on foot from Uji Station on the Keihan Railway Uji Line
Summary
The “Ki-no-Hana-Zakura” at Agata Shrine is a beautiful cherry tree that heralds the arrival of spring in Uji. The atmosphere of the shrine, which is dedicated to a mythical goddess, and the early-blooming weeping cherry blossoms across the Uji River are a spectacular sight that represents Uji in spring.
Please take this opportunity to visit the shrine and enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
