Statue of Murasaki Shikibu — Attraction in Uji

This petite Heian period lady in the long flowing robes and hair is actually a giant of both Japanese and world literature, often credited with writing the world’s first novel. Known to history by her nickname used at the imperial court, Murasaki Shikibu (c. 973 or 978 – c. 1014 or 1031) was a Japanese novelist, poet and lady-in-waiting in the court of Empress Shōshi whose real name may have been Fujiwara no Takako. Her novel, The Tale of Genji, details the life and loves of the eponymous Prince Genji during the height of the Heian period and is still very popular today. There have been numerous manga, films, anime, musicals, and even an opera made of it! The second half of The Tale of Genji takes place in Uji, continuing the story after Prince Genji’s death through his grandson and grandnephew/stepson, and in honour of this connection you can find the novelist perched beneath a lone pine alongside the...

This petite Heian period lady in the long flowing robes and hair is actually a giant of both Japanese and world literature, often credited with writing the world’s first novel. Murasaki Shikibu was a Japanese novelist & poet. Her novel, The Tale of Genji, details the life and loves of the eponymous Prince Genji during the height of the Heian. The second half of The Tale of Genji takes place in Uji. In honour of this novelist is perched beneath a lone pine alongside the...

The statue is one of Uji's landmark. The lady was the author of the "Tale of Genji". A literary work during the Heian Period. Final chapters of the book were staged around Uji. Hence the significance of Murasaki Shikibu in the towns history. The statue is at one end of Uji bridge on the side going to Byodo-in Temple. The view of the river below the statue is breathtaking. Some tourists took some time to go down the steps and enjoyed...