Journey Through Kyoto’s Past: Discover Four of the City’s Most Historic Sites

Kyoto is a true historical treasure trove. The temples and shrines scattered across the city have witnessed the passage of centuries, surviving from periods like the Heian and Kamakura eras—an achievement nothing short of miraculous. While many ancient buildings, manuscripts, and works of art have been lost to time, Kyoto is still home to countless invaluable relics that offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich past.

Among these are some of Japan’s oldest or Kyoto Prefecture's oldest historical buildings. These landmarks are national treasures, integral to our cultural heritage, and must be preserved for future generations. Although Kyoto boasts many such ancient sites, here we present a carefully selected list of four must-see historical spots.

1. National Treasure "Ujigami Shrine" – Japan’s Oldest Existing Shrine

Ujigami Shrine, located in Uji City, Kyoto, is a hidden gem that offers a deep dive into ancient Japanese architecture and spiritual heritage. As you pass through the temple gate, you’ll encounter a purification sand mound and, behind it, a worship hall built in the Kamakura period (around 1215). This hall is a designated national treasure, showcasing the building techniques of that era. Venture further behind the worship hall, and you’ll find the heart of the shrine's history – the main hall, or "Ogiya" structure. Inside, three separate sanctuaries honor the enshrined deities: Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto, Emperor Ōjin, and Emperor Nintoku.

This main hall is even older than the worship hall, having been built in 1060 during the late Heian period. It is the oldest shrine building not only in Kyoto Prefecture but also in all of Japan. The doors of the main hall, designated as a National Treasure, also feature paintings designated as Important Cultural Properties. In the shrine grounds, there is also a subordinate shrine, the Kasuga Shrine, which is a Kamakura-period structure and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This makes Ujigami Shrine a must-see historical spot.

2. Kono Shrine – Japan’s Oldest Shrine with a National Treasure Lineage

Kono Shrine, located in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, is the primary shrine of the old Tango Province. Known as “Motoise,” it holds significant historical value as the place where the sun goddess Amaterasu was worshiped before being enshrined in Ise Jingu in Mie Prefecture. This shrine is considered to have been established in prehistoric times, making it one of the oldest sanctuaries in Japan.

At Ise Jingu, Amaterasu is venerated in the Inner Shrine (Naiku), and Toyouke-Omikami in the Outer Shrine (Geku). At Kono Shrine, Toyouke-Omikami is also honored as a secondary deity. The Ama clan, whose founder Hikohoakari-no-Mikoto is Kono Shrine's main deity, has served as the head priests for generations. The current head priest is believed to be the 82nd in line. The clan’s genealogy, known as the “Ama Clan Genealogy,” is the oldest known family record in Japan, transcribed during the Heian period, and is now a national treasure. Truly, Kono Shrine is a repository of Japan's ancient history.

3. Ginkakuji Temple’s Togudo Hall – Japan’s Oldest Shoin-Style Architecture

Jisho-ji Temple, better known as Ginkakuji, is located in Kyoto’s Sakyo ward. Though often associated with the famous Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku), the temple’s official name is Higashiyama Jisho-ji. The Silver Pavilion is a national treasure and one of Kyoto’s iconic landmarks.

Along with the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) at Rokuon-ji and Hiunkaku at Nishi Hongan-ji, Ginkakuji is one of Kyoto’s Three Great Pavilions and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the Silver Pavilion draws much attention, the temple’s Togudo Hall, another national treasure, deserves recognition.
Built in 1486, Togudo is Japan's oldest surviving Shoin-style building, a design that influenced traditional Japanese architecture. It serves as a worship hall for Amida Buddha and contains a room dedicated to its founder, Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who lived there after his retirement.

The hall is divided into four rooms, including a tea room and a study called “Dojin-sai.” This study features a remarkable shelf for tea utensils, the oldest example of such design in Japanese room décor, making it a site of profound historical importance in Kyoto.

4. World Heritage & National Treasure "Daigoji Temple Five-story Pagoda" – Kyoto Prefecture’s Oldest Wooden Structure

Daigoji Temple, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, serves as the head temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect's Daigo School, with the principal deity being Amida Nyorai. Established in 874, the temple has a long and storied history. Unfortunately, it suffered considerable damage during the Onin War, which began in 1467. However, the temple was revived thanks to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who famously held his "Daigo no Hanami" cherry blossom viewing event in the temple’s Sanbo-in garden. The Five-story Pagoda, having survived the ravages of war, retains its original form to this day.

This pagoda, designated a national treasure, stands as the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto City. The first level of the pagoda houses Heian-era mandalas from both the Womb and Diamond Realms, as well as murals depicting the Eight Shingon Patriarchs, who carried the teachings of esoteric Buddhism from India to Kukai (Kobo Daishi). These murals are also designated as national treasures. Kyoto is a treasure trove of ancient temples and historic artworks, books, and sculptures, making it truly deserving of its reputation as Japan's ancient capital.

◎ Summary of Kyoto's Oldest Historical Buildings

Kyoto, often referred to as the "ancient capital," is a true repository of Japan’s rich history. As time passes, it becomes increasingly important to protect and preserve its invaluable historical structures, manuscripts, cultural treasures, and the natural landscapes that surround them for future generations. This collection showcases not only the renowned historical sites of Kyoto City but also the most time-honored spots throughout Kyoto Prefecture.

Each site featured here is an ancient temple or shrine, all of which are equally remarkable. Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to reconnect with the spirit of Japan simply by exploring its historical landscapes. Additionally, beyond the vibrant streets of the city, other towns in Kyoto Prefecture—like Yamashiro, Sōraku, and Tango—boast their own guardian deities and hidden gems. A historical journey through the entirety of Kyoto, not just its famous spots, is a truly rewarding experience.